Turbocharger Adds Punch To 2017 Hyundai Sport

If you are looking for a little performance for the money, the Hyundai Elantra Sport sounds like a good bet. For example, the Sport uses a multi-link rear suspension, a hallmark of higher-priced performance vehicles. The rest of the Elantra lineup uses a torsion beam rear axle (something you would expect on a front-drive car).

Keeping with the performance theme, a turbocharged 201-horsepower four powers the 2017 Elantra Sport. The mill cranks out 195-pounds-feet of torque. To handle the power increase, Hyundai has given the Sport larger brakes.

Sometimes, when a manufacturer adds the name “Sport” to a model’s badging, all that happens is that the exhaust note is tweaked a bit to make things sound more aggressive. The design team may also change the feel of the steering going so far as touching up the front caster and camber of the front wheels, but that’s about it. The Elantra Sport features sports-tuned steering, plus stiffer shocks, the combination of which should give it better handling through turns and corners.

One thing that those interested in the Elantra Sport may notice is the unique exhaust note. Not only has the exhaust been engineered to handle the turbocharged four, but the design team has specially tuned the system so that it resonates with a nice note.

The flagship of Hyundai’s Elantra lineup, the Sport has been stickered the Elantra Sport at $22,485, including an $835 designation charge. If you are looking for a more sporting experience, the chances are good you’ll opt for the manual transmission. If you are interested in an automatic, you will pay an extra $1,100. The investment will get you a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. Standard equipment includes Xenon headlamps, a proximity key, Apple’s CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

The Elantra Sport’s nearest rival is the Nissan Sentra SR Turbo, says thecarconnection.com. Of course, you won’t get to that level of comparison unless you choose the Premium Package that adds navigation, a larger infotainment screen – a 7.0-inch screen is standard – a moon roof, lane departure warning and an Infinity-branded audio system. This optional package adds $2,400 to the cost of the base Sport, and it ends up about $500 higher than the Sentra SR.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy figures for the manual come in at 22 mpg, city, 30 highway and 25 overall. The automatic’s numbers are 26, city, 33 highway and 29 overall.