Driving Impressions : 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport

By: Mark Moskowitz MD

Should you buy that 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport? Is it worth nearly $5000 more than the base Elantra SE? All cars add features (rear discs, bigger wheels, sunroofs etc) to each successive level of trim so for the sake of simplicity we'll mostly focus: does it merit $1000 more than the luxury Limited?

The Sport distinguishes itself from much of the rest of the line with its exterior touches. Among them are an expansive and handsome front grille blackened and topped by a shiny silver accent piece. Less noticeable is a rear diffuser. While all Elantras have a rear lip, only the Sport's is topped by a subtle black spoiler. And on the sides, sill extensions suggest ground effects. The 18-inch Sport wheels are the biggest in the Elantra line. Five merging polished aluminum rectangles overlay more blackened support. The design is different and stuns at first.

There are six Elantra editions. An Eco is driven by a 1.4 liter turbocharged four and interestingly is the only model to share the 7- speed dual clutch automatic with the Sport. The other four Elantras have a variable transmission and 147 horsepower 2.0 liter four. The Sport gets its 201 horses and 195 ft-lbs. of torque from its 1.6 liter turbocharged four. Only the Sport rides on specially tuned MacPherson struts with coils in front and is the only Elantra to substitute a multi-link rear suspension for the standard torsion beam set up. Front rotors outsize the rest of the line.

The Sport's interior transmits its message. A faux carbon fiber strip tops the dash and doors. Red piping surrounds the seating surfaces; and red stitching and a red strip highlight of the D-Shaped steering wheel. Though hard plastic tops the doors and is scattered throughout, the interior is tasteful and more opulent than one might expect. The leather topped sport seats have bolsters big enough to support but not hinder movement. Thighs rest comfortably as well. There is 6-way manual adjustment (it's electric in the Limited). Missing is a lumbar support. Despite the presence of a sunroof there was plenty of headroom up front. And adults of 6 feet in stature should find seating in back more than adequate. Behind them is a trunk with a low threshold and a quite satisfactory 14.4 cubic feet of space.

Hyundai's infotainment systems are known for their ease of use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in all but the base SE. The test car came with the an 8-inch touch screen, part of a Premium Package which upgrades the stereo, adds navigation and dual zone climate control, and provides 3 years of connectivity with their multiple Blue Link services. The three separate three year subscriptions – Remote, Guidance and Connected Care - list for over $1000 for three year access and surely account for a significant portion of $2250 option price. And all Hyundai's have buttons beneath the screen allowing quicker and safer access to functions than if they were to rely on touch screen scrolling exclusively.

It's the drive that will distinguish a 'sport model'. The Elantra impresses but does not excite. It does not steer around a parking lot like a go kart. And it hesitates under hard acceleration yielding a 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds. There's a bit of torque steer as well. Once underway, the Sport shines especially in 'sport' mode. Shifts actuated by paddles or floor mounted stick are quick and sure. The engine revs quickly and easily and the suspension though quite civil around town prevents body lean and fosters enjoyment along curvy country roads. It's not well suited to explore its limits; the Elantra exhibits understeer and a bit of steering instability as it approaches maximum grip.

One sacrifices few luxuries to upgrade to the Elantra Sport. There is a trade off as average gas mileage falls from 33 to 29 mpg. But the performance features and joie de vivre of the driving experience at a very acceptable sub $25000 entry point make the Sport our choice. It's not a track day car. The Elantra has very capable brothers, Velosters N and R, for that.

includes Nav, advanced audio, dual climate zones Blue Link

Photo credit: Mark Moskowitz MD

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