Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2015 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Another Hyundai, you say! Yes because the story has to be told. Korean cars are today’s genre of yesterday’s Japanese automotive products.
General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 3%, Korea 92%; Engine and transmission – Korea; Classification is Midsize. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.
Opinion:
Perhaps the economists’ best example of the marvels of Capitalism is being played out on the stage of life in South Korea. Take the time to check Google Earth and look at Korea. From the 38th parallel south you see the marvels of economic growth and prosperity for its people. Go north from that dividing line and you will see thick jungle and no life, prosperous or not.
If anyone tells me Adam Simth’s invisible hand (look it up) doesn’t work I’d respond – hooey, or some other more current day expletive likely to be a four letter word. I loved Economics class in college because it got me to thinking about what works and what doesn’t. Korea is the shining example of how well free enterprise works when allowed without too much regulation. So I sing the praises of the South Korean’s enterprising adventure a la America.
In the meantime Western Europe seems to be abandoning the principles of freedom and liberty and reaching out to Socialism as if it would work if implemented by today’s genius generation.
At the end of the day it appears each future generation is determined to ignore their elders counsel as they shun the successes of the past and now are hell bent on redoing what didn’t work first time around.
Handling & Performance:
173 horsepower performance was smooth shifting and responsive. It was a nice ride on the freeway to Solana Beach, CA area and did wonderfully over the mountain course that I call the crest test. I give this family and fun car an A-.
Styling:
Clean lines and a classy midsize sedan that I felt right at home in.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
You’ve gotta love this pricing in the low $20,000’s
Conveniences and comfort:
It does have air but manual is not my favorite thing. I prefer climate control so I can set it and forget it. One of my very favorite features is proximity key with push button start. I say they should make it standard equipment as one of the most convenient of features in today’s cars. You literally will never have to take the key fob out of your pocket or purse. And since a woman can never find her keys in her purse she won’t have to. If it isn’t there the car won’t open or start.
This model came equipped with an emergency tire puncture repair kit in liu of a spare tire and would not be my preference. On the other hand when was the last time you had a flat? And blow outs are even more rare and that would be the only time a repair kit wouldn’t work. So I’m guessing this will not be a big negative for most of us. In addition the added trunk space is nice and as it is quite large.
Consumer Recommendations:
If you are in the market for a new family sedan or just a commuter this is a great one to look at. How can you go wrong with such inviting pricing?
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Elantra Sport $23,000, Mazda 3 $24,000, Kia Forte $20,000, Acura IlX $28,000, Dodge Dart $24,000, Subaru WRX $32,000.
Good News:
Fantastic pricing, smooth ride, pretty looking as well as responsive in all situations – drag racing aside. And finally the sun visors are long enough to actually block the sun from the side windows. This is one of my pet peeves.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 173 horsepower 4-cylinder engine with CVVT (continuous variable valve timing), 6-speed automatic transmission with ‘shifttronic’, 17” Alloy wheels, LED rear tail lights, power tilt and slide sun roof, air conditioning, AM/FM / CD/ MP3 audio with 6 speakers and Sirius satellite radio, 4.3” color display with rear camera, proximity key with push button start, power driver seat with lumbar support, leather seating and steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, power windows and locks, power heated morrorssteering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering column, 60/40 split fold down rear seat, rear center armrest with cup holders, emergency tire puncture repair kit in liu of spare.
Gas Stats:
$2.89/ Gal avg. February 21, 2015
for more information.
24 City and 35 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,000.