Overview:
This is the 2017 Hyundai Elantra ECO (for Ecology). There is a growing appreciation for Korean cars. The new kid on the block is usually not quickly accepted, but Hyundai and Kia cars are so good they have quickly weaved their way to the top. Avis said it best a few decades ago when they advertised “We’re number 2, we try harder” when competing with number 1 Hertz. Well, being relatively new to the world market, Hyundai had to try harder and it shows. Thus, they have thoughtfully made cars backed by the best Warranty in the industry.
This Elantra features upscale interior finishes and can be equipped with a host of features more commonly found in pricier cars. The Elantra competes directly with the highly ranked Honda Civic and the lower ranked, but popular Toyota Corolla.
General Information: It is assembled in Montgomery, Alabama, USA; Parts – US/Canadian 29%, China 1%, Korea 70%; Engine & Transmission – Korea; Classification isMidsize/Compact. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Coupe, Elantra GT, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.
Handling & Performance:
Engines get smaller to give better fuel economy but the Turbocharger gives that extra punch when needed. Keep the pressure off the gas pedal and you can get pretty fantastic mpg up to 40. Now that’s what I’m talking about and it is simply gas injected – so no hybrid complication possibilities to drive the price up.
It can be powered with either a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the SE and Limited or the turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder that I had in this test vehicle. It produces 128 horsepower. That doesn’t sound like much but the Turbo is an equalizer that makes it very responsive.
Styling:
Nice. What more can you say. Some cars jump out at you ugly, but this Hyundai model lineup are all pretty nice looking cars.
Fit and Finish:
Very good and it is normal for Hyundai cars.
Cost:
Pricing starts at $17,150 and this Elantra ECO with features noted is $20,650. Outstanding value.
Conveniences and comfort:
It comes standard with a good features and my test car included some of the most important features for my money, including blind spot detection and brake force distribution. As you may recall, EBD automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle’s wheels, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc. for very effective stopping that makes it much safer than traditional brake systems of years past.
Consumer Recommendations:
The Elantra is a good option in this segment of the market. You may want to also test drive the Sonata that is a step up from the Elantra. If your budget can take another leap up, the Genesis is pretty special. I’ll tell you more about the Genesis after testing it next week.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Elantra $23,000, Chevrolet Cruze $24,000, Honda Civic $25,000, Mazda 3 $24,000, Kia Forte$22,000.
Good News:
Great pricing coupled with exceptional fuel economy. Turbo fast and comfy ride.
Bad News:
Some electronics / technology frustration but it is minor compared to the usually intuitive interface with the user.
Standard Equipment:
1.4 liter Turbo GDI engine, 7-speed eco-shift dual clutch automatic transmission, drive mode ECO, Normal and Sport, electronic traction and stability controls, ABS electronic brake assist and brake force distribution, front, side curtain air bags, driver knee airbag, blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert, rearview camera, 15” alloy wheels, audio system with 7” touchscreen and 6 speakers, Sirius XM, android audio and Apple CarPlay support, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth hands free zone, Steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, proximity key and push button start and smart hands free trunk.
Gas Stats:
$3.05/ Gal avg. July 2, 2016
for more information.
32 City and 40 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $20,650.