2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport M/T
An Automotive Love Affair
By Joseph Mavilia
Overview:
This is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport M/T.It hasn’t changed much from 2018 but what impresses me is how much car you can get for $22,000.
It never ceases to amaze me and boggles the mind why some folks are still riding public transportation. Owning a car has never been more affordable. This is NOT true in so many places in the world but in California, where everything is so spread out public transportation is still very inconvenient. No matter how much the state spends on rail or other metro forms of transportation, cars still reign supreme in California. It has always been true here and in most rural parts of the country.
General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Japan 1%, Korea 89%; Engine and transmission – Korea;; Classification is Midsize Cars. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra GT, Elantra Sport M/T, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Sonata Plug-in Hybrid, Tucson and Veloster.
Handling & Performance:
I tested the Elantra Limited a year ago with no turbo but for me smaller engines need that boost. This Sport turbocharged model delivers 201 horsepower from its 1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine equipped with a manual transmission. Fabulous.
Fewer and fewer people know how to drive a manual transmission car in today’s world, but for the sport car enthusiast a Manual transmission enhances the driving experience. Love it.
Styling:
Nice. The Sport model notches up the look a lot for me.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Fantastic value.
Conveniences and comfort:
Where the Elantra Limited I tested last year was light on the high-tech features, this Sport is very well equipped with all the features I want on my car – and it comes standard. Hyundai continues, in my opinion, to be at the top of the list in this class.
I especially like the new CarPlay feature. I, like so many, use their phones for more and more and their whole life is in that little device. It used to be just a phone, but today it is so convenient to have everything on your phone right there on the cars screen. On board navigation systems, for example, are no longer needed and I suspect will be phased out in favor of using your phone’s Nav system. That saves a bunch of money. You gotta love technology.
Consumer Recommendation:
Of course, you’ll test drive the competition too, but I’m betting you’ll be as impressed as I am with the product.
Recognized Competition:
| Brand | $$$ | MPG | Seating | Doors | Country of Origin | Assembled |
| Hyundai Elantra Sport | 22,000 | 25 | 5 | 4 | Korea | Korea |
| Mazda 3 | 22,000 | 30 | 5 | 4 | Japan | Mexico |
| Toyota Corolla | 23,000 | 30 | 5 | 4 | Japan | USA |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 23,000 | 33 | 5 | 4 | USA | USA |
| Honda Civic Si | 25,000 | 32 | 5 | 4 | Japan | ? |
| VW GTi | 28,000 | 27 | 5 | 4 | Germany | Mexico |
| Nissan Sentra | 27,000 | 27 | 5 | 4 | Japan | Mexico |
Good News:
Good pricing, Sporty, fast, fun to drive.
Bad News:
Fuel economy is on the low end of competitors in this segment.
Standard Equipment:
1.6 liter Turbo GDI 501 HP 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, multi-link rear suspension with sport tuned suspension and steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, 18” Alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail lights with daytime running lights, Lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision warning, rear cross traffic collision warning, front and front side and side curtain airbags, stability control with traction control, ABS electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, 7” display, audio with AM/FM/HD radio, Sirius XM with 90 day trial, android auto & Apple CarPlay, dual charging USB power outlets, Bluetooth hands free phone system, power sunroof, leather wrapped sport steering wheel, Heated sport leather seating, rear center armrest with cupholders, hands free smart trunk release.
Gas Stats:
$3.89-Gal avg. April 29, 2019
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
22 City and 30 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $22,600.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@autolove.com
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