Hyundai Elantra Sport Review: Elevating Performance in the Compact Sedan Segment
The Hyundai Elantra Sport represents a significant evolution in the compact sedan market, offering drivers an enticing combination of athletic performance and everyday practicality. As the performance-oriented variant of Hyundai's popular Elantra lineup, the Sport model delivers more than just cosmetic enhancements—it brings legitimate driving excitement to the segment.
What Sets the Elantra Sport Apart?
While the standard Elantra already impressed with its sleek design and comfortable ride, the Sport version takes the formula several steps further with:
- A more powerful 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower
- Sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling
- Aggressive exterior styling with unique front and rear bumpers
- Sport-specific interior accents and seating
- Available 6-speed manual transmission for driving enthusiasts
Performance That Exceeds Expectations
The heart of the Elantra Sport is its 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine, which delivers class-leading power in the compact segment. Unlike many competitors that offer only modest power bumps in their sport variants, the Elantra Sport's 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque represent a substantial upgrade over the base model.
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Key Performance Specifications:
Engine | 1.6L Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 201 @ 6,000 rpm |
Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,500 rpm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
0-60 mph | 6.7 seconds (manual transmission) |
Precision Handling and Driving Dynamics
Hyundai engineers didn't stop at just adding more power. The Elantra Sport benefits from numerous chassis enhancements that transform its driving character:
- Sport-tuned suspension with higher-rate springs and dampers
- Larger front and rear stabilizer bars
- Quick-ratio steering for more immediate response
- Upgraded braking system with larger front rotors
- Available 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires
These changes result in a car that feels notably more agile and responsive than the standard Elantra, with reduced body roll in corners and more communicative steering. While not as hardcore as some dedicated sports cars, the Elantra Sport strikes an excellent balance between sporty handling and daily drivability.
Standout Exterior Design
The Elantra Sport's visual differentiation goes beyond mere badges and trim pieces. Hyundai designers gave it a distinctly more aggressive appearance with:
- Unique front fascia with larger air intakes
- Sport-specific grille pattern
- Rear diffuser-style lower bumper
- Dual exhaust outlets
- Available LED headlights and taillights
- Choice of exclusive colors including Sport Blue and Fiery Red
Interior: Sporty Yet Sophisticated
Inside, the Elantra Sport builds on the standard model's well-appointed cabin with several performance-oriented enhancements:
- Sport seats with additional bolstering for support during spirited driving
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Metal sport pedals
- Red stitching and accents throughout the cabin
- Sport-specific gauge cluster with turbo boost gauge
Despite its performance focus, the Elantra Sport retains all the practicality of the standard model, including a spacious trunk and comfortable rear seating for adults.
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