Sponsored Content

2017 Hyundai Elantra: value with premium conveniences

Published 8:21 am Friday, April 8, 2016

Here we are, barely into Spring, and it’s already time to start talking about one of the first 2017 models.

Hyundai’s Elantra, a compact four-door sedan, is entering its sixth-generation of production and it somehow manages to deliver a refined design, class-above features, and the latest in safety and multimedia technology at a base price that is $100 less than the outgoing model.

Not sure how that happens, but I like it. So do many others, as the car is the best-selling model under the Hyundai nameplate.

Assembled in both Montgomery, Ala., and Ulsan, South Korea, the Elantra definitely presents prospective buyers with a strong value proposition along with improved fuel economy, better ride quality, improved noise insulation and segment-first premium conveniences.

My tester was the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited, the premium, top-of-the-line model with leather and advanced technology. SE is the well-equipped starter model and Eco is a fuel-efficient turbo model.

Powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic (for faux manual shifting), the Elantra gets you there from point A to point B without a problem. Probably wouldn’t win you many races – but then again – you shouldn’t be racing.

It makes for a great commuter car, garnering an EPA-rated 32-miles-per-gallon fuel economy for combined city/highway driving. The engine generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque for smooth delivery for everyday driving.

The transmission delivers a more natural and linear driving feel compared with the continuously variable transmission favored by many compact car competitors in recent years.

Elantra seats four adults without a squeeze, five in a squeeze, and the trunk is bigger than expected for a small car. I didn’t give it the full golf-club test, but the eyeball test told me it would work.

Elantra’s base SE trim is available with a popular equipment package featuring high consumer demand features, and a tech package that includes all-new luxuries for Elantra such as LED daytime running lights, blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and a segment-exclusive hands-free smart trunk.

The well-appointed Elantra Limited trim starts at $22,350 with standard leather seating and offers a tech

package that contains the latest multimedia technology including eight-inch touchscreen navigation with Infinity premium audio system.

Additionally, the limited ultimate package introduces premium convenience features to the compact-class segment such as a segment-first integrated memory system for the driver seat and outside mirrors, and new safety technology all designed to enhance driver confidence and comfort.

The ultimate package ($1,900) democratizes the technology found in class-above vehicles (maybe Bernie made it happen) by offering a suite of advanced safety features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist system, and HID headlights with dynamic bending light.

All things considered, the Hyundai Elantra does indeed deliver the goods at a budget-friendly price. And that’s what I’m looking for when it comes to a commuter car.

2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

BASE PRICE: $22,350

AS TESTED: $27,710

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.