Like it was mentioned, the clients’s wishes for any particular car category have an upper limit, as well as a lower one. Everyone knows that Mercedes-Benz S-Class, for instance, should be as sophisticated as possible, and that sporty versions do attract some of the category’s customers. However, you’ll never see a pick-up version of this car because no one would want it. Luxury sedans and pick-ups trucks fulfill each one a particular range of needs, but they aren’t extense enough to overlap. So creating that kind of car would be giving more than for which both customer groups would wish. Similar situations could be pointed for many other categories, and the compact ones aren’t an exception.
North-American entry-level customers appreciate modern designs with a hint of sportiness inside and outside. Their preferred categories seem to be hatchback and sedan, but coupés are also welcome. But since their prices need to stay reasonable, they don’t invest too much on anything. Their styling isn’t concerned with finesse, their equipment lists don’t include any “revolutionary” item, their performance doesn’t count on very big engines, and their green solutions use diesel engines, rather than investing on expensive solutions like electric or nitrogen propulsion. This is why Hyundai’s biggest news for the three Elantras are a new four-cylinder 2.0L, which uses direct injection and dual variable valve timing to reach 173 hp and 154 lb-ft.
The new propeller appears at the sedan on its new Sport version, which also got sportier steering and suspension tunes, aluminum pedals and a discreet rear spoiler. The GLS trim was replaced by SE, while the upscale Limited received a new navigation system and a high-resolution 7” touchscreen. And all sedans feature redesigned front fog lights and LED tail lights, which certainly aided to a more trendy look. When it comes to coupé and GT, the new engine appears as standard for both. The first one had its trim levels fused into one, which took some items from the optionals list to offer as standard. In other words, the two-door now features all the tweaks seen at the sedan’s Sport version plus 17” aluminum wheels and black grille.
Last but not least, the GT hatchback (which is called i30 elsewhere and has even an SW sibling in Europe) added a new blind-spot mirror and optional LED tail lights. Besides, there were several minor updates to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Hyundai’s EPA estimates for the new engine are 24/33 mpg with a six-speed automatic transmission and 24/34 mpg with a manual gearbox (city/highway). Veloster received some tweaks of its own, too, but since it’s based on the older i30 it’s no longer a sporty sibling of these Elantras.