The Elantra Eco has a surprising amount of power. This energy comes from the 1.4 L turbocharged inline-four engine, producing a maximum of 128 hp at 5,500 rpm. The engine is helped by a 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch automatic transmission with ShiftTronic manual control. Eco earned EPA mileage estimates of 32 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra has a newly designed, precise, and modern shape cut with the lines of a “CrossFit” athlete. Projector headlights with daytime running lights and power body-color side mirrors add to the outside appeal. All this glamor sits on 15-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, the instrument panel with a 3.5-inch TFT cluster display is conveniently laid out. Looking around the cabin with premium cloth seating, you get the feeling of spaciousness. That feeling comes from the 96 cubic-feet of passenger volume.
One-touch driver’s auto-down windows and power door locks allow quick access to the outside and add safety for the inside. To make the stay in the car a pleasant experience, AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers provides music throughout the cabin.
The absolute best feature was the air conditioning. Temperatures hovered near the 100-degree mark the whole week I drove the vehicle. But the car cooled quickly even when sitting in direct sunlight. In fact, after driving only a short distance it became so cold I had to turn the AC down, as low as the blower would go, to remain comfortable.
Elantra is loaded inside-and-out with technology and safety features. The driver benefits from assist features like Hillstart Assist Control, Blind Spot Detection with Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines—all standard features on the Eco.
I do wish that I had a chance to look at the navigation system, but it is available only with the top-of-line Limited model.
The last line of safety is covered by a 7-airbag system, consisting of advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag. The Occupant Classification System is a sensor system which would prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying if it detects a front passenger of insufficient weight.
Manufacturer’s suggested retail price was $20,650 for the Elantra Eco.
Elantra’s body is lighter yet stronger, and at the same time better able to handle the engine power. Most importantly, 53 percent of the vehicle’s body structure is made with advanced high-strength steel. Hyundai engineers use structural adhesives to make the body even stronger. This adhesive is the same material used to build aircraft.
Elantra has a wealth of comfort and convenience features. Since its inception, Elantra has been on a self-improvement campaign. I hope they will now look at the noise factor. The cabin is filled with noise from the wheels.
Once that has been completed, Hyundai will have accomplished building a vehicle like Elantra that will be better than the competition.
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Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at [email protected]
