The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport will debut at SEMA with a Civic Si-rivaling 200 horsepower

By Andrew Hard February 18, 2016

2017 Hyundai Elantra — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Hyundai Elantra is a well-made compact that seemingly gets better every year, but despite the brand’s best efforts, it’s about as exciting as vanilla pudding.

In an attempt to add some much-needed thrill to the Elantra lineup, Edmunds reports that Hyundai will introduce the 2017 Elantra Sport at the 2016 SEMA show. Set to arrive in dealerships later this year, the range-topping Sport model will compete with the Civic Si and Volkswagen Jetta GLI SE, enlisting a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with about 200 horsepower to do so.

While the Sport will be based on the revised sixth-generation Elantra shown above, it will feature a myriad of enhancements over the standard version. Hyundai America CEO Dave Zuchowski was coy on specifics in his talk with Edmunds, but the vehicle is expected to equip an independent rear suspension, a six-speed manual transmission, high-performance brakes and tires, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

“We have not really had a (Honda Civic) Si type of product before,” said Zuchowski. “We have had Sport models among the Elantras, but this is a completely different vehicle.”

The sporty sedan will also boast unique styling touches all around. Coupe and hybrid variants are not in the cards at this time, however.

As of late, the biggest news to come from the Korean automaker is its new luxury sub-brand, Genesis. Currently crowned by the G90 flagship, the Genesis brand is expected to launch a total of six new vehicles by 2020, including the G90, a smaller G70 four-door, an entry-level sedan, a sports coupe, a crossover, and a large SUV. According to Automotive News, the automaker recently appointed six-year Hyundai veteran Erwin Raphael as Genesis’ general manager. You can read more of our coverage of the Genesis brand right here.

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