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.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Andrew first started writing in middle school and hasn't put the pen down since. Whether it's technology, music, sports, or…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.