Photo: Hyundai
This isn't the Elantra Sport we wanted to talk about, but it's got the right type of engine, a 1.4-liter turbo. The 2017 Elantra Eco is Hyundai's answer to the new Chevy Cruze and the oh-so-popular Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo.
With gas being cheaper than ever, automakers are staying clear of expensive hybrid technology in the compact segment, instead focusing on simpler turbocharging solutions. By downsizing the Elantra from a 1.8-liter, engineers got 2 more highway miles to the gallon, 4 in the city and 3 on the combined cycle.
That brings the total to 40 highway, 32 city and 35 combined. The bad news is that Hyundai's numbers are based on the 2017 fuel economy system, so we can't compare them with 2016 model year vehicles.
After the MPG scandal that rocked Hyundai's world several years ago and the Mitsubishi debacle, we don't know whom we should believe. It's not like the 2017 Elantra Eco is a simple buying decision either. Prices start at $21,485 making this car as much as $1,500 more expensive than the equivalent Corolla Eco or Honda Civic. Imagine that, a Hyundai that's more expensive than all its rivals!
Part of the reason the Elantra ended up costing so much is the high level of standard trim. This includes keyless entry and start, a blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert, dual-zone climate control and heated seats. Something else we like is that the seven-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission is part of the deal. The LED daytime running lights are cool, but the 15-inch alloy wheels look like they belong on the basic Accent.
The Elantra Eco isn't looking too hot in the power war either. The 1.4-liter Kappa turbo engine makes just 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. We don't want to defend Satan here, but you can get a standard VW Jetta with a 1.4 turbo for much less and it comes from a German company that specializes in downsizing. The Chevy Cruze also seems like a better deal.
That brings the total to 40 highway, 32 city and 35 combined. The bad news is that Hyundai's numbers are based on the 2017 fuel economy system, so we can't compare them with 2016 model year vehicles.
After the MPG scandal that rocked Hyundai's world several years ago and the Mitsubishi debacle, we don't know whom we should believe. It's not like the 2017 Elantra Eco is a simple buying decision either. Prices start at $21,485 making this car as much as $1,500 more expensive than the equivalent Corolla Eco or Honda Civic. Imagine that, a Hyundai that's more expensive than all its rivals!
Part of the reason the Elantra ended up costing so much is the high level of standard trim. This includes keyless entry and start, a blind spot monitoring system with cross-traffic alert, dual-zone climate control and heated seats. Something else we like is that the seven-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Transmission is part of the deal. The LED daytime running lights are cool, but the 15-inch alloy wheels look like they belong on the basic Accent.
The Elantra Eco isn't looking too hot in the power war either. The 1.4-liter Kappa turbo engine makes just 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. We don't want to defend Satan here, but you can get a standard VW Jetta with a 1.4 turbo for much less and it comes from a German company that specializes in downsizing. The Chevy Cruze also seems like a better deal.
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