Photo: Bobae Dream
Yes, folks, the all-new sports sedan based on the Hyundai Elantra will debut at the end of this month in Korea. It will take some time before it's available to buy in Europe or America, but have patience.
Korean website Bobae Dream has captured several interesting spy images of the test prototype. These reveal that the fast version of the Elantra is indeed branded "Sport" based on the stitching on the seats. Also, it has a new front end design that may actually preview a facelift for the entire Elantra family.
Around the back, we see a trunk lid spoiler and a diffuser tail. Two exhaust pipes come out on the right side, unlike the Hyundai i30 Turbo, which has them on either side.
The model is certain to come to America, where it will rival the Honda Civic Si and VW Jetta GLI. Power will be provided by a 1.6-liter turbo engine expected to produce 200 hp. There aren't any clear photos of the interior, but we are told that a 7-speed DCT auto gearbox will be available in some markets and standard in others.
That's kind of an important detail because, even though the i30 Turbo was revealed with a DCT, no European showroom has delivered one yet. The same goes for the Kia cee'd GT.
The wheels on this test prototype are not made by Hyundai and instead are borrowed from the Kia cee'd GT, a 204 hp hatchback. They might be changed for production, but an 18- or 19-inch alloy will remain a standard feature on the Elantra Sport. The sedan should also come with a big infotainment touchscreen, LED daytime running lights, contrasting mirror caps, two-tone leather seats, and lowered suspension.
Based on what we've seen Hyundai produce so far in the sports department, we suspect their aim is to offer more for less. With a 0 to 60 time of around 8 seconds, the Elantra Sport will not match a Jetta GLI, but it will be at least $3,000 cheaper.
Around the back, we see a trunk lid spoiler and a diffuser tail. Two exhaust pipes come out on the right side, unlike the Hyundai i30 Turbo, which has them on either side.
The model is certain to come to America, where it will rival the Honda Civic Si and VW Jetta GLI. Power will be provided by a 1.6-liter turbo engine expected to produce 200 hp. There aren't any clear photos of the interior, but we are told that a 7-speed DCT auto gearbox will be available in some markets and standard in others.
That's kind of an important detail because, even though the i30 Turbo was revealed with a DCT, no European showroom has delivered one yet. The same goes for the Kia cee'd GT.
The wheels on this test prototype are not made by Hyundai and instead are borrowed from the Kia cee'd GT, a 204 hp hatchback. They might be changed for production, but an 18- or 19-inch alloy will remain a standard feature on the Elantra Sport. The sedan should also come with a big infotainment touchscreen, LED daytime running lights, contrasting mirror caps, two-tone leather seats, and lowered suspension.
Based on what we've seen Hyundai produce so far in the sports department, we suspect their aim is to offer more for less. With a 0 to 60 time of around 8 seconds, the Elantra Sport will not match a Jetta GLI, but it will be at least $3,000 cheaper.
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