Hyundai has announced a raft of revisions to its Elantra sedan, coupe and GT hatchback models for the 2014 model year. With freshened styling, an upgraded interior and new gadgetry, the sedan and coupe receive the most extensive changes, but all Elantras benefit from the availability of a new 173-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Elantra Sedan
With the Elantra already one of the more distinctive compacts on the market, Hyundai elected to give the sedan a subtle mid-cycle facelift consisting of fresh headlight detailing (including LED accents), re-shaped foglights and an “open-mouth” lower grille that provides a more focused look. Chrome beltline trim adorns the flanks, new wheel designs are available, and a two-tone imitation rear diffuser completes the treatment.
While the sedan’s entry-level 1.8-liter four-cylinder carries over, a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder is now available in a new Sport trim level. It produces 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque – gains of 25 ponies and 23 lb-ft over the 1.8-liter – and returns 24 city/35 highway mpg. A six-speed automatic is the only gearbox choice.
More than just a bigger engine, the Sport also features a buttoned-down suspension with stiffer dampers and rear springs along with a larger front stabilizer bar. A reworked electric assist steering system with a quicker ratio is also included (non-Sport models get driver-adjustable steering), as are unique two-tone 17-inch wheels, aluminum pedals and a rear spoiler.
Inside, all 2014 Elantra Sedans get a redesigned center stack with higher-mounted air vents and tweaked buttons. Trims positioned above the entry-level SE –previously known as the GLS – gain a 4.3-inch touchscreen audio system and a rearview camera as standard equipment, while a new navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen and Pandora radio integration is an optional extra.
Hyundai’s useful Blue Link telematics service is another new addition to the Elantra, bringing with it a wide variety of function and services like voice text messaging, point-of-interest web search and download, automatic collision notification, and remote vehicle unlocking in addition to traffic, weather, restaurant and nearby gas station information.
Interior noise levels are down due to a plethora of NVH-combating measures, including extra A-pillar foam, a full underbody cover and anti-vibration dash panel material.
Elantra Coupe
The two-door Elantra lineup is simpler and more focused for 2014, with last year’s GS and SE models consolidated into a single trim level. The new 2.0-liter motor is standard equipment, as are all of the Elantra Sedan Sport’s suspension mods.
All of interior, technology and noise-reducing measures from the sedan also apply to the coupe, which receives its own modest exterior revisions in the form of a newly standard rear spoiler and available LED accent lights.
Elantra GT
The least-changed member of the Elantra trio is the GT hatchback. The 2.0-liter replaces the 1.8-liter in its engine bay, and, unlike in other Elantras, can here be paired with a six-speed manual as an alternative to the six-speed automatic. A rear spoiler is the only other news for the GT.
Elantra Sedan
With the Elantra already one of the more distinctive compacts on the market, Hyundai elected to give the sedan a subtle mid-cycle facelift consisting of fresh headlight detailing (including LED accents), re-shaped foglights and an “open-mouth” lower grille that provides a more focused look. Chrome beltline trim adorns the flanks, new wheel designs are available, and a two-tone imitation rear diffuser completes the treatment.
While the sedan’s entry-level 1.8-liter four-cylinder carries over, a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder is now available in a new Sport trim level. It produces 173 horsepower and 154 lb-ft of torque – gains of 25 ponies and 23 lb-ft over the 1.8-liter – and returns 24 city/35 highway mpg. A six-speed automatic is the only gearbox choice.
More than just a bigger engine, the Sport also features a buttoned-down suspension with stiffer dampers and rear springs along with a larger front stabilizer bar. A reworked electric assist steering system with a quicker ratio is also included (non-Sport models get driver-adjustable steering), as are unique two-tone 17-inch wheels, aluminum pedals and a rear spoiler.
Inside, all 2014 Elantra Sedans get a redesigned center stack with higher-mounted air vents and tweaked buttons. Trims positioned above the entry-level SE –previously known as the GLS – gain a 4.3-inch touchscreen audio system and a rearview camera as standard equipment, while a new navigation system with a seven-inch touchscreen and Pandora radio integration is an optional extra.
Hyundai’s useful Blue Link telematics service is another new addition to the Elantra, bringing with it a wide variety of function and services like voice text messaging, point-of-interest web search and download, automatic collision notification, and remote vehicle unlocking in addition to traffic, weather, restaurant and nearby gas station information.
Interior noise levels are down due to a plethora of NVH-combating measures, including extra A-pillar foam, a full underbody cover and anti-vibration dash panel material.
Elantra Coupe
The two-door Elantra lineup is simpler and more focused for 2014, with last year’s GS and SE models consolidated into a single trim level. The new 2.0-liter motor is standard equipment, as are all of the Elantra Sedan Sport’s suspension mods.
All of interior, technology and noise-reducing measures from the sedan also apply to the coupe, which receives its own modest exterior revisions in the form of a newly standard rear spoiler and available LED accent lights.
Elantra GT
The least-changed member of the Elantra trio is the GT hatchback. The 2.0-liter replaces the 1.8-liter in its engine bay, and, unlike in other Elantras, can here be paired with a six-speed manual as an alternative to the six-speed automatic. A rear spoiler is the only other news for the GT.
Live images by Mark Elias.
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