Hyundai’s Elantra sedan, coupe and GT hatchback models are receiving a raft of revisions for the 2014 model year. With freshened styling, an upgraded interior and new gadgetry, the sedan and coupe get the most extensive changes, but all Elantras benefit from the availability of a new 173-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Pricing Update
A month after debuting the 2014 Elantra lineup at the L.A. Auto Show, Hyundai has announced pricing information for the updated compacts.
The entry-level Elantra SE sedan will carry a staring price of $18,010 (including destination), a $250 increase over last year. Stepping up to the new Elantra Sport trim level, which features the larger 2.0-liter motor and more athletic suspension tuning, will require $22,510.
For those interested in a hatchback, $19,560 will net an Elantra GT. That’s $220 over the 2013 model, with the extra money buying the new 2.0-liter engine.
Pricing has not yet been announced for the Elantra Coupe.
Read on for full details on the 2014 Elantra range.
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 when paired with a six-speed automatic. Opting for a six-speed manual reduces highway mileage by a single mpg.
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.
The sedan’s interior, technology and noise-reducing measures 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 a spoiler has been affixed to the top of the tailgate.
Live images by Mark Elias.
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