Turbocharged Sport model joining 2017 Hyundai Elantra lineup

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2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport turbo badge
This badge on the front grille of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport hints at what’s underneath the hood. Photos by Benjamin Yong.

Not content with reaching the milestone of 500,000 Elantras sold in Canada earlier this year, Hyundai is continuing to evolve the compact sedan by adding a Sport model, billing it as the most powerful and dynamic version the manufacturer has ever made.

The Sport would not be possible without the underlying sixth generation chassis, built upon a “superstructure” comprised of 21 per cent more high strength steel than before, explained Ken Maisonville, national manager of product strategy. He spoke at start of the Hyundai Fun Day event held in Ontario where media were given a taste of the sprightly sedan after “finding” the vehicle from solving a series of geocaching puzzles set up around the Greater Toronto Area.

Hyundai Superstructure steel

“We took our own in house steel plant — we’re the only manufacturer in the world with our own steel plant — and started from the ground up with an all new superstructure and that’s the basis for everything about Elantra,” said Maisonville.

To throw some additional numbers out there, torsional rigidity has improved by 30 per cent, and bending rigidity by 25 per cent. So what does that mean in plain English?

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport front

“Improved ride and handling, cabin quietness and safety. That’s what we’re going for and that’s going to turn around perception of quality,” he said.

A number of exterior changes differentiate the Sport from regular variants. These include a unique front fascia comprised of headlamp housings containing red inserts; a wider black chrome grille, horizontally, as opposed to vertically, arranged signature LED daytime running lights; and a subtle splitter resting beneath the front bumper.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport wheel

Around the rest of the vehicle, there are 18-inch multi-spoke wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 Noble2 tires, side skirt extensions, revised LED taillight lenses and dual polished muffler tips peeking out from behind a built-in rear bumper diffuser.

The dual-exit tailpipes don’t just look pretty — they’re connected to a specialized exhaust system tuned for a very specific performance-oriented sound. Maisonville says engineers paid extra attention to ensure it’s only loud on the outside without the dreaded in-cabin drone at mid to high rpm levels.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport rear

Backing up the aggressive rumble is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing a healthy 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque at an accessible 1,500 rpm. Choices of transmission are between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport will start at MSRP $24,999 when it is launched later this fall. 

Safety tips for drivers this Halloween

Automotive safety technology can help, but don’t forget your own driving skills when you’re behind the wheel this Halloween. 

It’s time to break out the pumpkins and fake spider webs — All Hallows’ Eve is nearly here. If you’re planning on hitting the road at some point in the evening, be mindful that many streets will be filled with kids in search of bite-sized candy, so exercise caution while driving.

While many new vehicles sold today feature advanced collision prevention features, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and not completely rely on technology. Follow these few tips to keep everyone, including you, safe this Halloween.

Walk-around

With trick-or-treaters out in full force this Oct. 31, they may not always be sticking to sidewalks or crossing the street at appropriate areas. Before backing up, get out and do a quick walk around to make sure there are no small children behind or beside your car.

2016 Hyundai Tucson rear bumper

Models like the new Hyundai Tucson have optional rear parking sensors embedded in the rear bumper that give an audible warning when someone or something is detected. As the object gets closer, the warning increases in both frequency and tone to alert the driver.

Slow down

It’s always advisable for children to wear bright-coloured costumes to be as visible as possible, but that doesn’t always happen. Drive slower than usual, especially in residential areas so a ninja or Dracula wearing all black running doesn’t run out and catch you by surprise.

Toyota Safety Sense P

Toyotas equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P utilize an in-vehicle camera working in tandem with a millimetre wave radar unit mounted on the front grille. When a potential collision with a pedestrian is predicted, the brakes are pre-loaded for quicker stop times, and/or the system will automatically apply the brakes as well.

Park indoors

Halloween ranks as one of the top dates in the year for automobile vandalism, according to ICBC. If possible, leave your car inside your home garage or in a parkade after dark.

The latest generation of Audi anti-theft alarms use warning horns that operate independently of the main electrical system, and will sound when a door is opened while the alarm is armed. 

Top three 2016 model year family vehicles

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The Hyundai Sonata comes with many comfort and convenience options making it a great choice for families. Photo by Benjamin Yong.

Similar to the contemporary family unit, the family vehicle segment too has evolved, reflecting the wants and needs of 21st century living. Now, models come in a plethora of shapes and sizes catering to wide variety of customers, and are safer, more comfortable and better equipped than their predecessors. We’ve included three of our favourites from 2016 here — one each from the sedan, crossover SUV and minivan categories — and have taken into consideration the attributes above, as well as price.

2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid rear

2016 Hyundai Sonata

The Sonata is a particularly versatile sedan that has a lot going for it. The design was completely changed last year, and the car is offered in gasoline, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid flavours (Hybrid pictured here). Parents will appreciate the convenience of options like rear window sunshades for little ones or pets riding in the back, a power trunk for easy storage of cargo, and programmable driver’s seat memory taking out the guesswork of adjustment when there are multiple drivers. Prices start at $24,749.

2016 Toyota Highlander

2016 Toyota Highlander

Plenty of interior space, reliability and onboard entertainment are just some of the 2016 Toyota Highlanders strong suits. Grownups and children passengers alike will be kept busy with a multimedia system consisting of a 6.1-inch touchscreen, USB and 12-volt ports for electronics and an available Blu-ray DVD player and 9.0-inch screen in the back. There’s also room for either seven or eight occupants depending on the configuration.

2016 Toyota Sienna

2016 Toyota Sienna

Toyota makes this list twice, but that’s simply because they’ve got the family vehicle formula down pat. The best-selling Sienna is successful for a reason, or several reasons actually, among them being a load of tech and massive carrying capacity. Siri Eyes Free functionality means drivers can easily and safely call up smartphone functions using their voice, such as adding a doctor’s appointment to the calendar or calling up a favourite restaurant to order dinner, and with the second and third row benches folded down the minivan can swallow over 4,000 litres of cargo.  

2016 Toyota Sienna cargo capacity