The 2015 Elantra offers premium style and features at an economy car price point. It is available in three models -- sedan, coupe, or 5-door GT. The sedan offers SE, Sport and Limited trims, while the coupe and GT are single-trim models. No matter the body style, the Elantra packs a lot of car into a relatively small package. The base SE sedan and top Limited models are powered by a 148 hp 1.8L engine, while Sport sedans, coupes and GTs all feature a 2.0L 4-cylinder putting out a healthy 173 horsepower and 154 ft-lb of torque. This configuration is rated at 24 mpg in the city. SE and Sport sedans feature a standard 6-speed manual transmission and optional 6-speed automatic, while the Limited is standard with the automatic. The Elantra coupe is automatic-only as well, though the GT offers buyers the choice of manual or automatic.
The SE comes equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, power locks and power windows with driver's side auto-down, as well as an AM/FM 6-speaker stereo with CD and MP3 compatibility. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback is also standard. The Elantra Sport, meanwhile includes 17-inch alloys, a sport-tuned suspension, projector headlights with LED accents and LED taillights, integrated turn signals in the side mirrors and many more exterior cues. Inside there is heated leather front seating, a 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display with rearview camera, aluminum pedals, a power sunroof and steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls. Lastly, the Limited sedan adds Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, which combines infotainment features, smart-phone connectivity and safety services. Front and rear heated seats are also included. Adding the Ultimate Package to the Limited adds a 7-inch screen housing a navigation system, dual-zone climate control and an upgraded 360-watt stereo system.
The Elantra coupe, meanwhile, is an excellent choice for people who value good style in a small package. It comes in a single, well-stocked trim, equipped similarly to the Elantra Sport sedan, with 17-inch alloys and a sport-tuned suspension, heated front seats, side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a rear spoiler. It also features front fog lights, iPod and USB input jacks, and steering-wheel mounted audio, cruise and Bluetooth controls. An Ultimate Package adds a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation and rearview camera, a power sunroof, leather seating, projector beam headlights and more.
Finally, the practical 5-door Elantra GT is about nine inches shorter than the sedan, while it's slightly taller and its wheelbase is about two inches shorter, which means there's slightly less rear legroom compared to the sedan. It rides on 16-inch alloys, with fog lights, daytime running lights, remote entry, cloth seating with heated front seats, tilt/telescoping steering with cruise and audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and a 60/40 fold-flat rear seatback. It also features a 3-position (comfort, sport, normal) Driver Selectable Steering Mode -- a segment first -- and a driver's side knee airbag, which is a Hyundai first. A Style Package adds larger alloys and the sport tuned suspension, along with aluminum pedals, Blue Link telematics and LED taillights.
Economical
Practical
Well-equipped, With Sophisticated Infotainment Features And Options
Available In A Variety Of Body Styles
Excellent Warranty
The Elantra carries over into 2015 with few changes. Several new colors are available and a few of the option packages available have been reshuffled. The Elantra Sport now comes with an optional Tech Package featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, a nicer stereo and Blue Link telematics. The Elantra SE meanwhile, is available with a new Style Package adding a sunroof, various trim pieces and nicer headlights. Last year's Technology Package is now several hundred dollars cheaper and has been renamed as the Ultimate Package.
The Elantra is Hyundai's entry into the compact car market, battling against household names such as the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla, as well as hatchbacks like the Ford Focus and Mazda3. It is a competitive segment, but the Elantra stands out with its bold styling, roomy 5-door GT, high level of equipment and outstanding warranty. Starting at $17,250, the Elantra has plenty of standard features and even manages to top 38 mpg on the highway with its 1.8L engine, while a 2.0L offers a big boost in power while sacrificing little in the way of economy.
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