The 2017 Elantra Sport marked a significant shift for Hyundai, injecting a dose of excitement into their compact sedan lineup. For years, the Elantra was known for its practicality and value, but the Sport variant aimed to capture a different audience – drivers seeking affordable thrills and a more engaging driving experience. This model year represented Hyundai’s commitment to broadening its appeal and demonstrating that fun and performance could be accessible without breaking the bank.
The Heart of the Sport: Turbocharged Power
At the core of the 2017 Elantra Sport‘s appeal is its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This powerplant delivers a healthy 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, a substantial upgrade from the naturally aspirated engines in other Elantra models. This boost in power transforms the driving dynamics, providing brisk acceleration and ample responsiveness for both city driving and highway cruising. Drivers immediately notice the difference, appreciating the eager engine that makes the 2017 Elantra Sport feel genuinely sporty.
Alt text: Close-up view of the turbocharged engine in a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport, showcasing its performance capabilities.
The engine’s responsiveness is further enhanced by the choice of transmissions. Hyundai offered the 2017 Elantra Sport with either a six-speed manual transmission for purists who crave maximum driver engagement, or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for quick and seamless gear changes. The DCT is particularly impressive, offering rapid shifts and contributing to the car’s overall feeling of athleticism.
Sport-Tuned Chassis and Suspension
Beyond just engine power, the 2017 Elantra Sport distinguishes itself with a comprehensively upgraded chassis and suspension. Hyundai engineers didn’t simply bolt on a turbocharger; they refined the entire driving experience. The Sport model features a multi-link independent rear suspension, a significant improvement over the torsion beam setup in standard Elantras. This sophisticated rear suspension enhances handling precision, improves ride comfort, and reduces body roll in corners.
Alt text: Detailed shot of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport’s multi-link independent rear suspension, highlighting its advanced engineering for improved handling.
Complementing the suspension upgrades are larger front brakes and quicker steering. These enhancements contribute to a more confident and agile feel behind the wheel. The 2017 Elantra Sport feels planted and composed in corners, inspiring driver confidence and making twisty roads genuinely enjoyable. While not a track weapon, it offers a level of sporty handling that is rare in its class, especially at its price point.
Sporty Styling Inside and Out
The 2017 Elantra Sport also receives visual upgrades to match its performance enhancements. On the exterior, it features a more aggressive front fascia with a unique grille, side sill extensions, and a rear diffuser. Sport-specific badging and 18-inch alloy wheels further differentiate it from standard Elantra models. These subtle but effective styling cues communicate the car’s sporty intentions without being overly flashy.
Alt text: Side profile of a red 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport, showcasing its sporty exterior design with alloy wheels and side sill extensions.
Inside the cabin, the 2017 Elantra Sport continues the sporty theme with sport seats featuring leather bolsters and red contrast stitching. A flat-bottom steering wheel, sport instrument cluster, and alloy pedals add to the driver-focused ambiance. While still practical and comfortable for daily driving, the interior enhancements create a more engaging and sporty environment.
Reliability and Value Proposition
Despite its performance focus, the 2017 Elantra Sport retains the Elantra’s reputation for reliability and value. Hyundai’s strong warranty provides peace of mind, and the car’s fuel economy remains respectable even with the turbocharged engine. This combination of performance, practicality, and affordability makes the 2017 Elantra Sport a compelling option for budget-conscious drivers seeking a fun and engaging compact sedan.
While some may desire even more extreme performance, the 2017 Elantra Sport strikes an excellent balance. It offers a significant step up in driving enjoyment compared to regular Elantras, without sacrificing everyday usability or reliability. For those looking to enter the world of sporty compact cars without breaking the bank, the 2017 Elantra Sport remains a standout choice, proving that fun and affordability can indeed go hand-in-hand.
