Vehicle Overview
Hyundai’s Elantra trio (sedan, coupe and GT hatchback) is getting a mild update for 2014. All models get a slight appearance massage, a new engine option and some updated audio units, while the sedan has its trim levels shuffled a bit, adding a new Sport model and replacing the GLS with the SE trim.
ExteriorThe most extensive changes come on the Elantra sedan, and include new front and rear bumpers, headlights, taillights, fog lights and a bit of chrome along the sedan’s beltline. There are also projector beam headlights for the sedan that also include LED light-pipe technology that looks like something seen on a concept car just a few years ago. LED taillights are new. Steel wheels are gone, with the Elantra now only offering alloy wheels across the board in 15, 16 or 17-inch variants.
The only changes to the coupe are new head and taillights, while the GT receives only new taillights.
InteriorInside, not much has changed for 2014. New audio systems are available with revised head units and screens, and a backup camera display is now standard in the midgrade and navigation audio systems. One new color is added for the Elantra sedan, a two-tone black-and-beige package.
On the electronics front, Hyundai’s Blue Link multimedia service is now available in the Elantra lineup as part of the premium Technology Package. It will include three years of Hyundai Assurance Connected Care, which includes remote services like automatic collision notification, roadside assistance, automatic diagnostic trouble code notification, a monthly vehicle health report and in-vehicle car care maintenance scheduling.
Under the HoodHyundai has updated the Elantra’s powertrain, adding a new 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to the mix. The Elantra sedan retains the 145-hp, 1.8-liter motor, while the Elantra coupe, GT hatchback and new Sport trim sedan get the more powerful 2.0-liter motor. Hyundai says that the extra power and refigured torque curve lop nearly 1.8 seconds off the zero-to-60 time for the sedan, dropping it from 10.8 seconds to 9.0 seconds. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard on the Elantra coupe and sedan, while the GT offers a six-speed manual transmission as well.
The Sport model for the sedan is particularly interesting. While the SE and Limited trims get optional electrically adjustable steering effort, only one tune is available on the Sport. It also comes with a thicker front stabilizer bar and softer springs but stiffer shock absorbers for sportier handling. Those optional suspension changes on the sedan become standard on the coupe, but the GT is unchanged, still offering the selectable mode steering and carry-over suspension.
Safety FeaturesElantra’s safety systems are largely unchanged for the 2014 update, with the sole addition of a blind spot mirror.
