Hyundai’s best-selling car in the U.S. – Elantra – and the sixth best-selling car of any maker globally took the stage today at the LAAS in its latest Gen 6 version. The 2017 Elantra is claiming segment-first convenience and safety technologies. Moreover, Hyundai said Elantra is expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The 2017 Elantra will arrive at U.S. Hyundai dealers in January. With heavily revised exterior sheet metal, all-new powertrains and claimed improved fuel economy, a better ride and more noise insulation, the super-competitive compact class continues to offer some of the best cars ever made. Caveat here: Hyundai got caught cheating big time on fuel economy ratings by the EPA by falsifying the settings used for testing. (Hyundai, Kia Fined Record Amount for Fuel Economy Cheating or Hyundai Cops Plea on Mileage Fraud Class Action or Hyundai and Kia Caught in EPA Mileage Rating Fraud)
The two new powertrains are said to be designed for improved fuel efficiency and everyday performance. The standard engine on the base SE and Limited trim is a 2-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine producing a peak 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and an estimated 132 lb. ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. This Atkinson cycle-type engine reduces pumping loss by delaying the closing of the intake valve during the compression stroke, therefore maximizing the expansion ratio with a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. It is the only Atkinson cycle engine with multi-port injection in the compact class. This greater expansion ratio is made more efficient by allowing additional energy to be produced.
A new electronically controlled thermostat decreases pumping energy and allows the thermostat to open at a higher temperature. Piston cooling jets are added to cool down the piston by spraying oil at the lower position of the piston resulting in knock stability and fuel economy improvements. All of this results in a claimed up to a 2.2% increase in efficiency for optimized fuel economy, and a hoped for 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg (this is the internal estimate for the 6-speed automatic transmission).
This 2-liter Nu four-cylinder engine comes with either a standard six-speed manual transmission (available only on the SE trim) or Elantra’s next generation six-speed automatic transmission. The new automatic transmission has an overall 3.3% increase in efficiency.
The second new powertrain is a 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder that comes with the Elantra Eco trim, available in Spring 2016. This engine produces 128 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 156 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,400 ~ 3,700 rpm. It comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Eco trim is projected to achieve a 35 mpg combined rating based on internal Hyundai testing.
Inside, the instrument panel is available with a 4.2-inch color TFT LCD instrument display for improved driver visibility. The rest of the center stack is laid out in a horizontal design with buttons and controls placed in – allegedly- logical groups by function, and a slight seven-degree tilt toward the driver for optimal ergonomics.
Optional premium items such as a segment-first integrated memory system for the power driver seat and side mirrors, dual automatic temperature control with auto defogging system and auto-dimming rearview mirror, along with advanced front seats. The front seats have high-tension lightweight seat frames for improved performance during collisions, and a multi-firmness seat pad to help reduce driver fatigue.
All Elantra models come standard with iPhone/USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM satellite radio. New for 2017, there are two optional infotainment systems beyond the base audio system: a 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera, and an 8-inch navigation system. Both multimedia systems are equipped with Android Auto for the most commonly used smartphone functions including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, and any approved smartphone apps.
Because smartphone integration requires a wired connection to the vehicle, Elantra provides an optional second USB port for charging – the first application on a Hyundai vehicle The 8-inch navigation system has claimed improved touch sensitivity for touch and drag control, increased screen brightness for better daytime visibility, and a split-screen display showing map and music data. Both SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio Technology are standard on this system.
For additional connectivity, navigation-equipped Elantras offer pre-loaded apps, voice control functions, and premium SiriusXM features.
• Pandora capability
• Real-time SiriusXM Travel Link three-month trial period, including traffic, weather, sports, stocks, fuel prices, even movie times, multi-cultural channels and presets recording capability
• SiriusXM Tune Start – plays current song from the beginning when tuning into a preset channel
• “Eyes Free” Siri integration –voice control function to prevent driver distraction
