by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 02/14/2017 at 08:30
by "Wobbles the Mind" (wobblesthemind)
Published 02/14/2017 at 08:30
Tags: Hyundai
STARS: 1
Haha!! I was just talking about the Elantra Fastback last Thursday. Behold, the prototype hath been uncovered, figuratively!! ( I hope someone catches how much I did there.) Now, I know this doesn’t appear to be that big of a deal but do NOT be fooled! This little guy is going to be the performance flagship of the Hyundai brand. ( Gawd, that’s so sad to say... )
Remember that the GTI is bumping up to 227 hp and 245 hp. Hyundia’s lil’ brapper right here will end up spawning a 2.0T variant making 240 hp and 260 hp, manual/DCT equipped, FWD hot hatch “directly” fighting the updated VW GTI. This fastback Elantra is going to be the “N” car for the US while Euro will get it as a hatchback this year.
The pictures are for the base version, which will likely run the unassisted 2.0L making 162 hp for the US. The “Sport” version will gain the same 1.6T 4-popper as EVERY Hyundai and Kia vehicle that weighs under 3,500 lbs. But it’s the “N” version that will be of interest. The mini-Stinger is coming and it’s going to be a FWD Elantra that hits $30,000. And you still wonder why Mazda skipped out on a ‘Speed 3?!
Here are my guesses for now to give you all a better idea of the layout I’m talking about:
Elantra Fastback: 162 hp, 2.0L. 6AT or 6MT. [$18,995]
Elantra FB Sport: 201 hp, 1.6T. 7DCT or 6MT. [$21,995]
Elantra FB N: 240 hp, 2.0T. 7DCT or 6MT. [$24,495]
Elantra FB N R-Spec: 260 hp, 2.0T. 6MT only. [$27,995]
"404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani)
02/14/2017 at 08:48, STARS: 0
If only it was on a RWD chassis.
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
02/14/2017 at 09:56, STARS: 1
Me likey! I still wish Hyundai was going to make a hatch version of the Accent next-gen, but they are dropping that back to the sedan only and leaving the Kia Rio hatch as their only lower-priced offering. I’d be fine with the next-gen Rio hatch...not a bad looking little car, and if their quality keeps up as it has been for the most part, should be a reliable little daily!
I do know why they are moving everything a little upscale, it’s what everybody wants these days, but I still can’t help but miss base-model Kia/Hyundai products which are limited in options and yet reliable rides (this goes for brands other than Kia/Hyundai as well....you can still get plenty of base trim rides in Europe, but not here!). I love the fact my Accent is bare-bones. I’m perfectly happy with it that way!