2014 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Preview

Introduction

In order to remain competitive with a long list of other compact sedans, the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Sedan lineup receives several changes for the new model year. For 2014, the Elantra Sedan is offered in base SE, performance-tuned Sport, and upscale Limited trim levels. The Elantra's primary competitors include the Chevrolet Cruze, Dodge Dart, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Jetta.

Exterior Features

Front and rear styling modifications with available LED lighting headline the styling changes for the 2014 Hyundai Elantra Sedan. Additionally, the base SE trim level has new 15-inch aluminum wheels as standard equipment, while the Sport and Limited variants are equipped with chrome beltline trim and new 17-inch wheel designs. Up front, the grille and fog lights have a new look, and a new rear diffuser-style bumper panel sets the 2014 Elantra apart.

Interior Features

Key changes inside the 2014 Elantra Sedan include subtle revisions to air vent, center stack control, and armrest placements, combined with a new, darker beige interior color choice. New radios and a next-generation navigation and infotainment system with a 7-inch color touch screen debut for the 2014 Elantra Limited, along with improved voice-recognition software, simplified system operation, and Pandora Internet radio. Hyundai has also made changes designed to quiet the Elantra's interior when the car is in motion.

Optional Features

The new 2014 Elantra Limited Sedan is equipped with standard Blue Link telematics with 3 free years of Assurance Connected Care service. This package includes Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, and more. Upgrade service packages add features like remote vehicle starting, remote vehicle locking and unlocking, a car finder feature, Speed and Curfew Alerts, the ability to geo-fence pre-set driving boundaries, turn-by-turn navigation, POI Search capability, and more.

Under the Hood

The 2014 Elantra SE and Limited continue to offer a 145-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. The new Elantra Sport Sedan is equipped with a more powerful, direct-injection, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine generating 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. These figures represent gains of 25 horsepower and 23 lb.-ft. of torque over the base power plant.

In addition to offering more power, the new Elantra Sport Sedan is equipped with a standard manual gearbox, sport-tuned suspension, and sport-tuned steering. The new Elantra Sport does not, however, receive the Driver Selectable Steering Mode technology that gives buyers of the SE and Limited the ability to choose between Comfort, Normal, and Sport steering calibration.

Safety

For 2014, the Elantra Sedan gains a standard driver's side blind-spot mirror to assist with safe lane changes. A reversing camera is optional for the Elantra SE, and standard on the Sport and Limited trim levels. Additionally, the Limited's Blue Link technology offers 3 years of free access to Automatic Collision Notification and SOS Emergency Assistance service, and allows Elantra owners to program speed-, curfew-, and boundary-related alerts.

Technology

In addition to offering safety-related services, the 2014 Elantra's new Blue Link technology provides owners with the ability to remotely lock, unlock, or start the car; search the Internet for specific points of interest; and to navigate using turn-by-turn instructions. It also offers a car-finder service, which helps owners to locate their vehicle when he or she has forgotten where it is parked.