After being officially unveiled in 2011, the fifth-generation Hyundai Elantra->ke1391 continues into 2014 with some improvements that include a series of new exterior and interior features and a more powerful engine. The old GLS version is now known as the SE trim and there is also a more powerful Sport trim, giving the sedan->ke142 a little extra pop.

Next to being more powerful, the new Sport version will also add a sport-tuned steering and suspension calibrations, plus a series of exterior updates that will distinguish it from the rest of the lineup, like chrome insertions, a rear spoiler and an exposed single exhaust tip.

The new Sport version gets a new 2.0-liter engine, that delivers an extra 25 horsepower and 23 pound-feet of torque when compared to the 1.8-liter Nu engine used last year in the Elantra.

Updated 07/03/2014: Hyundai today announced details on the 2015 Elantra which brings a series of new features and packaging updates. Hyundai is now offering a set of new exterior colors and two new packages: Style Package and Tech Package.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Hyundai->ke201 Elantra.

2014 - 2015 Hyundai Elantra

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 - 2015 Hyundai Elantra
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 145 @ 6500
  • Torque: 130 @ 4700
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

For the 2014 model year, the Elantra is updated with a new front and rear look, plus a series of redesigned wheels. Up front, there is a new open-mouth lower bumper, a new grille, plus redesigned projector headlamps with LED accents. The fog lights now feature an L-shaped graphic for a more grounded look.

On the sides, the car received a chrome beltline molding, plus a new set of wheels offered in various sizes, depending on the model.

Around back, there is a new, two-tone rear diffuser.

New For 2015:

- Quartz White Pearl, Symphony Silver, Lakeside Blue and Shale Gray Metallic for the Elantra SE and Limited

- Monaco White for the Elantra Sport

- Style Package

- Tech Package

Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase

106.3 in.

Overall length

179.1 in.

Overall width

69.9 in.

Overall height

56.3 in.

Minimum Ground Clearance

5.3 In.

Coefficient of Drag

0.28


2013 Hyundai Elantra - Standard Exterior Features

- Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL/rear package tray)

- Daytime running lights w/ OFF switch

- Headlights with escort welcome function

- Dual heated bodycolor power outside mirrors

- Bumpers, bodycolor

- Windshield shade band

- Solar glass

- Front two-speed intermittent windshield wipers with mist function

Interior

The interior is updated and offers a more premium feel and an all-new, third-generation navigation and audio system. Buyers also get a wide choice of colors and aluminum insertions.

The HVAC vents and the controls feature a subtle change of placement. A slightly darker, more neutral beige interior color, aluminum pedals on the Sport and aluminum door sill plates on the Sport and Limited versions help give the cabin a more upscale feel.

The optional, multifunction, seven-inch touch-screen display with navigation now features a simpler user interface, enhanced voice-recognition commands and improved navigation screens. This system also includes Pandora internet radio.

New For 2015

- two-tone interior with a choice of either gray or beige

- Style Packag fitted with black cloth seating exclusive to the SE trim

Interior Dimensions

Head room

Front

40.0 in

Rear

37.1 in.

Leg room

Front

43.6 in.

Rear

33.1 in.

Shoulder room

Front

55.9 in.

Rear

54.8 in.

Hip room

Front

53.5 in.

Rear

52.7 in.


2013 Hyundai Elantra - Standard interior features

- Roof trim, high density non-woven

- Door handles, metal paint

- Door armrest, integrated

- Door map pockets with bottle holders, front and rear

- Sunvisors with vanity mirrors with cover

- Parking brake handle w/ chrome button

- Floor covering, needle punch carpeting

- Door scuff, step plate

- Air conditioning

- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel

- Cruise control

- Trip computer (Distance to Empty, Average Fuel Consumption, Average Vehicle Speed, Elapsed time)

- Driver seat with 6-way adjustment with height adjustment

- Meters/gauges: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, digital odometer, trip odometer, digital clock and external temperature

Drivetrain

All but the Sport model come standard with a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. The hooter Sport version gets a new, 2.0-liter GDI engine that produces 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm. All 2014 Elantra models come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, but a six-speed auto box is an available option.

The Sport version equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, while the base models equipped with the six-speed automatic gearbox return a fuel economy of 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

Drivetrain Specifications

Elanta SE & Limited

Elantra Sport

Displacement

1.8L / 1,797 cc

2.0L / 1,999 cc

Horsepower

145@ 6,500 rpm

173 @ 6,500 rpm(ULEV)

Torque

130@ 4,700rpm

154 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm (ULEV)

Valves per cylinder

4

4

Bore & stroke

81.0 x 87.2 (mm)

81.0 x 97.0 (mm)

Compression Ratio

10.3:1

11.5:1


Fuel Economy

Drivetrain

MPG (City / Highway / Combined)

6-speed manual SE

27 / 37 / 31

6-speed automatic SE

28 / 38 / 32

6-speed automatic LIMITED

27 / 37 / 31

6-speed manual SPORT

24 / 34 / 28

6-speed automatic SPORT

24 / 35 / 28


Suspension and Brakes

The new Elantra Sport is offered with a new Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) setup that reduces friction and provides a quicker ratio for more responsive cornering. It also gets stiffer dampers, rear springs and a larger front stabilizer bar.

The SE and Limited models are offered with Hyundai’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode, with three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport. The first model is suitable for city driving, Normal is for a mix of driving conditions, while the Sport is suitable for higher-speed freeways.

Prices

2015 Hyundai Elantra prices

Model

Engine

Transmission

MSRP

Elantra SE

1.8L 4-cylinder

6-speed Manual Transmission

$17,250

Elantra SE

1.8L 4-cylinder

6-speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC®

$18,250

Elantra Sport

2.0L 4-cylinder

6-speed Manual Transmission

$21,600

Elantra Sport

2.0L 4-cylinder

6-speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC®

$22,600

Elantra Sport

2.0L 4-cylinder PZEV

6-speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC®

$22,600

Elantra Limited

1.8L 4-cylinder

6-speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC®

$21,700

Elantra Limited

1.8L 4-cylinder PZEV

6-speed Automatic Transmission with SHIFTRONIC®

$21,700


Competitors

Dodge Dart

Dodge Dart is offered with a choice of three engines. The base model gets a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine that produces 160 horsepower,and there is an optional 2.0-liter Tigershark 16-valve engine that also develops 160 horsepower. The top version gets a 2.4-liter MultiAir Tigershark engine that delivers 184 horsepower.

Prices for the Dart start from $15,995.

Mazda3 Sedan

The new Mazda3 sedan is one of our favorite sedans on the market. It is offered with a choice of two engines: a SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine with 155 horsepower and a new SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine with 184 horsepower. Both engines are offered with a standard SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission, while a SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmissions is offered as an option.

The 2014 Mazda3 is priced from $16,945.

Conclusion

With all the changes received for the 2014 model year and the new Sport trim level, the updated Elantra will remain one of the leaders of the market. According to Hyundai it offers considerably more interior room when compared to competitors, plus a trunk volume that beats most of the competitors.