2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco
2017 Hyundai Elantra EcoFirst Drive Review
In 2011, the fifth-era Hyundai Elantra touched base with weapons bursting. It had swoopy, out-there styling, an amazing rundown of elements, and a 40-mpg EPA thruway rating that topped a large number of its reduced auto rivals. Hyundai even bragged that those mileage numbers didn't require any kind of exceptional bundle to accomplish
Not Messing Around This Time
After that humiliating calamity, you can expect that Hyundai twofold and triple-checked its math with the new 6th era Elantra. The standard rendition of this updated minimal, with a 2.0-liter actually suctioned four-barrel, accomplishes up to 29/38 mpg city/roadway as indicated by the EPA—focused numbers, yet not class-driving. To accomplish that subtle and exceptionally critical 40-mpg interstate number, Hyundai expected to bring more compelling measures with another efficiency centered model, the Elantra Eco. Not at all like a few other proficiency bundles that depend on ultra-low-moving resistance tires and little streamlined changes to squeeze out those additional miles per gallon, the Elantra Eco takes after the same methodology as the Sonata Eco average size car and gets a complete powertrain transplant.
In the engine of the Elantra Eco is another 1.4-liter turbocharged four-barrel motor. This direct-infused unit is not only a littler adaptation of the 1.6-liter "Gamma" turbo four utilized as a part of the Sonata Eco and the Tucson hybrid, and it wears its own "Kappa" moniker to demonstrate it. Power, at 128 strength, is down 19 from the actually suctioned "Nu" 2.0-liter, however torque ascends by 24 lb-ft, up to 156 lb-ft, and is accessible from as low as 1400 rpm. The Eco additionally swaps out the standard Elantra's routine torque-converter six-speed programmed for a seven-speed double grasp programmed for faster moves and enhanced effectiveness.
On paper, the Eco's powertrain is totally free of bargains. Hyundai says it gives faster zero-to-60-mph speeding up than the 2.0-liter, and the EPA rates it at an essentially higher 32/40 mpg city/interstate. Sounds like a win-win.
Sparkles in the Real World
What's more, it is. We found the middle value of a noteworthy 42 mpg on a 115-mile course including expressways, byways, and a touch of nearby driving. That is with the ventilating on and with no kind of hypermiling procedures. What's more, while we don't have official testing numbers quite recently yet, the Eco additionally feels a considerable measure faster than the 2.0-liter Elantra, because of its solid midrange torque conveyance and the for the most part quick, consistent movements from the double grasp programmed. The smooth and calm 1.4T is a pleasant motor, as well; it feels more refined than the new Honda Civic's louder and grittier 1.5-liter turbo four, despite the fact that the Civic nets a higher EPA expressway rating of 42 mpg, as does the 1.4-turbo-fueled Chevrolet Cruze.
Our one second thought with the powertrain is the transmission's inconvenient low-speed conduct. Hyundai still needs to adjust this transmission. The blend of dull quickening agent reaction, a moderate to-draw in first apparatus, and a touch of turbo slack implies that the auto can in some cases reel disagreeably or shiver when moving in parking garages or inching forward in activity. Once you're past 15 mph or somewhere in the vicinity, the jerkiness vanishes. Given the powertrain's solid execution by and large, it's an exchange off we're willing to make—in spite of the fact that we're not certain standard customers less experienced with this transmission sort will be as excusing.
Indeed, even along these lines, the Elantra Eco is fulfilling to drive in most different situations, just about Volkswagen-like in its strength and planted mien. The tight, 195-arrangement Nexen tires screech effectively when pushed as far as possible, yet body control is great and the adjusted body stays made even under hard cornering. The Eco's little 15-inch haggle bundle additionally offers a more agreeable ride than the Elantra Limited and its 17-inch bundle with shorter sidewalls. Numb, overboosted controlling is the main genuine element disappointment, and it keeps the Elantra Eco from being very as sharp and diverting as the Honda Civic or the Mazda 3.
Eco Is the Elantra to Have and Price
So if the Elantra Eco's motor and transmission give such awesome execution, why doesn't Hyundai introduce this powertrain in each form of the Elantra? Expense and generation limitations are the main contemplations, as the 1.4T and the double grip programmed must be sent from South Korea before they're introduced in the Elantra at Hyundai's gathering plant in Montgomery, Alabama. The standard actually suctioned 2.0-liter, interestingly, is inherent Alabama and sets with a less intricate (and less expensive to deliver) six-speed torque-converter programmed.
In spite of this, the Elantra Eco summons just a little value premium. It comes as a solitary, very much prepared model that, at $21,485, is just $400 more than a correspondingly furnished Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment and Tech bundles. Pretty much all that we'd need in a minimal vehicle, for example, blind side cautioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto bolster, programmed atmosphere control, a reinforcement camera, keyless section and push-catch begin, and warmed seats—is incorporated. None of the Elantra's rivals presently offer that brush