The Hyundai Elantra and Sonata get some snazzy design updates
There’s an all-wheel-drive option for the Sonata, as well
The compact Elantra and midsize Sonata were already two of Hyundai’s best designs, but wow, these updated versions are even sharper. Making their US-spec debut this week, Hyundai’s sleek sedans get a few little nips and tucks that keep ‘em fresh-faced and modern, while a few mechanical tweaks should make these four-doors even better to drive. Good things, all around.
Starting with the smaller Elantra, the biggest change is found up front, where the previously oh-god-it’s-gonna-eat-me gaping fascia has been redesigned to be quite a bit cleaner, with slimmer headlamps and more handsomely styled air intakes. There’s a new diffuser around the back, as well, in addition to restyled 15-, 16-, 17-, and 18-inch wheel designs, depending on the model.
The Elantra is still available with 2.0-liter naturally aspirated or 1.6-liter turbo engines, in addition to a gasoline-electric hybrid setup. The feisty Elantra N carries over, too, with its potent 2.0-liter turbo I4, and Hyundai says the N has an improved steering tune and some small suspension enhancements, none of which should change this car's firecracker demeanor. At least, we hope.
The larger Sonata's styling changes are more obvious. The new front end has a completely different lighting design and a larger grille opening, and it sort of looks like what we've seen on the refreshed Kona SUV.
There’s an all-wheel-drive option for the Sonata, as well
www.topgear.com