New Cars for 2017: Hyundai
Elantra: Sharply updated inside and out, this new four-door sedan made its debut this year as an early 2017 model. Its stiffened chassis is motivated by two new engines, including a 147-hp 2.0-liter four that’s bolted to either a six-speed manual (only available in SE trim) or a six-speed automatic. The Eco model’s go parts include a turbocharged 128-hp 1.4-liter mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto returns 40 mpg on the highway. In our testing, it was actually quicker than the standard model. See test ››
Ioniq (shown above): This new sedan isn’t Hyundai’s first foray into electrified transportation, but the Ioniq is the company’s biggest challenge yet to the likes of Prius and Volt. On one platform, Hyundai will produce a conventional hybrid using a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and a 43-hp electric motor; a plug-in hybrid that adds a significantly larger lithium-ion battery for EV-only driving; and an electric-only version with a 28-kWh lithium-ion battery and an estimated driving range of 110 miles. The engines of both hybrids are mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Each version of the Ioniq has slightly different styling details, but all use the same basic four-door-hatchback envelope with a drag coefficient of 0.24. Hyundai claims that it will be the Ioniq’s fun-to-drive character that will help differentiate it from competitors. The hybrid and electric versions will go on sale at the end of this year, the plug-in next fall. See official photos and info ››
Santa Fe/Sport: Both the three-row Santa Fe and the two-row Santa Fe Sport get the ol’ facelift treatment with new front and rear fascias and the always-important addition of LED clusters. Both models also come with a host of new driver-assist items (rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking) as well as new convenience features. Hyundai also has retuned the Sport’s two four-cylinder options for slightly improved fuel economy and added a mode selector with sport, eco, and normal settings to all powertrains. See test ››
Minor trim changes: Accent, Elantra GT, Veloster
Unchanged: Azera, Sonata/hybrid, Tucson
Dead: Equus, Genesis
