NEW FOR 2015:
– GLS receives 2.0-litre GDI engine as standard
– Tech Package is now standard on Limited.
Hyundai’s most popular car carries over for model year 2015 with two changes: the mid-grade GLS now receives the more powerful 173-hp 2.0 GDI engine, and the Limited trim level now receives the former Tech Package’s navigation, 7.0-inch display audio system, six-speaker premium audio system and proximity key with push-button start as standard equipment.
With near as makes no difference a quarter million Elantras sold since this generation went on sale in 2011, the swoopy compact is without a doubt one of the company’s strongest success stories. As with all Hyundais, this one comes with plenty of standard equipment, a good warranty, and some unexpected niceties including available heated rear seats and a power-operated eight-way adjustable driver’s seat. It may not be a shining star in terms of ride, handling, or even NVH as with some vehicles in this highly competitive segment, but for most compact car shoppers it’s good enough.
The Elantra is available with two engines. The L and GL use a 1.8-litre engine with 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque; both feature a six-speed manual as standard, while the GL can be fitted with an optional six-speed automatic. The automatic comes standard on the Sport Appearance Package. The GLS and Limited get a bigger, more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder that makes 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. The GLS can be had with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic; the range-topping Limited gets the autobox as standard.
L trim features include 15-inch steel wheel with wheel covers, six-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with iPod, USB and aux-in jacks, power locks, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, Driver Selectable Steering, dual heated power mirrors, body colour mirrors and door handles, sunglass holder, tilt steering column, dual 12-volt power outlets, hill-start assist control, power windows with driver’s auto-down, 60/40 split folding rear seat with rear-seat armrest, sunvisors with vanity mirrors, and a trip computer.
GL adds 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, automatic headlights, Bluetooth hands free phone system, heated front seats, keyless entry system with alarm, air conditioning, satellite radio, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, and telescopic steering wheel.
Sport Appearance adds six-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear-view camera, extending sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, fog lights, and power sunroof.
GLS adds cloth door inserts, heated rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob.
Limited adds 17-inch alloy wheels, six-speed automatic transmission, eight-way power driver’s seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror with garage door opener, chrome beltline molding, chrome exterior door handles, chrome interior door handles, dark chrome lower front grille, deluxe door sill plates, deluxe sliding front centre armrest, dual-zone automatic temperature control, hood insulator, leather upholstery, leatherette door inserts, mirror-mounted turn signal indicators, power windows with driver’s auto up/down and pinch protection, solar glass, projection headlights with LED accents, LED taillights, 7.0-inch touch-screen navigation system, and proximity key with push button start.
