2017 HYUNDAI
Luxury spinoff is just part of what’s new
NEW & NOTABLE
Genesis: The most exciting thing happening at Hyundai in 2017 is a great example of addition by subtraction. The flagship Hyundai Genesis sedan and ultra- luxury Hyundai Equus are no longer considered Hyundai models. Instead, Hyundai has created the Genesis luxury brand — and, like many others in the industry, it will separate its core brand from its luxury brand. The first model will be an Equus- based Genesis G90.
Elantra: The new 2017 Elantra is a sleek, chiseled sedan that gets heavy revisions inside the cabin and under the hood. The exterior design calls for a larger grille, aggressive side panel lines and a more overall athletic feel. Two new engines grace the option sheet with a 147- horsepower, 2.0- liter I- 4 that’s mated to either a six- speed manual ( only available in SE trim) or a six- speed automatic. The Eco model offers a turbocharged 1.4- liter ( 128 horsepower) that’s mated to a seven- speed dual- clutch automatic that promises 40 mpg highway. A stiffened chassis adds to the performance handling and overall improved ride.
Ioniq: Taking on the establishment built by leaders Prius and Volt, the Hyundai Ioniq is a conventional hybrid using a 1.6- liter four- cylinder engine and a 43- horsepower electric motor. If you like, a plug- in hybrid adds a larger lithium- ion battery for EV- only driving, while an electric- only version coming in the fall will offer a 28- kilowatt- hour 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 shell.
Santa Fe: New front and rear fascia that grace the venerable two- seat Santa Fe Sport and three- row Santa Fe models are merely the first of many improvements. Both models offer new driver- assist items ( rear- view 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.
OTHER VEHICLES
Minor changes: Accent, Veloster No changes: Azera, Sonata, Tucson