By Harvey Schwartz

Hyundai introduces another new model to its existing hot-selling Elantra line with the new Elantra coupe in SE trim.  My test Elantra coupe was painted to the new ‘Blue Sky’ metallic paint to match the blue sky enjoyment that I found during my seven-day test drive.

This new coupe from Hyundai gives young sporty consumers a great bargain price with lots of go, unique styling, a sporty and comfortable interior with the latest in convenient, infotainment and safety systems.  It has it all for a base price of just $20,745.00 for the SE and my test model came with the Technology Package and carpeted floor mats for a total price of just $23,900.00.  I’ll get into the standard equipment and options that made my ride even more fun-to-drive later.

The styling of the Elantra coupe follows Hyundai’s dynamic ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design mantra that imitates the interaction of wind with rigid surfaces to create a look of fluid in motion.  Very few cars some costing above $100,000.00 can match the angular and sexy lines of the Elantra coupe.  Up front is Hyundai’s signature hexagonal wide mouth front fascia opening surrounded with a chrome strip and jeweled swept-back headlights, foglamps down below and aerodynamic power-remote/heated/repeater side mirrors that give the front a lean, more aggressive look.  The silhouette continues the aggressive look with a steeply raked windshield A-pillars and C-pillars, a tapered sloping roof, pull-out door handles, deeply sculpted surfaces and a character line from the end of the flared front fenders all the to the rear lamps.  The side extensions give the car a more hunkered down look with the flared fenders stuffed with 17X7 inch unique alloy wheels wrapped with 215/45R17 inch low-profile performance tires.  From the rear is a blacked-out rear diffuser valance that contrasts with the dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes gathered together under the right side of the bumper.  The wraparound lamp clusters blend in perfectly and just above is an integral deck lid spoiler to help enhance downforce.  These sculpted and sexy surfaces create a very aerodynamic body with a drag coefficient of just 0.28 that results in minimal wind noise entering the cabin and further enhancing fuel economy.

Powering my new Elantra coupe is a PZEV rated 1.8 liter, in-line four-cylinder, all-aluminum, DOHC engine featuring dual continuously variable valve timing (C-VVT) to flatten the torque band.  It generates 145 hp at 6,500 rpm and 130 lb.ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm to quickly move the new Elantra coupe because of its low curb weight, only 2,729 pounds.  This engine also features a variable induction system, roller swing arm and hydraulic lash adjusters, electronic throttle control and an offset crankshaft.

This engine is mated to Hyundai’s in-house designed and manufactured six-speed manual or its six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual mode.  The automatic is what I had to …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Automotive Addicts