MOTOR RIVALS

As one of Hyundai’s all time best-selling models, the new Elantra enters its sixth-generation building on the momentum and success of its proven award-winning formula and strong value proposition by offering a bold aerodynamic design with sophisticated styling, all-new efficient powertrains for enhanced fuel economy, better ride quality and noise insulation, and comprehensive safety with class-above features.

Chassis

The 2017 Elantra is not only lighter than the outgoing model, but its rigid chassis is now reinforced with 53 percent advanced high-strength steel compared to 21 percent from the previous model, providing improved stiffness at a lower body weight. This increased utilization results in a 29.5 percent stiffer torsional rigidity and 25.3 percent greater bending strength, which bring improvements in vehicle ride and handling, quietness, durability and driving performance. Furthermore, the new Elantra increased structural adhesive application 40 times at higher stress points on the chassis and to reinforce welding areas. A component often found in aerospace applications, these structural adhesives also contribute to improved NVH and vehicle dynamics due to extra stiffness in the chassis. Hyundai engineers focused on these enhancements to develop a more rigid body structure in an effort to target top safety ratings by the IIHS and NHTSA.

Improved ride comfort, handling and stability are achieved through Elantra’s redesigned rear suspension geometry that modifies the angle of the rear shock absorbers and changed the position of the coil springs on the coupled torsion beam axle. Additionally, an increase in rear bushing diameter helps to improve long term durability. Elantra’s front suspension uses an optimally designed McPherson strut with coil springs and gas shock absorbers along with a front stabilizer bar to help reduce body roll when cornering. The standard Motor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS) system instantly adjusts to changing driving conditions for greater precision and steering feel while improving fuel economy. Increased caster provides safe and reliable steering feedback at highway speeds.

Powertrain

For 2017, the new Elantra receives two all-new powertrains designed for improved fuel efficiency and everyday drivability performance. The standard engine available on the base SE and Limited trim is a 2.0-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine producing a peak 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb. ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm (estimated).

• 29 city / 38 highway / 33 combined mpg (internal estimate for 6-A/T).

This 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission (available only on the SE trim) or Elantra’s next generation six-speed automatic transmission. The new automatic transmission helps deliver dynamic performance with an overall 3.3 percent increase in efficiency for optimized fuel economy.

TThe second powertrain is an all-new 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine equipped on the Elantra Eco trim, available in Spring 2016. This engine produces 128 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a robust 156 lb-ft. of torque at a low 1,400 ~ 3,700 rpm and will be mated to an EcoShift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Eco trim is projected to achieve an unsurpassed estimated 35 mpg combined rating based on internal testing.

Safety

A seven airbag system is standard, including a new driver’s knee airbag, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, ABS and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The 2017 Elantra is expected to receive an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA 5-star safety rating.

New for 2017, the Elantra also offers a wide array of advanced safety technologies, often reserved for luxury cars, to provide another defensive safety layer for its passengers beyond the standard safety system. Available Automatic Emergency Braking with class-exclusive Pedestrian Detection is a technology that utilizes both the front forward facing radar and camera through sensor fusion to detect a vehicle or pedestrian, and warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system will apply emergency braking.

Additional Elantra-first safety technologies include available Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist, and a rearview camera, now with dynamic guidance.

Technology

All Elantras come standard with iPhone®/USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM® satellite radio. New for 2017, the Elantra features two advanced infotainment systems beyond the base audio system that perfectly cater to the digitally connected – an available 7.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera, and Hyundai’s next-generation 8.0-inch navigation system. Both multimedia systems are equipped with Android Auto for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, plus any approved smartphone apps.

The 2017 Elantra offers the next-generation Hyundai Blue Link system with enhanced safety, service and infotainment telematics. Blue Link brings seamless connectivity directly into the car with technology like Remote Start w/ Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery.

The Toyota Corolla may be America’s best-selling compact car, but don’t tell rear seat passengers it’s a compact, because Toyota managed to give them the kind of legroom you’d see in a full-size car – 41.4 inches. That’s just one of the many “class above” features that make the Corolla a standout in its segment. The 42-MPG EPA estimated highway fuel economy for the Corolla LE Eco model is yet another.

Powertrain

The Toyota Corolla has been top choice for those seeking high fuel economy for five decades – and through numerous fuel crises and spiking gasoline costs. Toyota’s fuel conservation technology has certainly come a long way since. Today’s Corolla LE Eco CVT is the MPG champ of the line, yet it’s also a strong performer with the highest-powered engine in the line, with 140 horsepower vs. 132 in the other models. And its LE trim is the most popular in the line for its comfort and amenities.

The Corolla LE Eco CVT uses a combination of powertrain technology and aerodynamic elements to achieve exemplary fuel economy. Its exclusive version of the 1.8-liter engine features Valvematic technology, which offers a broader range of continuously variable valve timing (lift and phasing) than even the Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) in the standard Corolla 1.8-liter engine.

The base model Corolla L continues with a choice of a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Aside from the efficient engines used in the 2016 Corolla line, a key factor in higher fuel economy is the available advanced CVTi-S -- Continuously Variable Transmission with intelligence, with the “S” added for “Shift.”

Technology

Toyota’s Entune™ Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite and power tilt/slide moonroof will be available as options.

The 2016 Corolla is equipped with Entune Audio, Entune Audio Plus or Entune Premium Audio and also receives an upgraded 2.5 version of the system, which brings Siri® Eyes Free Mode. And, on the Corolla LE, LE Eco and S models with Entune Audio Plus, Connected Navigation (Scout® GPS Link) is now an option. The App Suite 2.5 adds Slacker Radio for 2016 and replaces Bing with Destination Search.

• Standard USB and iPod® connectivity
• Bluetooth® for hands-free phone control, phone book access and audio streaming
• Entune Audio with multimedia bundle, including a 6.1-inch display screen and six speakers.
• Automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter
• Cruise control
• Upgraded interior trim and 3-spoke steering wheel
• Multi-function in-key remote
• Integrated backup camera with projected path guidelines
• Automatic climate control
• Entune audio with multimedia bundle, 6.1-inch display screen and six speakers  

Safety

High-strength construction sets the foundation for exemplary collision performance in the Corolla which, like all Toyota models, comes equipped with the Star Safety System™. This comprehensive array includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The Corolla also comes equipped with the Smart Stop Technology brake-override system and an electronic tire pressure monitoring system.