Car Reviews

The subcompact crossover segment is booming and one of those vehicles leading the charge is the all-new 2018 Hyundai Kona. It's the South Korean brand's answer to consumers looking for that diminutive ride with a little more ground clearance and cargo. Throw in two engine choices, an all-wheel-drive option and a considerably low $20,999 starting price and that might be the winning combination propelling Hyundai to new sales heights.

Aimed for the youth, it all starts with design

Bright colours set the tone for its youthful appeal. The energetic vibe exuding from the Kona shows off a colour spread that includes Tangerine Comet, Blue Lagoon, Phantom Black, and my test colour named Acid Yellow. Sleek LED daytime running lights adds to that 'cool vibe', alongside projector headlights and fog lights; the latter more centred below its signature trapezoidal mesh grille. One of the more standout touches is a polarizing black plastic wing-type insert that hovers over its tires and lights. For the front it covers the headlights, while its rear encompasses its LED taillights in a unique design cue that provides some character, but I can see the unnecessary other side of that coin.

The Acid Yellow treatment (or whatever colour you choose) continues on the inside with accents on its steering wheel, leather seating, air vents and gear shift. Overall, it's a fun environment that has all buttons, scrolls and information in all the right places. The main attraction within the cabin is its top-of-the-line eight-inch infotainment unit (comes standard only in the 1.6T Ultimate trim). The unit is bright, colourful and easy-to-use, and that's all any consumer can ask for.

My test vehicle was treated to a heads-up display, power sunroof, heated steering wheel and wireless charging, but in order to get some of those goodies, a price jump starting at $31,799 is incurred. It's not all extras for the Kona, as it has its fair share of standard equipment on early trim options including heated seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, rear park assist, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

I took the Kona on a return trip from Toronto to Montreal and was fairly comfortable throughout thanks to its cushioned and supportive seating. I can't speak for any rear seat passengers along the journey, but in my short time testing that space, it seemed to have enough headroom and legroom for at least two. The trunk has ample space with 544 litres, while the second row can be folded down for a total of 1,297.

Drive has some spunk

The base Kona comes with a naturally aspirated 147-hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, while the top two trims receive a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder unit with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It's rare to see an engine choice in a compact and Hyundai adds one more exceptional wrinkle with an option of drivetrain configuration (front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive) on the 2.0-litre that's mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard for the turbo engine matched to a sporty seven-speed dual-clutch tranny.

It all sounds fairly sophisticated for such a small unit, but Hyundai is doing its darnedest for the Kona to separate from a muddied pack of compact crossovers. As aforementioned, the 1.6T Ultimate was my stallion and it sure had enough pep in its step when needed, but most importantly a smooth ride while cruising at highway speeds. On long highway drives, a calm and quiet chariot is ideal, and the Kona played its part without feeling the brunt of the many bumps along the way. It was a fun and agile companion when navigating Montreal's city streets providing driving confidence throughout from its direct cornering, steering ease and impressive turning radius.

Even though it had the turbo name, its premium engine was simply adequate. It wasn't the quickest at the jump and slow to move up gears. Perhaps, that should have been expected based on its segment and price. But if I'm feeling this way with the turbo, I can only imagine how the base engine is and that's where the majority of sales should lie. What it lacks in initial speed, it gains in fuel economy with a decent 7.5 L/100 km mostly-highway rating and that is better than its posted ratings of 9.0 in the city and 8.0 on the highway.

Summary

The Hyundai Kona may be the new kid in the subcompact crossover scene, but it just might become the most popular. If its fresh looks don't attract, its drivetrain and engine offerings might, especially at its reasonable price tag.

The timing of the Kona couldn't be better and along with the Nissan Kicks, the two of them might have the same impact on a segment that the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V did a few years back. Now that those latter two models are getting a little old in the tooth, this influx in youthfulness, excitement and connectivity should put the Kona in the minds of all subcompact crossover shoppers.

We check out the 2018 Hyundai Accent and Accent GT at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The Accent is Hyundai's smallest offering in the North American market and competes with the following:

- Ford Fiesta
- Toyota Yaris
- KIA Rio

Kelowna, BC – It seems like each month another automaker rolls out a new alternative powertrain vehicle. It's simply the wave of the future, but one that hasn't caught on in the sales department.

Hyundai is hoping to change that static trajectory with its first dedicated electrified vehicle – the Ioniq. The name sounds a bit futuristic, but this will be one of many new eco models – 28 to be exact between Hyundai, Genesis, and sister brand Kia – by 2020. According to Hyundai CEO and president Don Romano, “we're in this alternative powertrain for the long haul...we don't know what that ultimate solution will be, and it may just be a combination of all.”

And with the Ioniq, it's clear Hyundai isn't putting its eggs in just one basket with three drivetrains: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric. The first two to be released to the public are the hybrid and electric, and those versions were available to test on this exclusive test drive in Kelowna, BC. The plug-in hybrid will be released closer to the end of the year.

It can be tricky to find a mild climate in February, especially in Canada, and that would be the case on the snowy streets of Kelowna after a 20 cms snowfall. Not an ideal setting for an electrified vehicle, but sometimes that's the unexpected way life is, and the one positive it provided was the opportunity for a practical situational weather test.

As much as the Ioniq was built for optimal fuel efficiency, Hyundai made sure that the look and feel of the vehicle would appeal to everyday consumers. Therefore, we see the combination of style and substance that Hyundai is calling 'Visual Aero.'  Both the hybrid and all-electric versions start with a forward-moving aerodynamic silhouette that provides some nice curves and visuals for the hatch, along with a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.24 that is supported by air curtains that divert airflow.

The big difference between the two is found smack dab in its grille. The hybrid sports Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille with rakish horizontal slats, while the electric has the same shape but with the entire grille blacked out. The blacked out look may stand out more, but it's not the better of the two. The hybrid grille simply adds more character to its exterior and provides a better design flow throughout. The electric version does receive its own styling for its bi-xenon headlights and LED taillights.

Without styling, it's hard to break in any new product, but the key to Ioniq is clearly in its powertrains. The hybrid utilizes a new direct-injection 1.6-litre Atkinson four-cylinder engine that produces 104 hp and 109 lb.-ft. of torque that's matched to a six-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) – the same setup found in the new Kia Niro. When combined with a 32 kW electronic motor that's powered by 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery, the total performance of the vehicle ramps up to 139 hp and a whopping 195 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, the hybrid has a world's first consolidated 12-volt battery, which can be accessed when a jump start is needed.

The all-electric version naturally discards the gas engine and runs solely on an 88 kW electric motor in conjunction with a 28 kWh lithium-ion battery and matched to a single-speed reduction gear shifter to a tune of 118 hp and 218 lb.-ft. of torque. The EV can go a fairly long distance, up to 200 km/h on a full charge that takes up to 4.5 hours on a Level 2 charging station and only 30 minutes on a Level 3.

There are several key attributes to the electric system. The first is a battery management system that pre-warms the battery while charging for a 14 percent improvement in quick charge time. Secondly, a new heat pumping system reduces the use of the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning System (HVAC) that allows an increase of 16.1 percent driving range.

The day started in the electric version that was fully charged up and ready to go. Initial acceleration was championed by its instant torque, as it pushed forward in the hotel complex in a quiet and smooth manner. Once hitting the main roads, it was quickly discovered that this drive would be more about traction than gradual coasting. It was a balancing act for an EV drive, as it's rare to press the accelerator to the max, quickly draining the battery in the process. Sport mode is available, and that's a bonus for those moments when the pace needs to be picked up.

With the heating only slightly on, the initial range was lowered to 184 kms, and after a lengthy hour and a half drive, we managed to still have 96 kms left thanks to a sophisticated regenerative braking system that worked effectively when coasting or braking without the typical EV sounds. For more control of the regenerating process, there are paddle shifters on the steering wheel with three levels that controls the aggression of energy recuperation.

From a gas savings perspective, the Ioniq electric did its job as it's officially rated ahead of some heavy hitters in the Chevrolet Bolt, Volkswagen e-Golf and Nissan Leaf with a combined fuel economy of 1.7 Le/100 km. There were some traction issues, as the weight of the battery is found under the second row, so this car wouldn't be the recommended choice during a cold and heavy snowfall for various reasons.

When switching to the hybrid, an entirely different picture was painted. The hybrid possessed plenty of traction, and it didn't just look like a regular gas car, it drove like one as well. The DCT enhances the drive with a more rapid throttle response and overall lively drive that was demonstrated during a handling exercise. The Ioniq hybrid was placed into Sport mode and accelerated briskly to the stopping zone. After that, it was all about its dutiful handling through a slalom with quick reactions to minor steering inputs from its flat-bottomed steering wheel. It didn't carry the overwhelming speed needed for a exhilarating ride, but in the end, it's a hybrid, and that will always be structured to maximize fuel economy over speed. And when you see a combined 4.9 L/100 km fuel economy rating as I did at the end of the drive, you'll understand why and be happy about it.

The drive through the picturesque roads of Kelowna through the vast wineries was pleasant. Very little road noise or vibrations were felt in an overall comfortable ride in a cabin that was neatly organized, comfortable and easily laid out through its seven- or optional eight-inch screen and LCD information screens. Hyundai uses a host of recycled or eco-friendly materials such as sugar cane and powdered wood that doesn't get noticed, which is a win-win for the owner and the environment. The one thing that became a nuisance while driving was visibility. Yes, the snow had an impact on this, but the split rear window was too narrow causing difficulty at certain times along the drive. 

Technology features are abundant throughout the trim lines, but the Ioniq receives a few standards that include heated front seats, a rear view camera, as well as Apple Car Play and Android Auto. For heated rear seats, you need to go up a trim level from the base; while a heated steering wheel is standard on all trims except for the base hybrid. Other safety technology options include Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection.  

Cargo space in all Ioniq versions are similar with a total of 3,474 litres in the hybrid with the second row down, while the electric gets 3,375. Cargo space is identical in the passenger compartment areas, and it only changes in the trunk with the hybrid receiving 100 litres more for a total of 750.

The 2017 Hyundai Ioniq will be on sale shortly at a starting hybrid price of $24,000. Other prices will follow, as the Ioniq attempts to be the value option that competes head-on with the Toyota Prius for its hybrid and the new Chevrolet Bolt when it comes to all-electric. Hyundai will be hoping that its price advantage, multiple powertrain options and large cargo area become a decisive turning point for buyers.

The concentration of sales will clearly be in the provinces of British Colombia, Ontario and Quebec where government incentives can tip the scale in making the electric version max out in Ontario at $14,000 less than the asking price. The hybrid will only receive a $500 break in Quebec, but when the plug-in version arrives that can save up to $8,200.

Global debuts are few and far between at the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) in Toronto, but this year Hyundai will treat visitors with the world premiere of the all-new 2018 Accent. 

The subcompact segment-leading Accent did circles around its competitors in the sales department by more than doubling its closest competitors in the Toyota Yaris, Kia Rio and Nissan Versa. And now for 2018, it should only get better.

Hyundai has released two teaser images and a video that according to the South Korean brand shows off, “a fresh, confident interpretation of the brand's signature design language.” A trimmer makeup appears to be the way Hyundai is going with a slim rear bumper complemented by slim and sporty rear combination lamps. Features that will be retained are its signature cascading grille, as well as its sweeping roofline.

The 2018 Hyundai Accent will be unveiled on February 16 during the media day, and will stay on for the course of the auto show. A live broadcast of the unveiling will be aired on Hyundai's Facebook page.

The Hyundai Elantra is the most important vehicle to the South Korean brand, representing a quarter of its Canadian sales. It would make sense to work off this product and develop variants that can add more flair to the lineup. For 2017, that's exactly what Hyundai has done with the new Elantra Sport.

In a few weeks time, the Elantra Sport will start to make appearances at the dealership level, but before that, Hyundai wanted to provide a host of journalists a sneak peek at this sport-tuned product at a local event, they like to call Hyundai Fun Day.

At this year's Hyundai Fun Day, we had a chance to go on a geocaching adventure with the regular Elantra. It led to a long, but smooth ride throughout the northern parts of Toronto where we can experience both highway and city driving filled with plenty of U-turns.

One of the locations revealed a secret spot to where the Elantra Sport was hiding. We plugged in that address into our mobile device and found ourselves at the Powerade Centre in Brampton, home to the Brampton Beast of the ECHL. An autocross was set-up and each individual would have his/her times posted on a chart. It wouldn't be much time behind the wheel, but enough to whet the appetite for a future week-long drive.

A little about the Elantra Sport

The front-wheel-drive Elantra Sport is powered by a turbocharged,1.6-litre inline-four engine that produces 201 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. There's a choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters, both on hand for this event.

The engine is not the only thing unique about the Sport, as its exterior has gone through its own exclusive changes. First off, the front fascia is more bold and aggressive that creates a confidence stance thanks to its hexagonal sport grille and horizontally-mounted LED lights that sit below its standard HID headlights. In addition, the Sport sits on 18-inch unique aluminum-alloy wheels that's finished off with unique LED taillights and a dual chrome tip exhaust.

The inside tries to reflect its bold image with an interior that adds not just a sporty-tone to it, but a little luxury. The first thing that gets noticed is its flat-bottom leather steering wheel that oozes excitement. The standard leather interior continues throughout complemented by some racing red stitching. Other enhancements include an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, alloy pedals, sport instrument cluster, as well as heated front seats and steering wheel.

The three minutes behind the wheel

This day was all about lapping on an autocross, so as aforementioned there wasn't much time behind the wheel. I was allowed one practice run to learn the track, followed by two timed runs for the competition.

For the practice run, I chose the six-speed manual version and it was smooth from the get-go. I took this run at a medium pace and found it to be very responsive. On the course, there were plenty of quick turns and a slalom that the Elantra Sport mastered with precision and a loud engine noise to make sure all the on-lookers took notice.

After the practice run, I asked which car had gone quicker, and was told that the automatic would be the one to go with. I hadn't been it, so it was worth a shot to get the feel for it.

I hopped in and was ready for the show. However, from my initial takeoff, I noticed a little lag to get moving, something that wasn't the case with the stick shift. After a slow start, I powered off with the same minor steering inputs that allowed me to weave through the course. There were a few times, I had been late on turn, forcing me to brake harder than desired and having to once again pick momentum back up.

My time improved on the second run, but not enough to crack the top-10. It was a valiant effort, but one that I truly feel would have been made better, if I took out the manual for another spin.

Regardless of my results, it was all about having fun, and that's exactly what I accomplished in the Elantra Sport. I look forward to a further test drive on regular roads, but from what I see so far, that added performance will make for a more attractive and fun-filled ride in a package that starts at $24,999.

Super Bowl 50 in San Francisco is only a few days away, and now we have the complete schedule of automaker television spots that will be featured on American tubes. Yes, unfortunately Canadian commercial coverage continues for one more year before we get to see the million dollar American ads.

The lineup for 2016 includes nine automakers: Acura, Audi, Buick, FCA, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mini and Toyota. Most of them feature celebrities and athletes, so let's take a closer look at a few of them before you get to check them out on YouTube after the game. 

Acura will showcase its NSX supercar to the delight of many who've been waiting for years to get their hands on one. Sales start shortly and Acura will take the opportunity to present it to the world featuring Van Halen music.

Hyundai is the new automotive NFL sponsor, so you knew they would have a big spot when it came to the big game. Hyundai will actually have four commercials total throughout the game. Two of them will feature celebrities in Kevin Hart and Ryan Reynolds. Hart plays a meddlesome father that attempts to track his daughter on her first date, while Reynolds attempts to distract a woman driver in various guises.

Kia will utilize Christopher Walken's skills in a spot called “Walken Closet.” It will feature the 2016 Kia Optima and sock puppets performed by Walken.

A first-timer to the Super Bowl party will be Buick. Buick's ad will showcase the Cascada convertible and feature New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. And actress/model Emily Ratajkowski.

The Super Bowl between the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos will begin its coverage this Sunday, February 7 at 6:30 ET on CBS.

Los Angeles, CA – The all-new 2017 Hyundai Elantra was revealed today at the Los Angeles Auto Show. 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 predecessor’s proven, award-winning formula and strong value proposition by offering a bold aerodynamic design, sophisticated styling, an all-new efficient powertrain, better ride quality, improved noise insulation, and comprehensive safety with class-above features.

Assembled in both Montgomery, Alabama and Ulsan, South Korea, the 2017 Elantra distinguishes itself from the compact car class with the addition of segment-first premium convenience and safety technologies, and is expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2017 Elantra will arrive at Hyundai dealers in February and pricing will be announced at a later date.

STRIKING EXTERIOR DESIGN

The new Elantra design projects confidence with sculpted body forms complimented by smoothly contoured lines that reveal the underlying inspiration of Hyundai designers. Inspired by the dynamic precision found in fighter jets, Elantra’s architecture was a perfect platform for collaboration between designers and engineers to blend styling with functional aerodynamics.
From the front, the Elantra is defined by Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille that projects a distinctive character when combined with its modern lighting signatures, including available Adaptive HID headlights and unique vertical LED daytime running lights, which are firsts for Elantra. Elantra’s sporty lower front fascia integrates functional front wheel air curtains, a component that is derived from the Sonata Hybrid that helps manage air flow from the front of the vehicle and around the wheel to minimize wind resistance. In addition, a full underbody cover, an aerodynamic rear bumper bottom spoiler and rear deck lid designed with an expanded trunk edge contribute to an ultra-efficient 0.27 coefficient of drag, better than the Nissan Leaf.

Elantra features a sleek body-side character line that accentuates a sweeping side window silhouette and striking side profile that is slightly elongated with its increased overall length. Available premium features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, all-new LED door handle approach lights, side mirror LED turn signal indicators and LED taillights with high tech graphics add a level of sophistication and detail to this compact sedan. Elantra’s overall length has increased by 20mm, with width and height up by 5mm.

MODERN INTERIOR DESIGN

On the inside, Elantra’s “fighter jet” inspiration continues with a modern driver-oriented design that is optimized for intuitive control, improved interior roominess, high-quality materials and premium technology features. The contemporary interior design integrates premium soft-touch materials in key points and high-tech details to create an inviting and comfortable environment for all passengers.

The wide instrument panel provides a feeling of spaciousness and is available with a new 4.2-inch colour TFT LCD instrument display. The rest of the center stack is laid out in a horizontal design with buttons and controls logically grouped by function, and a slight seven degree ergonomic tilt towards the driver. Available premium convenience features such as a segment-first memory system for the power driver seat and side mirrors, heated steering wheel, dual automatic climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror further enhance driving comfort, as does a new driver seat. The driver seat features a high-tension, lightweight seat frame for improved performance against collisions and a multi-firmness seat pad to help reduce driver fatigue over long distances.

In fact, all Elantra seats are made with SoyFoam, an environmentally friendly seating foam that substitutes hydroxyl-functionalized soybean oil for petroleum based products. For added comfort and convenience, passengers enjoy standard heated front seats and available heated rear seats with a versatile 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Elantra also offers class-above total interior volume with improved rear headroom and legroom. At 3,120 L of total interior volume, the 2017 Elantra is classified as a Midsize car, which is a class above Mazda3, Ford Focus and some premium models.

In addition to passenger comfort, improving interior cabin noise insulation and reducing road noise were top development priorities for Hyundai engineers. To reduce engine sound a hood insulator is now available on core Elantra trims. Engineers also reduced the aperture size in the front dash panel by 25 percent, increased the thickness of the front door and rear window glass, and added sound absorption materials in all pillars, inner fenders and floorpan. In an effort to further improve NVH characteristics, engineers also applied rubber bushings to the front sub-frame and reinforced the lower control arm.

REFINED & RESPONSIVE CHASSIS

The 2017 Elantra’s rigid chassis is now reinforced with 53 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel (up from 21 percent). This increased utilization results in a 29.5 percent improvement in torsional rigidity, which helps make fundamental improvements in vehicle ride and handling, quietness, and durability. The all-new Elantra features strategic use of structural adhesives for improved safety. Compared to the previous model, the 2017 Elantra has increased structural adhesives by forty times those found in the previous model. Special attention was placed at higher stress points on the chassis and reinforced welding areas, all 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 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 standard 22.0 mm diameter 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.

NEW EFFICIENT POWERTRAIN

For 2017, the all-new Elantra receives a new powertrain designed for improved fuel efficiency and everyday drivability performance. The all-new 2.0-liter “Nu” MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb. ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm (est.). It is the only Atkinson cycle engine to be combined with multi-port injection in the compact class.
This Atkinson cycle type engine reduces pumping loss by delaying the close timing of the intake valves in the compression point, therefore maximizing the expansion ratio. The greater expansion ratio is more efficient by allowing additional energy to be used as mechanical energy – this results in a 1.6 percent improvement in fuel economy. Other enhancements include intermediate valve cam phasing which increases the operating area of the intake valve and results in a 0.7 percent increase in fuel economy. High energy ignition coils are also adopted to increase fuel economy 0.7 percent through increasing spark energy from 30mJ to 80mJ. An electronically controlled thermostat is also new to decrease friction and allows the thermostat opening at a higher temperature which increases fuel economy by 0.4 percent. Finally, piston cooling jets are added to cool down the piston by spraying oil at the lower position of the piston resulting in a 0.3 percent fuel economy improvement. Fuel consumption estimates will be released at a later date.

This 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine is paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a new six-speed automatic transmission. The new automatic transmission helps deliver dynamic performance with an overall 4.4 percent increase in efficiency for optimized fuel economy. A new valve body improves gear shift responsiveness and control, while a 34 percent reduction in oil pump size aids in improving operating efficiency. A multi-clutch torque converter is also a new addition that allows more control over lock-up. Finally, piston resistance and friction is minimized by adopting double angular ball bearings.

In addition, all Elantra trims are equipped with the new Drive Mode Select feature which adjusts both powertrain performance and steering calibration, allowing the driver to customize the driving character by selecting from three modes: Eco, Normal or Sport, by simply touching a button on the center console.

COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY

In addition to the strengthened chassis, the 2017 Elantra makes structural improvements to the front side members which are now a hexagonal design and the dash-to-cowl connection has also been reinforced. The front apron to the A-pillar now features a straight and continuous load path and has hot stamping applied. B-pillar assemblies feature local softening hot stamping that starts with a reinforcement section (150kgf grade) and then transitions into a softening section (100kgf grade) to help absorb side impact forces. The rear doors also feature dual impact beams. A seven airbag system is standard, including a new driver’s knee airbag, along with Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, and ABS. The 2017 Elantra is expected to receive top marks from the IIHS and NHTSA.

New for 2017, the Elantra also offers a wide array of advanced safety technologies, often reserved for luxury cars, to provide another layer of protection for passengers beyond the standard safety system. Available Autonomous Emergency Braking with class-exclusive Pedestrian Detection is a technology that utilizes both front forward facing radar and camera 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. Lane Keep Assist uses a forward-facing camera to detect lane markings and will alert the driver if the vehicle drifts outside without signaling. The system will apply corrective steering assistance if necessary, and is another active safety tool to assist Elantra drivers and help prevent collisions.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES

The 2017 Elantra truly advances ahead of the compact car class with innovative technology that enhances driver confidence and convenience, without the premium price. Another segment-exclusive feature, Hand-Free Proximity Trunk, allows drivers to conveniently open their trunk if their hands are full by simply approaching the rear of the vehicle with the key fob in a purse or pocket. An audible beep will sound three times, and the trunk will automatically open.

The new Elantra enhances the driver experience with an available Adaptive HID headlight system, that turn-in with the direction of the steering wheel for better night time visibility and safety. Elantra’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) makes highway and long distance driving more comfortable. Using a radar sensor mounted on the lower front grille, the ACC system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead in varied traffic conditions by automatically adjusting vehicle speed as needed. Vehicles equipped with ACC also gain the additional function of High Beam Assist which automatically dims the high beams when approaching vehicles are detected.

For years, there's been debate of a separate premium Genesis-line from Hyundai. Hyundai even created a separate Genesis winged badge, instead of the regular Hyundai H.

The rumours have swirled, and now it looks like the South Korean-brand is ready to make the move to create that standalone company. According to Reuters, in an announcement expected to come out Wednesday, the premium company Genesis will take the first steps in a launch in order to boost profitability.

Hyundai has declined to comment, but the report suggests that Genesis will have a lineup that includes the flagship Equus, and a possible midsize SUV to be added to the lineup by 2019. The distribution of the luxury brand will still take place at Hyundai dealerships, at least for now.

“A small line of upscale products is going to be sold under the Genesis brand name,” one of the unidentified Hyundai representatives told Reuters. “It’s not a physically separated brand with its own channel...setting up a separate channel of Genesis stores carries too much risk.

A few years ago, Hyundai was quick to dismiss any standalone brand at the time or in the future, but a strong Korean won seems to be the driving force behind this decision. Currently, the currency diminishes revenue on cars sold outside of Korea.