First Look | 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport unveiled in D.C.

Today, Hyundai held a lunch meeting and presentation with the Washington Automotive Press Association, where a few dozen automotive journalists from the Washington, D.C. – Baltimore area gathered.

The luncheon was meant to provide a ride and drive opportunity to regional media of the Elantra Eco; however, guests were met with an additional surprise when Mike Evanoff, Manager of Product Planning, introduced the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport.

The meeting served as the official North American unveiling of the brand’s now liveliest four-door compact offering. Hyundai issued a press release making the announcement in conjunction with the meeting.

With a 1.6 Turbo gas-direct injection (GDI) engine, the new Elantra Sport shares an engine with the Veloster three-door hatchback, but will likely attract a buyer with different preferences. Placating to those who love running through the gears, this Elantra lets you pick either a manual or an automatic dual-clutch transmission. Inside, red stitching accents a performance-minded black interior. Similar to styling found inside similar compact sports sedans, front driver and passenger seats receive an embroidered “Sport” treatment.

Earlier this year, we drove the 2017 Elantra Eco and Limited outside San Diego. We have to say that the car impressed us. Today, journalists didn’t get an opportunity to drive the 2017 Elantra Sport — a media launch event has been planned for later this year — but the improvements in suspension, combined with nearly 400 feet of structural adhesives (and what we know about the existing Elantra), give us an inkling that this car will be tuned to perform well in future road tests.

Enjoy these photos from the North American reveal of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport