2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport priced from $22,485

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Hyundai says its new Elantra Sport will sticker from $22,485 when it hits the market soon as the flagship version of the company's compact sedan lineup.

That $22,485 base price includes a mandatory $835 destination charge. 

More than just a trim level, the new Elantra Sport has its own, more rear suspension and unique tuning to its steering, plus a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine good for 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. While the rest of the Elantra lineup makes due with a low tech torsion beam rear axle, the Sport utilizes a multi-link setup out back.

Additionally, Hyundai says that the Elantra Sport boasts upsized brakes, firmer shocks, and a number of other tweaks designed to give it more sport-oriented handling. Backing up the turbo-4 is a special exhaust system that Hyundai claims is as loud as is permitted by law—an interesting contrast to ever-quieter cars.  

The EPA says that the Elantra Sport's fuel economy will check in at 22 mpg city, 30 highway, 25 combined with the standard 6-speed manual and 26/33/29 with the optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

That base price is for an Elantra Sport with the standard manual. Opt for the 7-speed dual-clutch and you'll pay an extra $1,100.

While the base Elantra Sport is pretty well-equipped for the money with standard Xenon headlamps, a proximity key, and a 7.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, a Premium Package with navigation, a larger infotainment screen, a moonroof, lane departure warning, and Infinity-branded audio adds $2,400. 

That's a starting price about $500 higher than the new Nissan Sentra SR Turbo, which may be the Elantra's most direct rival. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is one of our favorites in this segment that straddles the line between economy and all-out performance, but it's over $28,000 before any options are added on. 

We'll drive the Elantra Sport soon, so stay tuned for our behind-the-wheel impressions. 

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