I really wanted to write about the next great sport sedan. About how Hyundai had done it, making an affordable, comfortable and stylish alternative to the segment stalwarts.

It’s a shame that it left me a bit cold.

Straight-line performance wasn’t the problem. The 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder comes on boost around 2000 rpm, pulling strong to the redline and making the most of its 201 horses. It doesn’t pack the firepower of the mighty Focus ST or venerable GTI, but delivered through a smooth six-speed manual. It’s certainly enough to make you smile.

No, the issue was the corners. Sure, it cornered well and changed direction swiftly, but that’s not enough. Hot compacts are about bringing you closer to the road, making driving a visceral experience. And the Hyundai Elantra Sport just doesn’t give you that feedback. A GTI on a back road can be a revelation. The Elantra Sport felt merely like a well-sorted car.

If you buy this car thinking of it as a sportier compact car, it delivers. But it isn’t a true dynamic match for the hot hatchback kings.

Source: Tech CNBC
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport review: A lot to like but little to love