Hyundai released new details this week about changes coming to the Elantra for the 2020 model year. In addition to pricing and safety equipment updates, automatic transmissions are now standard equipment for every trim level.
The new model will only be available with two transmission options: an intelligent variable transmission, or IVT, and a 7-speed dual clutch. Details from the company’s website reveal an expected fuel economy increase across the board for models equipped with the new IVT, although the Eco trim will still be powered by a 1.4L engine running through its 7-speed dual clutch transmission. While the manual transmission option will be missed, especially on the Sport model, there’s plenty of new features to make up for it.
Hyundai’s focus on technology continues to propel the company towards the inclusion of new, standard safety features. Every Elantra for the 2020 model year will come laden with a host of the company’s latest safety tech. Forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assistance and driver attention warning features will be standard as a part of the Hyundai’s line of SmartSense safety technologies.
Besides that, the Elantra remains virtually unchanged from the previous year. The 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is still the standard choice for most trim levels. A more powerful, turbocharged engine option is available on the Sport or GT trim levels, though changes specific to the Elantra GT have yet to be announced. With the company’s investment in sportier models of existing cars, as proven by their N-line performance brand, it is hopeful that the Elantra will retain a manual transmission in some form.
An unfortunate side-effect of so many additions is a price increase. The base model Elantra SE will be valued at $18,950, which is $1,650 more than the previous year. That price jump could obviously be attributed to the deduction of a cheaper manual transmission and the inclusion of standard safety technology. It will be seen if customers think the higher price is worth it, but Hyundai has certainly positioned the car to be competitive in a rapidly developing market.