By Christopher A Sawyer
The Virtual Driver

(November 5, 2016) As VW did with the current generation Jetta when it introduced the GLI model, the Hyundai Sport jettisons the standard car’s inexpensive torsion beam rear suspension for a more expensive and capable multi-link independent design. While they were at it, Hyundai engineers also increased the spring and damper rates, added a rear anti-roll bar, and increased the size of the front bar by 2 mm to 24 mm.

Unlike VW, for whom the Jetta was a price leader at the time, Hyundai didn’t have to swap the rear drum brakes for more powerful discs. Four-wheel disc brakes were already standard on the car, though the front discs on the Sport are one-inch larger at 12 inches.

The other big news in under the hood where Hyundai’s 1.6-liter, direct-injection Gamma turbo engine resides. It produces 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,500-4,500 rpm. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual, with a paddle-shift, seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic available as an option.

Aware that a sport sedan should sound the part, Hyundai modified the intake and exhaust systems. There is less baffling in the airbox, and the intake air pipe is made of an aurally porous material to let more sound seep out from under the hood. Also, the muffler has been tuned to give more snarl both on and off the throttle, and is right at the edge for meeting pass-by sound regulations.

That said, Hyundai claims its intake and exhaust designs, while sportier, are free of the boom and drone that often accompany aftermarket designs.

The exterior is upgraded to reflect the Sport’s performance focus. A black hexagonal grille with “Turbo” badge holds center stage in the unique front fascia that also boasts horizontal LED daytime running lights and a Sport-specific inner housing for the standard HID headlights. The model-specific rear fascia features LED taillights with a unique lighting signature, a bumper diffuser insert, and chrome dual exhaust outlets. Side sill extensions and 18-in. wheels wearing Hankook Ventus S1 Noble performance all-season tires round out the look.

Inside, the Sport receives bolstered heated leather sport seats with red contrast stitching, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, and a black headliner. The Sport-exclusive gauge cluster and alloy pedal covers are part of the package, as is Hyundai’s seven-inch AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM Display Audio unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, proximity key, and pushbutton start.

Order the Premium Package, and this system is replaced by an eight-speaker Infinity premium audio unit, a navigation system with eight-inch touchscreen, dedicated center channel and subwoofer, and BlueLink connectivity suite. It also includes a power sunroof and Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.

Pricing for the six-speed Sport starts at $21,650, and rises to $22,750 with the addition of the seven-speed DCT gearbox. The Premium Package is a $2,400 option, and all modes are subject to an $835 freight charge.

The Virtual Driver