2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport // Finding the 'Sport' in this Civic Si rival.. 

This video was a significant reason why I purchased my 2018 ES 6MT. Thanks, guys. A day hasn’t gone by where I haven’t been completely head over heels in love with my car. 👍🏼

Got my 2018 fully loaded, nav, infinity sound, 8in screen, DCT, moonroof, 12 miles on the odometer for $20,600 OTD in America. Impossible to beat that deal with any other car. And I love it.

I brought our Blazing Yellow Elantra Sport from Toronto all the way to the famous "Tail of The Dragon" in North Carolina. This car, bone stock on that road is probably the most fun I have EVER had in a car. Not once did I ever feel that the car was lacking in either suspension or power. I was pushing the car, no doubt about it. What lacked for me is the stock tires and brakes are not up to the level required to push the car at 10/10. I will say that the lack of a LSD really didn't bother me at any point, I was able to put the power down early and often. Any slip I detected probably could have been solved with just a stickier tire compound. Of course it's never a negative to HAVE an LSD, but this car never had me "wishing" for one particularly either. Great review, always love watching a well shot blazing Yellow Elantra Sport in some twisties.

Absolutely one of the best reviews. I love buttons and knob. We don't need to be distracted by searching through menus to find the simplest functions.

“The car doesn’t sound very good. It’s definitely lacking in that department”? You won’t hear those words spoken from an actual ES owner.

intake noise and pops.. cool for this little elantra

Got a 2018 Elantra Sport. Love it. SXTH element engineering makes a rear sway bar that wakes the car up. Best mod to date that I've done.

Bought my ES in July. The car is incredibly fast and likes to sit around 5-10 miles higher than the speed limit with very little pedal pressure. Having tons of fun with the car.

I've driven two generations of these. These are well made and has so much value for the price. I had close to 200,000 miles before I traded it in but it ran perfectly.

This looks like a bit of a back-to-basics kind of car. Good tuner like cars from the 90's. The physical controls would make this car so much nicer to live with too. Nice review!

3:52 I love how raspy the exhaust sounds on this car. Sounds better then alot of four cylinders.

I can see Hyundai was starting to get serious with this Elantra. independent rear suspension for the sport model only was the sign. Now 5 years later, they are KILLING it with their N division.

My car has the same color lol. Been driving this car since April 2017. Around 62000km on the meter right now. It's really a good car to drive. This is the type of car that makes you happy while driving it. Btw if you put the back seats down it can fit a 55" tv 😁

Hyundai rhymes with Sunday.

Impressive production quality. Subscribed.

This guy nailed this review, meaning I agree with him.

Pre-James video. Thomas, you have done a great job with this show. I wish you guys the best. I'm in Phoenix and can run a full production crew if you're ever down this way and need a videographer. 13 years of experience in TV.

I love the look of this Elantra Sport! I wanted that instead of the GL version I got. Here's a little Easter egg: A ecu re-tune will give this model 260HP :o) which puts this car in a different category all together.

This is the video where I subbed to this channel. Congrats on 2M

As a driver who always prefers heavier, more planted, precise steering (and therefore handling) in all of my cars/SUVs, that’s why I still prefer the new Honda Civic Si to a Hyundai Elantra Sport and Veloster Turbo. And very few things in this price point compare to the engineering brilliance of a Honda’s manual transmission shifter (Subaru and Toyota’s shifters can’t even compare). But if you’re someone who unfortunately can’t drive a manual transmission day to day needing an optional Dual Clutch Automatic Transmission, want heated steering wheels, and covet leather seats this is definitely a reasonable choice and worthy rival. Especially for the price.

I got a 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport,,great gas,,,car,,fun ...6 manual !

Great review, I think you covered it really well. I have a '17 Elantra Sport and I absolutely love it!

I'm not going to lie, even thought the interior might not feel 100% premium, on video it looks so clean and well laid out. The dark theme all acrossed with a simple layout is something more cars need, this stupid trend with all LCD controlled interior is getting too ridiculous and if they really want to help people from driving into a wall while they find the volume menu for the radio on their 10" inch tablet display, this is what we need again.

A reviewer that understands that this car loves the back roads ... I keep the traction on all the time unless I want to take of hard from the lights so i never have wheel slip in the corner the car is really driver friendly also I run 93 octane help pretty much kills and lag . car is run even does good in the snow . But it does need better sound from the tail pipe other than love my 17 elantra sport

I may have found a new review channel; pleasantly surprised. I like the candid approach and personal feelings/thoughts and not just a regurgitation of the sales/marketing brochure - those reviews have their place...I like this format better.

If it had a limited slip diff I would take it over the Civic SI. The Civic looks so ugly that I would not buy the SI. After watching your reviews, each time I find myself thinkng, you are just an amazing review. Love his you talk about the heel toe pedal placement. Definelty agree with your take.

The Hyundai Elantra Sport, Hyundai Veloster Turbo, and Kia Forte GT are going to be sporty performance bargains along with the Honda Civic Si. Wish Toyota, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Mazda would get their heads out of their arses to smell the roses.

Elantra sport vs civic si track comparison would be interesting

This was my favorite version of the elantra.

Since you can't get this in 2020, do you think the Kia Forte GT manual filled this position or should I consider the Elantra GT N-Line hatchback in manual? I really liked the 2020 Civic SI I drove last week but am somewhat concerned about the Honda 1.5t and the fact that the SI does not have a spare tire! Also I hear the paint quality and assembly gaps on the exterior can be bad. I like the looks of a GTI but I don't know about long term ownership maintenance expenses.

You know, maybe it’s just me, but who drives their car 90% of the time without any music playing?? I hear so many reviewers talk about road noise, engine drone at certain speeds, or exhaust notes quite often. But in reality, if you turn the music up just 1/4 or even 1/2 the way, your problems are solved... This is a really simple concept to me. Granted, I do ride with no music sometimes, but I know the price range of the car I bought (base 2011 Elantra). So petty things like that do not irk me. Idk lol

Sounds good. It changes next year to an all-new Elantra. What color is this car?

Great review! In your opinion what's the best compact car that's practical, fuel efficient, and fun to drive?

The engine comes alive and far more responsive in "sport" mode. The suspension stiffens, the transmission changes the shift intervals on the automatic model, as well as changes the tuning on the engine as well. Makes a huge difference in how the car handles over all.

I drive on those backroads all the time! Would be cool to meet up with Thomas sometime. One of my favourite Canadian auto journalists

Is this before James? 🤯🤯🤯

I love this color for the car, not available here in the U.S. Reminds me of the color on the E46 M3. I bought a CPO 18' Elantra Sport the day before St. Patricks day this year, traded in my 2013 Abarth and although I loved that car, THIS makes me not miss it one bit, love the power and my Abarth was modded out pretty well too. I see some mods for this car in the future, JUST LOVE THIS CAR!

If I wasn't looking at it... Hyundai sounds like Flat-6 Porsche

Too much nit picking but overall a decent review! This beats the shit outta the competition: Price, value, warranty, driveability, quality, etc. Step back, LQQK at the BIG picture, and get a grip. I purchased a new 2019 Sport 4 days ago, the DCT version, and I love it.

A catch can, a tune and an eventual LSD on the front would make this car amazing.

This video was executed beautifully. Keep up the great work!

Its a great car and verry fun amd the interioir its great ... coming from an si owner

9th gen (2015) Honda Civic Si > 2018 Hyundai Elantra Sport > 2017 Hyundai Veloster > 2018 Toyota Corolla. The latest civic is either a love or hate relationship. This list is based off looks and design. Not actual engine engineering.

I got the 2017 EX-T with Sensing, which basically cost as much as the Elantra Sport. To be honest, part of me wishes I waited a bit longer for this car.

Is that color not available in the US? I can't chose it on the build Hyundai site. I'd def consider that color but right now I'm at an energy Green 2018 civic coupe.

Love the car however your “ tick of lag” between shifts is a little too much for me. I’m not interested in big gains just want to know which tune fixes this?

What is your recommendation on Hyundai sports 2016 model. I am planning to buy one.

Great tuner car.

Damn this car looks way nicer than the Civic si and costs much less. I'm sold.

You don't need to go Sport trim with Mazda. They all are sporty and have all necessary driving characteristics of a decent car even in the base model.

But do you guys think it will be as dependable as the civic si for long term use?

I was shocked when I started the video and didn't hear; "and I'm James!"

Best channel ever

I wish it had zero chrome on the body and grille. Black it all out. Would look 80% better.

interesting to see how it would do with some modifications

I own a 2018 Elantra Sport. I never have owned a Civic Si, but I did lease a 2016 Civic EX-T prior to buying my Elantra and I must say, I like the Elantra more. Unfortunately, both of my vehicles have been automatic and that was immediately my biggest regreat after buying my Elantra, however, even in an automatic variation (which the Si does not offer to my knowledge, I could be wrong though), the EX-T has a CVT transmission which is fun also, but the Automatic Elantra Sport comes with a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Automated Manual Transmission, with slap shift and paddle shifters. 10/10 love my Elantra more than I ever did my Civic.

Hyundai is going to a good direction......good to see

do the Veloster N when available. i am at a crossroads between getting this right now or waiting for the veloster N when it drops.

Okay.....it's pronounced "Hun-dye"..... not "Hi-undye". Very informative review and I actually like this color as much as I do my Electric Blue on my 2017 Limited....I just wish I was able to get the manual 6speed when I first got mine-they told me that the closet availability would be the 6 speed auto w/ slap-stik....it looks like you had a great time with the 6spd manual....👍👍👍👍

I like my 2018 model, better than my civic si 2007, although that car was good sold it with 325,000 km's and still would've gotten another 200,000 km..let's see if this one lasts that long in my hands tho. But love the ride and it's sharp. Lots of compliments

This is still better looking car than Elantra N Line

the hell with you, hyundaiUSA. Bring i30N and ill be happy.

One too many syllables in your pronunciation of Hyundai.

Great value sedan, especially compared to the GT sibling. Great warranty as well.

Hope this will be available in Manila.

Some people want it quiter 😳 some people want a louder exhaust in the cab

Just needs a LSD and AWD or Ability to switch powertrain to RWD... Daily Sports Killer Car.

Would you take this or the Elantra GT Sport?

Only thing that irks me is the big front grill.

fuaaaa, mirin the Armin Van Buren track

Too many "not soo much" in this car. Interior is doomy. I see what hyundai tried to do - make dark theme inside. Sort of like "night edition". Only it didn't worked. It feels low grade, rental. One thing reviewers often don't describe is tactile feel of switch gear. And Hyundai is one of not many manufacturers that still use en-mass some of the worst controls. The handbrake feels flimsy. Try Mazda handbrake (if you find one). It is substantial and feels solid. Toyota and Subaru seem fixed this issue. I didn't like the clutch in this car. Too light and uptake is too early. And personally, I would make leather seats optional - I and many people, like fabric. In fact, Si seats are so pleasant, fabric seats. I would take this over Si on many points but main is the price. This can be had for price of Civic LX

So many Civic fanboys in the comments. It's literally the same exact performance as a Civic Si with the same reliability and quality.

This or the Kia Forte GT?

Gotta learn to pronounce the auto maker's name when you do a review. "hyundai", like "Sunday"!

Is the car yellow or green?

I can't decide between this and the new velosters that got released. gotta make a decision in september.

Can you get an aftermarket LSD?

Elantra N is the future here. Great chassis to throw that new engine in to.

it looks great. and the color is amazing as well.

Trick to heel-toe this car.. don't use the heel and toe... you can use side/side of the foot..

Hyyyuhhhhnndaaiii Elaaaaaantra

Thomas... I just posted a 40,000km review on my 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport 1.6T 6MT in Blazing Yellow. I'm happy to report its been perfect and a fun car to drive and play around with. Stay healthy! 😁

Civic Turbo rival really

I tested this car and found it cramped with an uncomfortable seat. To boot, the fuel economy was pretty bad in the manual trans.

Oh come on, I like the car design but the disentery yellow? Please...

201 hp on premium or super?

Is there any option to tune down its suspension and overall sportyness to have a better fuel economy while driving in city??

What do people think of this color?

there is a knob for volume hahahaha，seems you hate new civic so much😂😂

No limited slip or adaptive dampeners.

Hyundai needs to quit playing with these small turbo engines. Upgrade the Elantra Sport to the 2.0T like the Sonata!!

I've got the exact same Elantra Sport in the same colour. Best car you can get for under $30k.

Love my es

I own the basic Elantra and the Si in a two door is way better looking.

Impossible to find the sport :(

Hey guys just leased a 2020 Elantra sport fully loaded,, keyless entry and all the goodies,,but I'm having steering issues,,once and a while,,I only have 400 miles on it and was wondering if anyone else has any kind of issues with the steering?? Any response would be appreciated,, before I bring it back to the dealership.

It's not a German motor it's Korean

The Honda Civic Si is the best performance, the best fuel economy, the best manual transmission and the best value after 5 years etc

Is it Hyundai or Hyundai??

I’d take the si.