2023 Hyundai Sonata Se on 2040-cars

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2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI vs. sport compact sedans: How they compare on paper

Hot hatchbacks may be stealing the headlines, but they're not the only way to get cheap speed. There are actually a number of small sporty sedans on the market, too, in case you want that more formal roofline. The recently revealed 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI highlighted these vehicles, so we figured we'd take a look at the specifications and see how they compare to each other. Our contenders are the aforementioned VW, along with the 2019 Honda Civic Si, 2019 Subaru WRX and 2019 Hyundai Elantra Sport. All four start under $30,000 and offer more than 200 horsepower. And of course, they all have trunks. In our comparison, we'll look at each car's powertrain comparing horsepower and torque. We'll also look at practicalities such as interior space, fuel economy and pricing. You can see the raw numbers in the chart below, followed by additional analysis and links to reviews. If you'd like to compare any of these cars with a different group, be sure to check out our car comparison tool. Engines and drivetrains Performance, and particularly power, is likely a priority for a sporty sedan buyer, and there's a clear leader: the Subaru WRX. At 268 horsepower, it's 40 ponies ahead of the next most potent car, the 228-horsepower Jetta GLI. It also ties the GLI for torque at 258 pound-feet. Both cars also support the old adage that "there's no replacement for displacement," since each have 2.0-liter engines while the Hyundai has a 1.6-liter unit and the Honda engine only displaces 1.5 liters. The Hyundai and Honda are nearly tied for power and torque, too, at roughly 200 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Another bonus for the Subaru is its standard all-wheel-drive system, which is handy for power delivery, lateral grip and for inclement weather. While the Jetta GLI and Civic Si are front-drive only, they do feature mechanical limited-slip differentials to enhance traction under power. The Elantra Sport makes do with electronic aids and an open differential. We're pleased that all four of these cars offer manual transmissions, too. But if you do want or need an automatic transmission, the VW, Subaru and Hyundai have you covered. The VW and Hyundai rely on seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions, and the Subaru uses a CVT with eight preset ratios for manual mode shifting. The Civic Si, though, is manual only (and it's an excellent manual at that).

Hyundai launches Blue Link update for smartwatches

Hyundai released an update for its Blue Link app last week that makes it work through smartwatches. The app is downloaded through Google Play and works with Android Wear watches. A version that's compatible with Apple smartwatches is under development, and Hyundai expects to launch it soon after the Apple Watch launches April 24, a spokesman said. The Blue Link smartwatch app was revealed this year at the Consumer Electronics Show. Features include remote engine start and stop capabilities, remote door locking and unlocking, the ability to honk the horn and flash the lights and a function to call roadside assistance. All of the features can be done through voice commands. Hyundai's smartwatch app will work with cars equipped with first and second generations of Blue Link. The smartwatch app is a companion feature, and it needs to be paired to the owner's smartphone that has the Blue Link app. Blue Link launched on the 2012 Sonata and rolled out across Hyundai's lineup in 2013. The second-generation system is available on the 2015 Genesis, Sonata and Azera. "Blue Link subscribers and gadget lovers will appreciate a more convenient way to interact with their Hyundai vehicles," Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America, said in a statement. HYUNDAI BLUE LINK SMARTWATCH APP AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON GOOGLE PLAY Android Wear Can Remote Start Your Hyundai * Smartwatch App Compatible with First and Second Generation Blue Link Equipped Hyundai Models * Commands Work with Voice Recognition FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Mar. 4, 2015 – Today Hyundai owners no longer need to fish out a phone from a pocket or purse to remote start, lock or unlock their car using Blue Link(tm). They also won't need to look down at a phone to find their car in a crowded parking lot if they can't remember where they parked after a sold out sporting event or a business trip. This is because Hyundai has launched its Blue Link smartwatch companion app to help owners with these tasks. The latest Blue Link app update on Google Play now includes the smartwatch companion app for Android Wear. The Blue Link smartwatch app will be available for the Apple Watch shortly after its release. "Blue Link subscribers and gadget lovers will appreciate a more convenient way to interact with their Hyundai vehicles," said Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, customer satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai's Genesis G90 caught totally uncovered

It seems weird to type "Genesis" without "Hyundai" in front of it – unless we're referring to the band, of course, which we aren't. What we have here is the first car that'll launch under Hyundai's new premium brand, officially called Genesis. This is essentially the replacement for the Equus, and when it reaches the States, it'll be called G90. The G90 clearly makes strong use of Hyundai's "Athletic Elegance" design language, and looks like a more premium version of the existing Genesis sedan. There's a long hood, hexagonal grille, and vertically oriented taillamps that flow down the rear fascia. Judging by these low-res spy shots, we like what we see – even if, from some angles, it looks strangely familiar. Genesis (the brand) launches next month in Hyundai's home market. Following the G90, the Genesis sedan as we currently know it will move to G80 nomenclature, and a midsize, rear-wheel-drive sedan – G70 – will follow. A luxury SUV and sport coupe will round out the premium lineup. Head over to Korean site Bobaedream.co.kr for a view of the G90's rump, as well.