Hyundai mulling Elantra turbo?

We're big fans of the latest Hyundai Elantra. Offering a generally refined driving experience, a good amount of room for its class and a smorgasbord of options all at a reasonable price, the Elantra is more than competitive with the best vehicles in its class.

One thing the Elantra will never be accused of, though, is being too sporty. With 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque from its 1.8-liter four cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox, the Elantra has adequate power and scores extra points for fuel economy. That's all well and good, but that's just not enough oomph to compete with machines like the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S.

Interestingly enough, those are the exact vehicles mentioned by Hyundai as competitors for its innovative three-door Veloster Turbo. According to a report from Auto Express, the Elantra may one day get a welcome injection of power courtesy of a turbocharged engine just like its little brother.

According to AE, the Veloster Turbo's 1.6-liter mill, which puts out respectable figures of 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 194 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm, is slated as an option for the three-door hatchback version of the UK's Hyundai i30 (that's the Elantra in the States). Sounds pretty good to us Yanks, though we're hoping the forced-induction love is spreads across the range to the GT five-door hatch and sedan, as well.