Earlier this week we got the chance to get up close and personal with the new performance version of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra sedan.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport right side front 3/4 view

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

Announced back in July in Alexandria, Virginia at a meeting of the Washington Automotive Press Association, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport represents the new direction Hyundai is taking with its compact Elantra sedan.

While you'll have to wait for our driving impressions until November 1st, when it's scheduled to be unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, you can take it from us that you'll be glad Hyundai has decided to sell it here in the States (it's been on sale in Korea since April where it's marketed as the Avante Sport).

1.6-liter Gamma DOHC direct-injection twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine

Those of you under the impression that the latest Sport is just another take on the 2014-2015 Sport trim package can think again.

For starters, under the hood you'll find the same 1.6-liter Gamma DOHC direct-injection twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Veloster Turbo. In the Elantra Sport it generates 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum 195 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm – matching exactly the Veloster Turbo's specs.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport 7-speed DCT transmission

Also mirroring the Veloster Turbo are the two transmissions offered: a standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual clutch unit with paddle shifters. But where the two markedly differ is the rear suspension: Unlike the Veloster Turbo's coupled torsion beam rear, the 2017 Elantra Sport is equipped with a more sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension.

Hyundai has also gone to great lengths to maximize the sporting sounds coming from the turbo four. Although there are no artificial enhancements, there's a unique tuning to both the center and main muffler. Fewer baffles in the air intake box also add more sound character.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport 18-inch alloy wheel detail

The suspension has also been re-tuned. Front and rear spring rates have been increased (14 percent and 22 percent, respectively), while the front and rear damper rates are also 30 percent higher. The front stabilizer by is 2mm larger in diameter (from 22mm to 24mm), while a 15mm rear stabilizer bar has been added.

And while the only tires available aren't comprised of a sticky summer compound, the standard 18-inch alloys are wrapped in Hankook's Ventus S1 noble2 described by Tire Rack as "ultra high performance all-season" rubber.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport front fascia

In addition to new front and rear fascias, exterior changes include larger intake vents, a new lower rear diffuser and a more aggressive ground effects package.

Inside, you'll find a new flat-bottom steering wheel with indents at 3 and 6 o-clock, metal-trimmed pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel and red accent stitching on the aggressively-bolstered standard leather sport seats, shifter boot and steering wheel.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport front seat detail

As for options, there is only one, the Premium Package, which means the Sport will come in four flavors - as it will be offered on both manual- and automatic-equipped models.

The Premium Package consists of an 8-inch navigation system (replacing the standard 7-inch touchscreen), Infinity audio system with 8 speakers including a center channel and subwoofer, Clari-fi Music Restoration Technology (that cannot be overridden), Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system, a power tilt and slide sunroof, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, dual automatic climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with Homelink and compass.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport dash detail

Six exterior colors will be offered – Electric Blue, Galactic Gray, Scarlet Red, Black Noir, Symphony Silver and Ceramic White, while the only interior color offered will be black.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport center stack detail

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport prices

According to Hyundai pricing will be available closer to the Elantra Sport's on-sale date – possibly as soon as November 1st, so stay tuned for our driving impressions as well as pricing information.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport rear fascia