Redesigned Elantra GT attractive, affordable, fuel efficient

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 27, 2018) When it comes to Hyundai, few, if any, associate it with the word “sporty.” With the introduction this year of the new compact Hyundai Elantra GT, that could change. We think it will appeal to those seeking a hatchback with extra style and flair that is more fun to drive.

Despite its name, the Elantra GT is not a hatchback version of the well-known and popular Elantra Sedan. It was developed primarily for the European market, where it’s known as the i30, under the direction of Albert Biermann, former head of BMW’s M performance division.

The U.S. version of the Elantra hatchback comes in two flavors. The GT comes with a 2.0L 161-horsepower four-cylinder that powers the front wheels and comes with a choice of a six-speed manual shifter or a six-speed automatic transmission. The GT Sport upgrades to a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder with 201 horsepower and either the manual transmission or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

Now before you get overly excited about the GT or GT Sport, this vehicle is not to be confused as a competitor that will challenge “hot hatches” like the Volkswagen GTi, Ford Focus ST, or Subaru WRX. Rather it’s more in line with the Mazda3, Chevrolet Cruze hatchback, Subaru Impreza hatchback or Volkswagen Golf.

Our test car was the base GT with an automatic transmission. It was priced competitively against the aforementioned models. Hyundai says the GT will represent the bulk of sales volume, given its price advantage over the Sport trim.

For 2018, the all-new Elantra GT is longer, lower, and wider, with a more aggressive stance and a larger interior volume. Its exterior dimensions effectively match those of other hatchbacks in its class segment. The styling is clean, attractive and looks more aggressive than the outgoing model.

Front seats are comfortable and supportive with ample leg, hip and headroom. There’s room for five people but the rear seats could use more legroom for adults to be comfortable. There’s a surprisingly large amount of cargo space with nearly 25 cubic feet of space and just over 55 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded.

Standard features in the Elantra include a USB port, a six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth. Optional features include a sunroof, two additional USB ports, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, satellite radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and either a seven-inch or an eight-inch touch screen with navigation. The dash design is straightforward, with the simple, large speedometer and tachometer, and intuitive, easy to use operating controls, knobs and buttons. The radio sounded good, the air conditioning was cold, the upholstery looked good and well stitched, and the steering wheel was equipped with redundant controls for the audio and other systems.

On the road we found adequate power in our 2.0L four-cylinder that’s quick enough to keep up with traffic, with impressive driving dynamics. It rides extremely well, with good handling, but we found the cabin to be excessively noisy on the highway.

There are no standard active safety features in the Elantra. Available driver assistance features include blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane change assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The Elantra has class-leading safety scores. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2018 Hyundai Elantra the highest rating of Good in five crash tests and named it a Top Safety Pick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awards it a four-star overall rating (out of five).

Overall, the new Elantra GT is a very good car in a highly competitive segment. It’s a good looking car inside and out with a comfortable cabin, practical seating and cargo space, is well-built and easy to drive, making it one of the highest quality and values in its class.

Still, don’t let the GT and Sport name mislead you. It’s an excellent performer compared to its competition, but excitement and sporty driving is not part of the package.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $19,350 - $23,250
Price as Tested: $21,360
Powertrain: 2.0L 161hp four-cylinder with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy: 24-MPG City – 32-MPG Highway
Seating: 5

Crash Test Results: Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, four out of five star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback
Ford Focus Hatchback
Mini Cooper
Mazda3 Hatchback
Subaru Impreza Hatchback
Toyota Corolla iM
Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

Fab Features
Attractive new styling
Above-average cargo space
Excellent safety scores