Review Car

 Information Specification Modification Image Review 2013 hyundai elantra GT
Ever value-conscious, Hyundai is looking to save money on badges for its latest five-door Elantra. Why else change the name from Elantra Touring to the revived Elantra GT moniker? The new hatchback makes its debut at the 2012 Chicago auto show alongside a two-door Elantra

Bigger and Smaller at the Same Time
Name change aside, the second-generation Elantra five-door is again an Americanized Hyundai i30. Hyundai points out that the Elantra GT will have more passenger and cargo room than all of its five-door competitors, save for the recently enlarged Subaru Impreza. It fails to mention, however, that those numbers are down from the last car. That’s partly because the new i30—and, as a result, this GT—loses its upright, wagon-style rear end; it’s shorter in length and height, rides on a shorter wheelbase, and is slightly wider than the car it replaces. Seats-folded cargo capacity is down by 14.3 cubic feet to a still-competitive 51. All told, it’s a lot more attractive than the outgoing car and fits in well with the rest of the Elantra lineup.



The current generation Elantra can seat up to five and has very accommodating trunk space. Two trim levels are offered: GLS and Limited. Both use a 148-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the GLS trim, while a six-speed automatic with SHIFTRONIC is standard on the Limited trim and available on the GLS. Standard safety features include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, electronic stability control with traction control and six airbags. Available features include a power sunroof, turn signal indicators on exterior mirrors, 17-inch aluminum wheels, heated leather seating surfaces and Bluetooth.

The Elantra receives several changes for 2013. The GLS trim now sports 16-inch wheels and tires, cruise control, air-conditioning and a telescoping steering wheel. The Limited trim gains a power driver seat with lumbar.