Pros:
- The Driver Selectable Steering Mode system (DSSM) in Sport-mode
- Spacious cabin with smart cargo/storage spots
- Tight, impressive GT handling
- Euro-spec aerodynamic design
Cons:
- Styling cues a little more radical than competitors = not for everyone
- The ‘Hyundai’ nameplate still not given fair chance by many consumers
Based on the new-generation European-market Hyundai i30 model, the all-new 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT arrived in North America last year, joining its Elantra Coupe and Elantra Sedan siblings. Born in Asia, bred, and styled in Europe, the Elantra GT compact sedan hatch truly has everything going for it: sleek ‘fluidic sculpture’ styling coupled with a smart and spacious cabin, this GT offers tremendous ‘sport’ at a sub-$30K price-point.
Hyundai (and Kia) are killing it these days, truly offering consumers what they need and desire (and eventually, will begin to expect) at incredible price points packed with loads of standards, often rivalling the pricier competitors…and in my opinion, often exceeding
them.
Elantra GT Updates for 2013
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT finds a stellar list of features, including some Hyundai ‘firsts,’ including a hidden rear-view camera located behind the mechanized Hyundai badge in the trunk lid and the Driver Selectable Steering Mode system (DSSM) with three drive modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport).
New high-tech features include a standard Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, an optional 7-inch touch-screen navigation system, and optional proximity keyless entry with push-button. The Elantra GT also offers more cabin space/volume than the Focus, Mazda3, Matrix and Golf. Hyundai has done an excellent job ‘creating space’ in the cabin, utilizing dead space with little pockets of storage space (i.e. centre console pass-through space below infotainment controls).
Power and Performance
The European-tuned suspension is evident once you throw the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT into the corners. This hatch sticks to the road, and the 1.8L inline four-cylinder engine with 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque provided ample power. Paired with a dual continuously variable valve timing (D-CVVT), it provides even better power, efficiency, and refinement.
Unlike the Elantra sedan, the Elantra GT isn’t built solely for comfort but rather for handling performance and overall responsiveness. Hence, stiffer rear spring rates, twist beam, and improved dampers for better motion control body roll.
While the DSSM system provides Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes, I opted for the latter, opening up this little hatch on the highway where dynamic steering response on the twisty parts and the on-centre stability during higher speeds were evident and impressive. Again, for under $30K, the 2013 Elantra GT, much like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, offers unexpected and impressive on-road performance and handling.
