The European influenced 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT provides a viable alternative to small CUVs for buyers desiring more fun-to-drive characteristics and greater utility at a starting price of $19,350. The more powerful Elantra GT Sport with manual transmission has a starting MSRP of $23,250. Both are subject to an additional $885 destination charge.
Utility without sacrificing driving dynamics is one of the key benefits to hatchbacks, and the 2018 Elantra GT brings an 8 percent increase in cargo capacity versus the prior generation. It is one of only a few hatchbacks classified by the EPA as a Large Car due to total interior volume eclipsing 120 cubic feet. In fact, the Elantra GT has more cargo volume than other hatchbacks such as the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla iM. It is also a sporty alternative to small CUVs. The Elantra GT with the rear seats folded down has more cargo capacity than the Toyota CH-R, Mazda CX-3, Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade.
All that utility is wrapped in an evolution of the Fluidic Sculpture design language that features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grille, which is flanked by standard LED Daytime Running Lights. To further enhance the front light signature, available LED headlights are utilized for both the low and high beams. The side profile is strongly supported by standard 17-inch alloy wheels and 18-inch alloy wheels on the Sport. At the rear, the liftgate features wraparound glass and a rear spoiler. Available LED taillights and split dual outlet exhaust further support the Elantra GT’s fun-to-drive positioning.
All that utility is wrapped in an evolution of the Fluidic Sculpture design language that features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grille, which is flanked by standard LED Daytime Running Lights. To further enhance the front light signature, available LED headlights are utilized for both the low and high beams. The side profile is strongly supported by standard 17-inch alloy wheels and 18-inch alloy wheels on the Sport. At the rear, the liftgate features wraparound glass and a rear spoiler. Available LED taillights and split dual outlet exhaust further support the Elantra GT’s fun-to-drive positioning.
Fun-to-drive is the most important purchase reason for compact hatchbacks and the two powertrains and chassis back this up nicely. All Elantra GTs feature 53 percent advanced high strength steel, which is almost double that of the last generation, and 367 feet of structural adhesives leads to an 18 percent increase in torsional rigidity. The Elantra GT features a 161 hp 2.0L GDI 4-cylinder engine with either a six-speed manual or available six-speed automatic transmission. Move up to the Elantra GT Sport and power comes from a 201 hp 1.6L Turbo GDI mated to an enthusiast focused six-speed manual or seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. Furthermore on the Turbo, a stout 195 lb.-ft. of torque is available at just 1,500 rpm, and that torque is maintained up to 4,500 rpm. Similar to the Elantra Sport, the rear suspension in the Elantra GT Sport is a multi-link design which provides even more dynamic handling capabilities and body control while maintaining ride quality. Larger front and rear disc brake rotors fill out the Sport’s 18-inch alloy wheels with high performance all-season tires.
Inside the Elantra GT, the horizontally themed dash features areas of negative space that creates a feeling of openness. Sitting atop the dash is a standard 8-inch audio display that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. Other interior highlights include available wireless charging, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, heated and ventilated front seats, new generation eight-inch navigation system that features Blue Link with three-years of standard service and a powerful Infinity premium audio system with seven speakers including a subwoofer and Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology.
Advanced Driver Assists are also available on the Elantra GT Sport through Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Smart Cruise Control that features stop/start capability. A Hyundai-first Driver Attention Alert analyzes driver inputs to determine attention level and provide both a visual and audible warning if it determines the driver’s attention level has become too low.
The all-new 2018 Elantra GT brings increased utility and enhanced dynamic performance to the growing compact hatchback segment. The Elantra GT is poised to compete head-on with hatchback competitors, but also provide a fun-to-drive alternative to small CUVs.
Advanced Driver Assists are also available on the Elantra GT Sport through Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Smart Cruise Control that features stop/start capability. A Hyundai-first Driver Attention Alert analyzes driver inputs to determine attention level and provide both a visual and audible warning if it determines the driver’s attention level has become too low.
The all-new 2018 Elantra GT brings increased utility and enhanced dynamic performance to the growing compact hatchback segment. The Elantra GT is poised to compete head-on with hatchback competitors, but also provide a fun-to-drive alternative to small CUVs.
