Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback

Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback
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Full 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Review

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is an all-new hatchback model based on the popular Elantra sedan. It effectively replaces the now-discontinued Elantra Touring wagon.

Introduction

Within the small sedan segment, Hyundai's newest Elantra is one of the most popular choices, particularly if you want some visual pizzazz combined with the more typical strengths of fuel economy and practicality. Now Hyundai is adding versatility to the Elantra's suite of strengths by offering the 2013 Elantra GT.

Hyundai has offered hatchback versions of its Elantra before, and most recently it was offering the more wagonlike Elantra Touring. The new GT doesn't have as much cargo space as the old Touring that it's replacing, but it's still quite spacious at 51 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. That's more than what most rival hatchbacks offer. Even with the Elantra GT's rear seats upright, there's still a lot of space for stuff, and the large hatchback opening makes it all quite easy to access.

Mechanically, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is quite similar to the Elantra sedan (and new-for-2013 Elantra Coupe). That means Hyundai's smooth and silent 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine sits under the hood, and you have a choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The GT's suspension is similar as well, but Hyundai tweaked it to give the GT more nimble handling.

There are other differences as well. The Elantra GT comes with a new-for-Hyundai trick up its sleeve: driver-configurable settings for its electric-assist power steering. The GT is the only Elantra that gets this feature for now. It also gets a driver knee airbag and a different interior design with more sensibly located air vents.