Hatchbacks are an important part of the compact car ecosystem, and after too many years without one Hyundai has introduced the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT. This small hatch borrows much of its styling from the popular Elantra sedan, but inside, and underneath the skin, there are several important differences between the two vehicles beyond the obvious rounded roofline. The Hyundai Elantra GT is an important addition to the Korean brand’s lineup that seeks to further solidify its prodigious growth across almost every segment of the market.
Let’s take a look at 10 things you need to know about the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT.
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a compact hatchback, and not a wagon, which is an important distinction for those who might have previously been familiar with the Elantra Touring. The Elantra Touring’s flat roof, traditional wagon looks and personality are nowhere to be found when examining the Hyundai Elantra GT, which instead exudes a more youthful vibe without sacrificing practicality. The Elantra GT adds a formidable one-two punch to the Hyundai lineup as it slots in directly above the Accent hatchback and represents the most family-oriented small car offered by the company.
02. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Is Not An Elantra Sedan Clone
Although they share the same name, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT actually rides on a different platform than the Elantra sedan. This is most obvious when comparing the lengths of the two vehicles, with the Hyundai Elantra GT coming up noticeably shorter. A closer look reveals that the hatchback is also slightly wider and a just a bit taller than its sibling, a fact that is reinforced by a number of changes that have been made to the vehicle’s sheet metal to help set it apart. These include a more aggressive front fascia as well as tweaks made to the compact’s curvy body work and aerodynamics.
03. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Comes With A Four-Cylinder Engine
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is restricted to a single drivetrain choice, one that comes in the form of a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder unit that has been tuned to provide 1480 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of twist. Fuel mileage for this motor is quite respectable for its segment, showing as 28-mpg around town and 39-mpg on the highway. Part of this efficiency is achieved through the Elantra GT’s lightweight platform, while much of the rest can be attributed to advances in engine management. A six-speed manual transmission is included free of charge with the hatchback, while a six-speed automatic can be added as an option.
04. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Features Active Eco
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT additionally sees its fuel economy enhanced by the inclusion of the Active Eco feature. Active Eco can be accessed via a button mounted on the dashboard to the left of the steering wheel, and it alters the vehicle’s engine parameters and shift points in order to squeeze out as many miles as possible from a full tank of fuel. Hyundai engineers claim that Active Eco is capable of improving mileage by as much as seven percent in certain situations, although the actual effect that it will have on real world fuel consumption is dependent on the situations in which the vehicle is piloted and the individual habits of those behind the wheel.
05. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Is Sportier Than The Elantra Sedan
Part of the unique platform underpinning the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a suspension system that was originally designed to satisfy European drivers. This means that the Elantra sedan’s rear torsion bar is out and a torsion axle is in, along with a spring rate that is stiffer without adding any harshness to the ride. While the overall effect doesn’t quite transform the Hyundai Elantra GT into a sports car, it does give it a more responsive personality – one that is further enhanced by the ability to select from one of three different steering modes (Comfort, Normal, and Sport).
06. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Is Big Inside
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT surprises with just how much interior space is made available inside its visually small exterior package. The Hyundai Elantra GT’s rear seat is quite comfortable even for taller adults, with good headroom and legroom on offer. The GT’s cargo area can be expanded in one of two ways: first, by simply tilting down the rear seatback for quick loading, or by flipping forward the seat bottoms and then pulling the seatback forward in order to create a flat load floor. Performing the latter makes 51 cubic feet of total storage space available, a number which keeps the Elantra GT competitive with several other hatchbacks.
07. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Comes In A Single Trim Level
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is offered in a single, well-equipped trim level. The Hyundai Elantra GT features air conditioning, a CD player, satellite radio, power windows and door locks, the Blue Link telematics system, tilt and telescoping steering adjustments, Bluetooth connectivity, and heated cloth seats. It also comes with color-keyed side mirrors, a chrome grille, 16-inch rims, a rear spoiler, tinted windows, fog lights, and intermittent windshield wipers. Driver selectable steering is another 'free of charge' inclusion for the Elantra GT, as are steering wheel-mounted stereo controls, and an adjustable driver's seat.
08. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Can Be Ordered With Two Options Packages
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT can be further customized via the selection of a pair of options packages. The Style Package includes a stiffer suspension system, 17-inch rims, turn signals mounted on the side mirrors, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sporty aluminum pedals, a cargo cover, a panoramic sunroof, and power adjustments for the driver's seat. The Tech Package, which cannot be ordered without first installing the Style Package, adds a navigation system (and a rearview camera), automatic headlights, keyless entry and ignition, an AC power outlet, and dual automatic climate control.
09. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Is A Safe Automobile
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT prioritizes safety, with the inclusion of a number of different technologies that are designed to not just protect occupants in the event of an accident, but also to prevent a worst case scenario from occurring in the first place. Falling into the latter category are the automobile’s vehicle’s stability management and electronic stability control systems, its traction control system, and its anti-lock braking, brake-force distribution, and brake assist features. A robust complement of airbags satisfies the former criteria for passenger safety, with side impact airbags, dual forward airbags, side curtain airbags, and a driver’s knee airbag all present and accounted for.
10. The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Faces Stiff Competition
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a competent entry into a hotly-contested segment of the new car marketplace. The Hyundai Elantra GT must do battle with equally-new models such as the Ford Focus and the Subaru Impreza hatchbacks, while less-recent but still-popular options like the Mazda Mazda3 and the Chevrolet Sonic are also lurking in the shadows. Although the Elantra GT doesn’t offer the same connected ride as some of its competitors, or the standard all-wheel drive of the Impreza, it does count solid value for the money and sultry good looks as important parts of its overall package.