2013 Hyundai Elantra GT
About the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT:
Though it shares its name, engine, and transmissions with the standard Elantra Coupe and Sedan, the new 2013 Elantra GT is based on a model that Hyundai sells in Europe called the i30. A 5-door hatchback, the Elantra GT offers features unavailable on the Elantra Coupe and Sedan, such as a driver’s knee airbag, Driver Selectable Steering Mode, and Blue Link telematics.
Model Lineup:
Hyundai sells the 2013 Elantra GT in a single level of specification with a choice of options. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, Blue Link telematics, and a stereo that includes satellite radio, a USB port, an iPod connection, and an auxiliary audio input jack. It also plays compact discs, if that’s still your thing. Air conditioning, heated front seats, cloth upholstery, power windows/mirrors/locks, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and cruise control are also standard for the Elantra GT. Every model also gets fog lights and aluminum wheels, along with Driver Selectable Steering Mode with three different settings.
Optional Equipment:
Three option packages are available for the 2013 Elantra GT. The Touch & Go Package adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, a sport suspension, aluminum pedals, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, hidden cargo compartment storage, and Proximity Key passive entry with push-button starting. The Style Package includes these items plus leather upholstery, a power driver’s seat, a panoramic sunroof, and upgraded side mirrors with turn signal indicators. Buyers who choose the Style Package can upgrade to the Tech Package for a navigation system, a reversing camera, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Additional accessories include a cargo net, floor mats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a universal garage door opener, and more.
Engines and Transmissions:
A 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine is the only choice for the Elantra GT. It is rated to generate 148 horsepower, and powers the front wheels through a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift gate. An Active Eco setting is designed to help maximize fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
According to the EPA, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is expected to return between 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, depending on transmission choice. Both transmissions are rated to return 30 mpg in combined driving.
Safety Ratings:
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Elantra GT receives an overall rating of 5 stars, the highest possible. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the 2013 Elantra a “Top Safety Pick” but does not clearly define whether this rating pertains to all Elantra models or just the version tested, which was the Elantra Sedan.
Technology Highlights:
Blue Link provides a wide range of services, including three years of automatic collision notification service, which activates if the car’s airbags deploy and can get rescuers to the scene of an accident sooner than later. Speed, curfew, and boundary alerts can also be set using this system, and it offers SOS Emergency service.
