Friday, February 20, 2015

Refreshed Hyundai Elantra GT Gets Siri-ous for 2016

Hyundai is taking the opportunity of the 2015 Chicago auto show to introduce a refreshed version of its Elantra GT hatchback for 2016. Based on the world-market i30, which is markedly different from the U.S.-market Elantra sedan, the Elantra GT is arguably one of the best-looking cars in Hyundai’s lineup. And for 2016, the refreshed model will only get better, if just by a little.

The changes start up front with a new grille that has a low and wide, hexagonal frame and horizontal vanes that bring it more in line with the Sonata as well as the 2016 Veloster (which, incidentally, also was shown in Chi-town). New 17-inch wheels round out the exterior tweaks.

Inside, not much has changed, other than the center stack, which has been redesigned to accommodate a newly available seven-inch, touch-screen-based infotainment system that incorporates Apple Siri integration (she’s popping up everywhere) and HD radio. Also available for the first time on the Elantra GT is Hyundai’s Bluelink system, now with functionality such as remote starting (with climate control) and Google-based destination search.

Unfortunately, Hyundai did not take this opportunity to change anything under the skin to make the Elantra GT more competitive with cars like the Volkswagen Golf and the Mazda 3 from a driving standpoint (we came away disappointed with the GT last time we tested it). But at a starting price of $19,625, it remains as strong a value as ever. Watch for the 2016 Elantra to appear in Hyundai dealerships starting this March.



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