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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