The
2015 Hyundai Elantra GT is
one of the best examples of the current hatchback renaissance. Curmudgeonly
critics like us have carped for years about America's hatchback aversion, but
we'd better find a new routine because our fellow Americans have apparently
seen the light. The affordable-hatchback segment is an embarrassment of riches
these days, teeming with sexy specimens that boast all the latest technology,
and with the arrival of the Elantra GT, the most appealing hatchback of all
might be a Hyundai.
Derived
from the Euro-market Hyundai
i30 hatchback, the Elantra
GT has a shorter wheelbase than the Elantra sedan, and it's tuned for sportier
handling. Unlike the sedan's bare-bones starter model, the base Elantra GT
comes with plenty of equipment, and plenty more is available via the two simple
options packages. Plus, just look at the thing: The Elantra GT is an
exceptionally attractive economy car. The hatchback is back, and as we've come
to expect, Hyundai's at the front of the pack.
What's New for 2015?
The
Elantra GT carries over unchanged for the 2015 model year.
What We Like
Rich
feature set; attractive styling; generous cargo space; sportier handling than Elantra sedan
What We Don't
Lacks
sedan's stylish dashboard; so-so fuel economy
How Much?
$19,625
Fuel Economy
The
front-wheel-drive Elantra
GT features a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 173 horsepower and 154
lb-ft of torque. The transmission choices are a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed
automatic.
The
2015 Elantra
GT receives an Environmental Protection Agency rating of 24 miles per gallon in
the city and 34 mpg on the highway with the manual or 24 mpg city/33 mpg hwy
with the automatic. That's not very impressive for a compact hatchback these
days.
Standard Features & Options
Standard
items include 16-inch alloy wheels, driver-selectable steering effort, a
height-adjustable driver's seat, full power accessories, a trip computer, air
conditioning, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, cruise control and a 6-speaker
audio system with satellite radio and Bluetooth/USB connectivity.
The
optional Style package ($1,975) adds 17-in wheels, LED taillights, a panoramic
sunroof, a power driver's seat, heated front seats, aluminum pedals, leather
upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The
Tech package ($3,950) requires the Style package and tacks on automatic
headlamps, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button
starting, a navigation system with a 7-in touchscreen, a rearview camera and
premium audio.
Safety
The
2015 Hyundai Elantra GT
comes with standard stability control, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and seven
airbags (front, front-side, driver-knee and full-length side-curtain).
The Elantra GT received five
stars out of five in government crash tests, including four stars for front
impacts and five stars for side impacts.
Behind the Wheel
The
Elantra GT's front seats have been beefed up from regular Elantra duty with
more aggressive side bolsters, a nice touch in an inexpensive compact. The
available power driver's seat is exceptionally adjustable and supportive. The
deeply hooded gauges feature Hyundai's standard-issue clear numerals and blue
accents. Surprisingly, the Elantra GT's dashboard and control layout is less
stylized than the Elantra sedan's. Compare the two side by side, and you'll
find that the GT plays it safe with fewer complex curves and surfaces. Happily,
most of the controls are no-nonsense and easily learned, while materials
quality is satisfactory.
The
Elantra GT's shorter wheelbase takes a small bite out of back-seat space, but
there's still room for full-size adults there if the adults in front play nice.
Trunk space is 23 cu ft., while folding down the rear seatbacks opens up a
healthy 51 cu ft.
Under
the hood, the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder delivers reasonably peppy performance in
most situations. It feels strained at times, but it's a definite improvement
over the old 1.8-liter unit that was discontinued after 2013. As for
transmission, the precise 6-speed manual gives a more responsive feel, but at
least the optional 6-speed automatic's downshifts are quicker than the norm
these days. We do wish the 1.8-liter motor was still available, as we're sure
there are folks who would rather have less power and an extra 3 mpg.
On the
road, the Elantra GT
handles crisply atop its sport-tuned suspension. The standard driver-adjustable
steering effort is a first for this class, and it illustrates one of the main
technological advantages of electric power steering: customizability. We'd
still pick a Ford Focus or Mazda3 first for enthusiastic driving, but those
models don't offer the Elantra GT's value. The Elantra sedan is already a
nimble little car, and the shorter Elantra GT feels even more resourceful in
tight spots. In part because of its relatively light weight, the Elantra GT can
get a little out of sorts on rough roads, but we're generally impressed with
the smoothness of its ride.
Other Cars to Consider
2015 Ford Focus -- You usually get
what you pay for when it comes to economy cars, and the Focus is one of the
most expensive. Sure enough, it drives almost like an entry-level luxury car,
with uncommon refinement and athleticism for this class.
2015 Mazda3 -- With its smooth SkyActiv 2.0-liter
engine (not to mention the spunky optional 2.5-liter version), the 3 has
vaulted to the head of the class in fuel economy without losing Mazda's
traditional performance edge.
2015 Volkswagen Golf -- The 2015 Golf
feels amazingly solid at highway speeds, and it has top-notch interior quality.
We like the new turbocharged 1.8-liter engine, too.
Used Audi A3 -- We're not talking
about the current A3 sedan but rather the previous-generation hatchback, which
can easily be found in gently used condition for Elantra GT money. You're going
to want a warranty, though.
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