Hyundai has added a decidedly European GT five-door hatchback sedan to the Elantra line and bolstered it with a long list of standard equipment. The GT is far more practical than the sedan because it swallows cargo like a small station wagon yet drives with zestful pizzazz. An affordably priced combination of fun and function.
This formula is similar to one employed by European manufacturers such as Saab, which would seem to be the inspiration for the Elantra GT because many of its features, including its sloping hatchback profile and the instrument panel, bear more than a passing resemblance to this famous Swede.
The recently introduced GT is a spinoff of the Elantra sedan, which was all-new for 2001. This third-generation of the Elantra has a bigger interior and its 102.7-inch wheelbase is 2.3 inches longer than the previous modelÕs. It marks significant maturation for Hyundai, whose current vehicles are a vast improvement over ones of the past.
To underscore how much Hyundai products have changed, their warranties are now among the longest offered: five years, 60,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper coverage, and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. The powertrain warranty is transferable to other owners, but it reverts to five years or 60,000 miles. Elantra GT buyers get 24-hour roadside assistance, including towing and lockout service, free for five years.
The GT comes nicely equipped at a base price of $13,999: leather seats, air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, alloy wheels, keyless entry, tilt steering wheel, side airbags and split-folding rear seat. Anti-lock brakes with traction control and a power moonroof are the only options.
The GT builds on the already solid foundation of the Elantra by offering a sport-tuned version of the fully independent suspension that provides a compliant ride without feeling loose and sloppy. Fifteen-inch alloy wheels and 195/60 Michelin tires do their part to connect with the pavement as well as to add to the GT’s sporty character. While this won’t be confused with an outright sports sedan, it rides and handles with a directness that is reassuring and pleasant.
The well-appointed interior was a surprise considering the price. The front seats are contoured for good lateral support and the leather upholstery has vertical seams so as not to irritate the driver’s derriere. Side airbags are integrated into the seatbacks. The angle of the seat cushions and the amount of lumbar support are adjusted by large knobs on the lower outside portion of the seat. Even the lid on the center console is covered in leather. Wind and road noise are not at all intrusive, and the overall noise level seems to be on par with, or better than, other compact sedans.
The instrument panel contains gauges whose easily readable graphics are stylistically like a more expensive vehicle’s. They are contained in a pod that wraps across in front of the driver and curv es down into the central console to create a distinct cockpit feel. Rotary dials for heating and cooling spin easily, and dual cupholders are carved into the console. The quality of textures and materials used throughout the interior is a step above what one expects in this price range.
The split-folding back seat can be folded down to create a cargo space that is more than 5 feet deep. Rear-seat legroom is surprisingly generous for a vehicle of this size. The trunk floor mat was made of lightweight material that curled up when the rear seat was upright. Real carpet would enhance the look and feel of the trunk space.
Powering the GT is a 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mounted transversely over the front wheels. This engine has an aluminum cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Hydraulic engine mounts, a new front subframe, ribbed engine block and a cast-aluminum oil pan all work to keep engine vibrations out of the cabin. Getti e most performance from this engine is done with the five-speed manual gearbox, although an automatic is available. The shifter is topped with a round, leathercovered knob that feels like a baseball.
If there’s one criticism I have of this powerplant, it centers around a lack of off-idle engine torque. When the clutch is released from a stop, the first few feet of movement feel pretty sluggish, but that changes as the revs build enough to get the vehicle moving smartly. Revved hard, the engine gets its second wind and moves the GT along smartly.
Adding the GT model to the Elantra lineup should appeal to buyers who want tighter handling, plenty of standard equipment and an interior that can function like a small station wagon without looking like one.
Price
The base price of the Elantra GT is $13,999. Standard equipment includes side airbags for front passengers, four-wheel disc brakes, AM/FM/CD player, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows, power mirrors, cruise control, tilt wheel, rear defogger, split-folding rear seat and leather upholstery.
The sticker price of the test car was $14,572, including freight and floor mats.
Warranty
Five years or 60,000 miles, and 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain.
Point: The GT is a good blend of sporty looks and cargo-carrying function. The 140-horsepower engine provides decent performance, the suspension is tuned to be like a European car and the list of standard equipment for $13,999 is impressive.
Counterpoint: The engine’s lack of off-idle torque means it needs to be revved up to pull smartly away from a stop, and the flimsy trunk mat looked bad and didn’t fit well up against the back seat.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 2.0-liter, 140-hp. 4-cyl.
Transmission: Five-speed Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 102.7 inches
Curb weight: 2,635 lbs.
Base price: $13,999
As driven: $14,572
Mpg rating: 25 city, 33 hwy.
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