Hyundai Elantra Gt

The Hyundai hatchback model is also called the Hyundai Elantra GT. The Hyundai Elantra Gt is one model of the Hyundai Elantra. The “GT” stands for grand trim.

History

The Hyundai Elantra has several trim levels, standard packages of features, and options offered at various price points.
In 2008, the more expensive “Limited” trim line was dropped, leaving only the GLS and SE trim lines. The SE trim line had more features than the standard GLS version like electronic stability control, a sunroof option, and telescopic steering wheel. In 2010, a more fuel economical version called “Blue” came out.
The Hyundai Elantra GT is not a trim line but a body design; the GT is actually a five door hatchback. The hatchback design came out in 2012. The Elantra GT was continued along with the standard four door sedan version of the Hyundai Elantra though the coupe version was discontinued.

Design

The Hyundai Elantra GT shares many design elements and parts with the Kia Forte, one of its rivals. The Hyundai Elantra Gt is closer in design to the Hyundai hatchbacks sold in Europe than the Hyundai sedans sold in North America. The Hyundai Elantra Gt also has a different rear suspension design than the other Elantra designs. The Hyundai Elantra Gt has a differing three mode electric steering rack as well.
The biggest difference for the GT is the body. Under the hood, it shares the same 1.8 liter four cylinder engine generating 148 horsepower as the rest of the Hyundai Elantra vehicles. The Hyundai Elantra GT has the option of a 173 horsepower 4 cylinder 2 liter engine that is also available in the sport package of the Elantra sedan.
The Hyundai Elantra GT has stiffer suspension than the sedan version of the Hyundai Elantra.
The Hyundai Elantra GT has above average cargo space for a hatchback. Yet it is nine inches shorter than the Elandtra sedan. The driver’s dashboard is shallower.
All versions of the 2015 Hyundai Elantra have heated back seats as well as front seats. The Hyundai Elantra GT has seven air bags, versus five for the sedan and six for the coupe; that last airbag is for the driver’s knees.
The Hyundai Elantra Gt comes with a glove compartment you can chill for drinks.

Performance

The Hyundai Elantra Gt gets 24 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Hyundai and Kia were fined $360 million dollars for overstating fuel efficiency for the 2011 through 2013 versions, but the EPA has confirmed the Elantra GT’s fuel efficiency claims.

Price

The Hyundai Elantra sedan starts at around $18,000 for a new 2015 model. The Hyundai Elantra GT started at $19,500 for the hatchback version.

Rivals

Rivals to the Hyundai Elantra Gt include the Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Corolla.

Trivia

In markets outside of North America, the Hyundai Elantra GT is marketed as the Hyundai i30.
At one time, the GT stood for gran turismo, referring to fast and stylish but not really a race car.
The Hyundai Elantra sedans were given a five star rating from the NHTSA. The GT didn’t score quite as high.
The 2015 Hyundai Elantra recall for problems with the steering wheel torque sensor do not include the Elantra GT because the recall only applies to 2008 through 2010 models, and the GT did not come out until 2012.