The 2013 Hyundai Elantra is based on the company's fluidic design philosophy. While this design theme is followed across all Hyundai models, it is best described in the Hyundai Elantra. A well proportioned exterior is complemented by a feature rich and comfortable interior. Unlike some other Hyundai models, the Elantra handles admirably at high speeds without compromising on ride comfort. A highly efficient 4-cylinder engine that gets an EPA-estimated 38 MPG on the highway2 comes standard on every Elantra sedan and makes this spacious award-winner a great value for the money.Hyundai’s Elantra is a solid player in the crowded compact-car competition, but it has also faced self-imposed limitations, lacking the nifty hatchback variants offered by competitors like the Ford Focus, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza. The deceased Elantra Touring wagon nibbled at this turf but lacked the svelte looks and desirability of many of its five-door rivals.As its name suggests, the GT was intended to be the sportiest of all Elantras. To that end, it boasts a stiffened structure with lots of high-strength steel—a flimsy structure was one of our biggest gripes with the sedan—as well as curb weights (for both the manual and the automatic) that Hyundai cites as lowest in class. Our scales mostly back up Hyundai’s claim, as the Elantra GT weighed in at a relatively light 2949 pounds, just a skosh lighter than a 2012 Ford Focus hatchback manual we’ve tested. The suspension is firmer, with higher spring rates, monotube Sachs rear dampers, and a hefty rear axle with a slightly bigger anti-roll bar integrated into its vee.
One of three body styles stirred into the Elantra mix—including a coupe variant—the GT represents yet another snappy interpretation of Hyundai’s latest design language. Yet aside from the front fascia, it bears little resemblance to the other Elantras. Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design enables the Elantra sedan to break free of traditional compact car styling. Designed in Southern California, it integrates a rising roofline and a substantial wheelbase for a sophisticated profile that also gives Elantra best-in-class aerodynamics.The Elantra sedan has more interior passenger volume than compacts like Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Technically classified as a midsize car, even the government finds the Elantra sedan exceptional.The GT’s interior appointments and trim are similar to the sedan’s, which is to say attractive and of high quality. As with other current Hyundais, there’s a pile of standard equipment baked into the $19,170 base price. Examples: heated mirrors, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, air conditioning that also cools the glove box, cruise control, driver-selectable steering modes, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics, satellite radio, fog lights, a USB port and aux input, a six-speed manual, and 16-inch aluminum wheels.
There are two option groups—the performance-oriented Style package ($2750) and the Tech package ($2350). The former was fitted to our test car and adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, slightly firmer suspension tuning, the double sunroof, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, aluminum pedal cladding, and auto up-and-down control for the driver’s window. The Tech gear includes a nav system, a rearview camera (the lens lurks behind the logo in the middle of the rear hatch), auto headlights, dual-zone auto climate control, and proximity-key entry and start.
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