2016 Hyundai Elantra GT REVIEW

2016 Hyundai Elantra GT VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

 

When considering an affordable compact with lots of stuff, the Hyundai Elantra should be on your shopping list. And to maximize the sportiness and utility angle, it’s the updated 2016 Elantra GT that delivers a compelling take.

Did you know Hyundai’s best-selling vehicle is the Elantra? Positioned neatly between the Accent and Sonata, this current generation Elantra has been a huge hit with critics and consumers alike. In 2009, Hyundai added this European-inspired hatchback design known overseas as the i30 and here initially as the Elantra Touring and as of 2013 as the Elantra GT. A compact with the space of a midsize, the GT trumps the Mazda3 and Ford Focus in cargo volume while differentiating itself from its comfort-tuned sedan sibling through added feel, responsiveness and control. While the American made 4-door has been reborn for 2017, this imported GT gets a refresh for this year.

What’s new? A redesigned grille, newly styled wheels, available cooled front seats and when ordered with the automatic transmission and optional Tech Package such as I have here, a next generation navigation system with Apple Siri integration. This model also receives the updated Blue Link System with new features such as Remote Start and Google search.  My car also adds the Style Package. For about $2,000 it takes the sportier suspension calibration a step farther, befitting its lower profile 17” tires plus you get fog lights, a power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar, aluminum pedals, under floor storage and a host of other interior upgrades. Priced from $19,635 for a manual transmission model, MSRP of this fully loaded tester with the optional 6-speed auto is $26,685. Per Hyundai’s M.O., the car is stocked with ambitious features such as a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, rear view camera, auto everything and the benchmark of car infotainment systems – the same one found in the Genesis and Sonata – very impressive in a car of this ilk. Hyundai’s unit is so agreeable, easy to use and rich with features I’d put it as a must have. An OnStar-like offering called Blue Link comes complimentary for 1 year with a variety of available upgrade packages covering areas such as remote start to Destination Send-to-Car by Google.

Back to the cargo room, which measures a maximum of 51 cubic feet, the seats do fold flat but the process is a little cumbersome, having to first tilt the seat bottoms and then to remove the headrests. The underfloor cubbies are a cool idea and there’s also a 12-volt outlet and grocery bag hooks in the back. The GT’s total interior volume of 119 cubic feet provides plenty of breathing room for everyone and everything with spaciousness that bests all of its competitors except the Subaru Impreza.

The sporty hatchback segment has been reinvigorated over the past several years and the Elantra GT is an excellent example. It’s perfectly sized, engineered for driving fun, and can be exceptionally well equipped like this for under $27,000. The ride is on the softer side of European-tuned but the GT is in no way a laggard in the turns. Plus, this 2.0-liter engine and 6-speed auto are surprisingly robust giving you plenty of get up and go. Hyundai has done a fine job here of balancing mainstream sporty with everyday comfort and usability.

Unlike the sedan, the 173 horsepower 4-cylinder direct-injected engine is standard and it’s a hoot, but I’d be inclined to consider the 6-speed manual and save $1,000…just seems like you could extract more fun here with a stick. Either way, mileage is rated at a lackluster 24mpg city/33mpg highway and that’s an issue Hyundai is addressing with the next gen Elantra which introduces 2 new engines. User selectable steering feel is a bit gimmicky but normal and sport modes demonstrate a bit more precision from Hyundai’s previous detached steering woes.

With a polished, uplevel feel and a number of user friendly features the Elantra GT is the kind of car its owners will surely bond with.  Despite the updates, the styling isn’t nearly as daring or as exciting as Hyundai can craft but your appreciation for it will build with each trip.