automotive.com®...where your car search begins

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Debut

The Elantra, in hatchback flavor

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Front Three Quarters

2013 Hyundai Elantra Research Click to hide

By Keith Buglewicz | February 08, 2012

What's New

The car you see here, known as the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT, is not quite what it seems. While it looks just like an Elantra on the outside, it's actually an Americanized version of the European model, known across the Pond as the i30. But no matter; this hatchback model fills the only remaining void in the Elantra lineup after the introduction of the Elantra Coupe, and allows Hyundai to target popular models such as the Ford Focus hatchback, the Mazda3 hatchback, and of course the Volkswagen Golf.

Who It's For

While hatchbacks aren't nearly as popular in the United States as they are, well, pretty much everywhere else, the Elantra GT fills an important niche nonetheless. After all, the Elantra's competition offers up a few hatchback, and all of them do pretty well. The Elantra has already proven popular, and with a ton of interior room and excellent fuel economy, it will likely become a strong player for those who want some extra utility with their gas-sipping.

Key Features

Hyundai makes a big deal about the Elantra GT's European heritage, but under the skin it's largely the same. Yet a few key differences come to mind.

Cargo room: A no-brainer maybe, but the GT offers not just a lot of cargo room compared to other Elantras, but it offers more than all but the Ford Focus.
Unique interior design: The interior on the Elantra GT is actually different from the rest of the Elantra lineup, with a distinct dash, gauge and door panel design than the Coupe and Sedan.
Driver Selectable Steering Mode: This allows the driver to choose between different steering "feel," with choices for Comfort, Normal and Sport.

What We Think

This European version of the Elantra sounds intriguing. We like hatchbacks, generally speaking, and the utility combined with the sporty looks of the Elantra could be an intriguing combination. If Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode actually gives the Elantra a sportier feel to match its looks, then all the better.

Back to Auto Show Coverage: Chicago 2012