2017 Hyundai Elantra GT

Hyundai’s Hatch

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT is yet another permutation of Hyundai’s competent compact car. It offers the greater utility of a five-door hatchback body, along with the same value and clean design the Elantra sedan is known for. It’s another worthy option for compact car buyers.

Performance

The 2017 Elantra GT is a far cry from Hyundai’s bargain-basement roots. The Elantra GT offers an impressive level of refinement and a reasonably engaging driving experience. It shows just how far economy cars have come in the past decade.

Hyundai packed a lot of technology and engineering cleverness into the Elantra GT’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, codenamed “Nu.” It features direct injection, a higher-than-normal 11.5:1 compression ratio, and "dished" pistons to increase combustion efficiency. Electronic controls include variable valve timing and a variable induction system. The engine itself is all aluminum, with a lightweight intake manifold that cuts poundage by 30 percent over a conventional unit, according to Hyundai.

The result is 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, your choice. (The automatic features a Shiftronic® manual-shift mode, making the latter an even more attractive option.) The Elantra GT is fairly frugal, achieving an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway)* with either transmission.

The Elantra GT uses MacPherson-strut front suspension with a torsion beam and monotube shock absorbers in the rear. Hyundai says the Elantra GT is tuned for a somewhat sportier feel than its sedan counterpart. Widespread use of high-strength steel results in a curb weight of 2,904 pounds for automatic-transmission models, which is fairly low for a car of this size, which benefits both handling and fuel efficiency.

Features

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT is a five-door, five-seat compact hatchback. Keep in mind that Hyundai also offers an Elantra four-door sedan, should that body style prove more desirable. The Elantra GT is offered in a single trim level priced starting at $18,800.**

Standard features include power windows and door locks, heated exterior mirrors, rear spoiler, premium cloth upholstery, 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, rear center armrest with cup holders, tilt-and-telescoping steering column, multifunction steering wheel, USB port, and six-speaker audio system.

The new-for-2017 Value Edition Package adds features previously available as individual options, including 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, heated front seats, sliding center armrest, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, power driver’s seat, proximity key with push-button engine start, auto headlight control, and driver’s auto-up power window.

The Tech Package requires the Value Edition Package and incorporates its applicable features. On top of that, the Tech Package adds a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, 7.0-inch touchscreen navigation system, HD Radio™, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, aluminum pedals, ventilated front seats, under-floor storage, exterior mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and Blue Link®-connected services.

Design

Just as the chassis shows a greater-than-expected level of refinement, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT’s styling is more sophisticated than your typical compact economy car.

The Elantra GT embodies Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, which relies on dramatic curves and swooshes to create a dynamic look. With Fluidic Sculpture, Hyundai has tried to make mainstream cars more exciting to look at, and we'd say it has accomplished that mission with the Elantra GT. The model's sleek styling also contributes to a fairly low drag coefficient of 0.30, which helps increase fuel efficiency and reduce wind noise.

The exterior design theme carries into the cabin, which features a curvaceous dashboard highlighted by trim spears that run from the center air vents down the sides of the center console. The steering wheel features Bluetooth® and audio controls and a 12-volt outlet in the center console to plug a phone into. The interior is also peppered with handy storage areas, including a chilled glove box.

The Elantra boasts 119 cubic feet of total interior volume, including 96 cubic feet of passenger volume. The rear seats fold flat and have a split-fold arrangement to make room for both passengers and cargo. With the seats in place, the Elantra GT boasts 23 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 51 cubic feet when the seats are folded.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and seven airbags. A rearview camera is optional.

Verdict

The 2017 Elantra GT is a stylish and practical compact hatchback with typical Hyundai value.

For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT, contact us online or visit MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup at 150 MotorWorld Drive, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.

*For comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle’s condition.

**MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees. Destination charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost.

Image: Hyundai