The Hyundai Elantra GT: A Sporty Hatchback Discontinued Too Soon
The Hyundai Elantra GT was a stylish and functional hatchback offered by Hyundai from 2012 to 2020. Despite its well-rounded performance, appealing design, and impressive warranty, the Elantra GT fell short in sales compared to competitors and was ultimately discontinued. This article dives into the details of the Elantra GT, exploring its features, trims, driving dynamics, and the reasons behind its discontinuation.
Sporty Design with Hatchback Functionality
The Elantra GT stood out from its sedan counterpart with a sleeker, more aggressive design. The sloping roofline and wider stance gave it a sporty look, while the rear hatch offered the practicality of a hatchback. The Elantra GT wasn't all show; it offered a surprising amount of cargo space for its size, making it suitable for everyday errands or weekend adventures.
Engine Options and Trims
The Elantra GT came in two main trims: the base GT and the sportier GT N-Line. The base GT featured a 2.0L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 161 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission.
For those seeking more excitement, the GT N-Line offered a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine churning out 201 horsepower and 197 lb-ft of torque. This engine could be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission for a more engaging driving experience or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) for a blend of performance and comfort.
Driving Dynamics and Handling
The Elantra GT offered a comfortable ride with a well-tuned suspension that absorbed bumps and road imperfections effectively. While not a full-fledged sports car, the Elantra GT exhibited confident handling, especially in the GT N-Line trim. The stiffer suspension and sharper steering in the N-Line provided a more connected feel to the road, making it enjoyable for spirited driving on winding roads.
Features and Technology
The Elantra GT came well-equipped with features for its class. The base GT offered standard features like automatic headlights, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, and a user-friendly infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims added amenities like heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium sound system.
In terms of safety, the Elantra GT received good ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and offered features like anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control. Higher trims could be equipped with advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Why Did the Elantra GT Get Discontinued?
Despite its positive attributes, the Elantra GT faced stiff competition from established players in the hatchback segment, such as the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf, and Mazda3. These competitors offered similar features, performance, and sometimes even better fuel economy. Additionally, the rise of SUVs and crossovers further eroded demand for hatchbacks like the Elantra GT.
Hyundai's decision to focus resources on its more popular SUV offerings likely played a role in the Elantra GT's discontinuation. The company shifted its focus to capturing a larger share of the lucrative SUV market, leaving the Elantra GT without a direct successor.
A Well-Rounded Hatchback Option on the Used Market
The discontinuation of the Elantra GT means those looking for a new one are out of luck. However, the Elantra GT remains a compelling option in the used car market. It offers a good blend of sporty style, practicality, and driving engagement at a competitive price point.
For those seeking a comfortable daily driver with a hatchback twist and a touch of sporty flair, the Hyundai Elantra GT is a car worth considering on the used market. With its impressive warranty and long list of features, the Elantra GT can be a reliable and enjoyable companion for years to come.
In Conclusion
The Hyundai Elantra GT carved a niche for itself as a stylish and functional hatchback with a touch of sportiness. While its discontinuation might disappoint some enthusiasts, it leaves behind a legacy of a well-rounded car that offered a compelling alternative in the compact hatchback segment. If you're looking for a practical and fun-to-drive hatchback on the used market, the Hyundai Elantra GT is definitely worth a closer look.
