Hyundai Elantra is one of the best cars on the market for under $20,000, combining useful standard features in a capable ride. The value proposition continues with the redesigned Elantra GT hatchback available in two four-cylinder engines, which Hyundai announced on Thursday, February 9 at the 2017 Chicago Auto Show.
The second generation hatch, first introduced as successor to the Touring hatch for model year 2013, features two new engines with a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
Chicago Auto Show: If you go Nausheen Husain and Jemal Brinson The 109th Chicago Auto Show takes over McCormick Place for a little more than a week beginning Feb. 11. The show brings nearly 1,000 kinds of vehicles from more than 30 automakers. When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 11 to Feb. 20, (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 20) Where: McCormick Place North and South, 23rd Street… The 109th Chicago Auto Show takes over McCormick Place for a little more than a week beginning Feb. 11. The show brings nearly 1,000 kinds of vehicles from more than 30 automakers. When: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 11 to Feb. 20, (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 20) Where: McCormick Place North and South, 23rd Street… (Nausheen Husain and Jemal Brinson)
The direct-injection 2-liter engine in the base model makes 162 horsepower, which is a drop from 173 horsepower in the outgoing engine. In exchange, expect a modest boost in fuel economy from 27 mpg combined once EPA testing is completed closer to the summer release date.
The GT Sport variant gets the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine from the sedan that makes 201 horsepower in the hatch. Sport gets 18-inch wheels instead of the 17-inch rollers on the GT.
Visually, the car looks sportier, with a lower, wider stance and a distinct beltline that connects the rear taillights with the front headlights, which come standard with LED daytime running lights. There is a wide mesh grille flanked by lower intakes, and a pouty lip acting as a splitter. The front axle is closer to the cabin, making the nose of the car seem to dip down in a sulk. It looks good, but stretching the wheelbase would give it more of the European hot hatch appeal touted by Hyundai. It lost a few pounds, and gained a stiffer, stronger frame for improved handling and a presumably quieter ride.
2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatch opens up alternatives to compacts and crossovers Robert Duffer
The argument for the hatchback is best illustrated by the amount of stuff hauled in a given weekend. A portable hockey locker, basketball bag, small cooler, and a backpack can’t fit in a compact sedan as easily as a hatch. Neither can a bike or two.
What is the argument then for the hatchback over…
The argument for the hatchback is best illustrated by the amount of stuff hauled in a given weekend. A portable hockey locker, basketball bag, small cooler, and a backpack can’t fit in a compact sedan as easily as a hatch. Neither can a bike or two.
What is the argument then for the hatchback over…
(Robert Duffer)
Inside is bigger, with more cargo capacity than the hatchback standard bearer VW Golf. With the seats folded down, there is 55.1 cubic feet compared to 52.7 in the Golf; with the rear seats up its nearly 25 cubic feet.
Riding the coattails of the crossover craze, which are essentially tall hatchbacks, the redesigned Elantra GT comes at a revitalized time for hatchbacks. Chevy debuted the Cruze hatch and Honda the Civic hatch last year, and the Golf and Mazda3 hatch in preceding years. The Focus hatch is overdue. Hatchbacks are the sporting antidote to dull subcompact crossovers.
2017 Hyundai Elantra packs more tech than the compact competition Robert Duffer
The Hyundai Elantra compact has been known for doing more with less on the dollar. The outgoing model won North American Car of the Year in 2012, arguably the industry’s most independent and esteemed new-car honor, for being more luxurious, more fuel efficient and more versatile and roomier than…
The Hyundai Elantra compact has been known for doing more with less on the dollar. The outgoing model won North American Car of the Year in 2012, arguably the industry’s most independent and esteemed new-car honor, for being more luxurious, more fuel efficient and more versatile and roomier than…
(Robert Duffer)
Elantra GT and GT Sport are due this summer. The outgoing 2017 GT starts at $18,800; we expect the 2018 GT to stay under the $20,000 sweet spot.
rduffer@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @DufferRobert
MORE DEBUTS FROM THE 2017 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW:
2018 FORD EXPEDITION
2018 DODGE DURANGO SRT
10 Chicago Auto Show must-see 2018 models
The 109th Chicago Auto Show takes over McCormick Place for 10 days beginning Saturday. The show brings nearly 1,000 kinds of vehicles from 36 automakers. Here’s a quick look at 10 must-see 2018 models. (Jemal R. Brinson / Chicago Tribune)
The 109th Chicago Auto Show takes over McCormick Place for 10 days beginning Saturday. The show brings nearly 1,000 kinds of vehicles from 36 automakers. Here’s a quick look at 10 must-see 2018 models. (Jemal R. Brinson / Chicago Tribune)
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