Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT A/T (auto transmission) Small Station Wagon. It is a 5 door or also referred to as a “Hatchback”.
People in the know like my friend Otis, an automotive dealer in the car business for many years thinks this will be his next car. Face it, the price is right for all you get. It IS a serious competitor. It has 5 doors and for a small station wagon it is a perfect transportation car for the average family with great fuel economy.
Elantra is equipped with good complement of standard safety features. A combination of seven airbags surround the cabin to help protect the front and rear passengers, including a driver knee airbag for added driver safety.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 1%; Korea 94%. It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea, Classification is Small Station Wagon. Cars from Hyundai: Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.
Handling & Performance:
Hyundai is so impressive and this Elantra is a good example of value. It is a very good size, seats 5, great gas mileage, comfortable ride and a fast 173 horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
Styling:
The rear is cut a little short that limits cargo area but on the whole it is balanced and a similar look of many of today’s designs of even more expensive makes and which are widely accepted styling. It is referred to as a station wagon (a term that was popular in the 1950s 60s and 70s, but current terminology also recognizes the design as a Cross Over or in years recently past we called them ‘hatchbacks’. It could be classed a Small SUV in my opinion.
Fit and Finish:
Very good and for the money it is excellent.
Cost:
This is a true value for your money of all of today’s offerings in class. It is surely at the top of my list in this competitive listing.
Conveniences and comfort:
It is well equipped and a very comfortable ride. Driver selectable steering is a first in features from Hyundai. You can select from three steering – Comfort for around town parking etc., Normal for general or regular conditions and Sport for highway driving where less power assist is needed.
Consumer Recommendation:
Definitely include this in your test driving. I promise it will earn your respect beyond the great pricing.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Elantra GT A/T $20,000, Chevrolet Cruze $19,000, Dodge Dart GT $21,000, Fiat 500 $19,000, Honda Fit $21,000, Kia Forte $21,000, Kia Rio $14,000, Mazda 3 $21,000, Mazda 6 $25,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $20,000, Nissan Cube $18,000, Volkswagen Golf $20,000.
Good News:
Very acceptable fuel economy, comfortable solid ride, responsive 173 hp engine – more than enough.
Bad News:
None.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 173 horsepower CVT (continuous variable valve timing) 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed auto transmission with shiftronic, driver selectable steering, Stability management, traction control, 4-wheel disc ABS braking system with Electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, front, side and side curtain airbags and driver knee air bag, driver blind spot mirror, tire pressure monitor, fog lights, proximity key entry with push button start/stop, rear window wiper and spoiler, air conditioning, power heated mirrors, AM/FM/ SiriusXM/CD,MP3 audio system with 6-speakers, Satellite radio, iPod/USB and Auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth hands free phone system with voice recognition, power windows and locks, trip computer with external temperature display, steering wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering column, heated front seats, 50/50 split fold down rear seat, rear center armrest.
Gas Stats:
$3.99 / Gal avg. July 17, 2014
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
24 City and 33 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $19,750.