Overview:
This is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT A/T four door hatchback midsize. The standard equipment is good and there are two options packages: Style and Technology. . . with just about any feature upgrade you’d want or need. The style package, for example, will add $6,000 to the price tag.
I was rather ok with it just the way it was appointed. The seatbacks flip forward to provide 51 cubic feet of maximum capacity for the cargo area that is excellent for a car of this type and class.
Of course most people are aware that Hyundai warranty coverage is among the best in the industry. And of course that also means the product is rock solid and therefore the warranty is incidental. If other manufacturers have weaker warranty plans could it be because their products tend to require more fixes? Just asking. There may be other ways to look at warranty. It can be more of an indicator of what you can expect from a reliability point of view. Your thoughts?
Although the fuel economy numbers are good some of the competition are better in class but still in the hunt, so to speak.
General Information: It is assembled in Ulsan, Korea; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Korea 91%; Engine and transmission – Korea; Classification is Midsize Cars. Cars from Hyundai:Accent, Azera, Elantra, Elantra Touring, Equus, Genesis, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata,Sonata Hybrid, Tucson, Veloster, Veracruz.
Handling & Performance:
Great performance. No complaints for what the car purports to be. I prefer the turbo for smaller engines but I got used to the marginal horsepower. With a load it could be a bit more of a struggle getting up to highway speeds quickly. It does it but with the pedal to the metal.
Styling:
It is in a segment of the market that is all about economic performance and no nonsense transportation. They are therefore designed for efficient operation on a computer and all brands look very similar. Not a bad thing, but variety is more to my sensibilities.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Great value.
Conveniences and comfort:
Voice recognition is included but this feature (across the board for every car I have tested) is nearly useless. Someday it will work well but for now I am unable to use it effectively. So I get very frustrated.
Consumer Recommendations:
Great buy, great value under $20,000. Seats 5, has a lot of cargo handling space with rear seats folded flat. Definitely has to be in your test drives. Remember this is the new kid on the block, relatively speaking, so they do more for the consumer.
Recognized Competition:
Hyundai Elantra GT $20,000, Ford Focus $24,000, VW Golf $22,000, Mazda 3 $20,000, Fiat 500 Abarth $23,000, Toyota Corolla $19,000, Scion iM $20,000.
Good News:
Versatile small car for low cost to buy and operate.
Bad News:
Not as good fuel economy in this segment.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 litre 173 hp 4-cylinder engine, dual continuous variable valve timing, 6-speed automatic transmission, stability control, traction control, 4-wheel ABS power disc brakes with brake force distribution, front, side and side curtain airbags, driver knee airbag, tire pressure monitor, daytime running lights, 16” steel wheels, solar glass with windshield shade band, rear window wiper, air conditioning, power heated mirrors, AM/FM/ CD/MP3, audio system with 6-speakers, Sirius XM radio, iPod / USB and Auxiliary input jacks, bluetooth hands free phone with voice recognition, remote Keyless entry and alarm, power windows and locks, trip computer, steerinng wheel mounted cruise and audio controls, tilt and telescopic steering column, heated front seats, 60/40 rear split fold down seat, rear center armrest with cupholders.
Gas Stats:
$2.79 Gal avg. November 14, 2015
for more information.
24 City and 33 Highway MPG18
Pricing:
MSRP $19,800h.