2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Preview

Interior Features

Hyundai says the new Elantra GT is larger inside than key competitors, and that it can carry 23 cubic feet of cargo behind the 60/40-split folding rear seat and up to 51 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seat folded.

Standard equipment includes Bluetooth hands-free calling and streaming audio, 172-watt 6-speaker sound system, CD/MP3 player, iPod/USB port, and an auxiliary audio input jack. Blue Link telematics with a limited-time subscription to key safety services is also included in the base price, as well as heated front seats.

Optional Features

Hyundai offers two option packages for the 2013 Elantra GT. The Style package includes 17-inch alloy wheels, performance suspension, aluminum pedals, leather interior, 10-way power driver's seat, integrated turn signal repeaters in the side mirror housings, and a panoramic sunroof.

The optional Tech package requires the purchase of the automatic transmission and the Style package, and adds a navigation system with a 7-inch touch screen, satellite radio, real-time traffic and weather reports, and a reversing camera with the camera hidden behind "Flying H" Hyundai badge on the rear liftgate. Additionally, the Tech package includes automatic headlights, humidity-sensing dual-zone automatic climate control system with a Clean Air ionizer, and a Proximity Key entry and push-button ignition system.

Under the Hood

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is equipped with a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine making 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 131 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,700 rpm. In states with Partial Zero Emission Vehicle regulations, the engine generates 145 horsepower and 130 lb.-ft. of torque.

The new Elantra GT offers a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual control. A driver-selected ActiveEco mode modifies throttle response to improve fuel economy by 7%, according to Hyundai, and the Elantra GT's Driver Selectable Steering allows the driver to choose effort levels by selecting Comfort, Normal or Sport.

Fuel Economy

Hyundai credits the 2013 Elantra GT's 2,745-pound curb weight (add 39 pounds with the optional automatic transmission) and 0.30 coefficient of drag with helping the car to achieve better fuel economy. Official EPA numbers are not available as this preview is published, but Hyundai says the new Elantra GT will get 28 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway for a combined rating of 32 mpg, regardless of transmission choice.

Safety

Hyundai installs seven air bags, including a driver's knee air bag, into every 2013 Elantra GT. Additionally, this car is equipped with a traction and stability control system, as well as 4-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. A reversing camera is optional.

Blue Link telematics is standard on the Elantra GT, and comes with a free limited-time subscription to key safety services such as Automatic Crash Notification and SOS Emergency Assistance. Additional safety-related Blue Link features include the ability to set curfew times and speed limits, and receive alerts if a driver exceeds them. Blue Link also allows the owner to set geo-fenced boundaries, with associated alerts if the car is driven beyond them.