2013 Hyundai Elantra GT - Canada's Compact Hatchback Sweepstakes Just Got Tighter

Canada devours compact hatchbacks like no other market in North America, and with Hyundai keen to keep the Elantra’s status as one of the most popular small cars in the country there was no question that a true five-door model would soon be on the way to replace the aging Elantra Touring wagon once the sedan’s redesign was unveiled last year. The new 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a competent addition to the Korean brand’s line-up that doesn’t merely mimic the look and feel of the Elantra sedan but instead walks its own path.

The Same, But Different

Unless compared directly side-by-side, one can be forgiven for thinking that the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT simply cribs its styling from the ubiquitous Elantra sedan. Yes, the two vehicles derive their good looks from the same ‘fluidic’ cues that have spread across the entire Hyundai brand, but the Elantra GT rides on a shorter wheelbase, chops nearly 15 centimetres from the automobiles overall length, and sits slightly taller than its predecessor. This is due to the fact that the Elantra GT is based on the Euro-market Hyundai i30 platform, which also gifts the hatchback with a more macho body treatment than is found on the sleeker four-door. The changes work well for the GT and help the Elantra badge maintain its status as one of the more attractive small cars currently available.

• Also: 2015 Hyundai Elantra: Little Changes
• Also: End Of The Hyundai Elantra Coupe In The USA

The interior of the Hyundai Elantra GT also steps out of the sedan’s shadow with a unique, straightforward dash presentation that feels modern without being cluttered. Our test vehicle was a top-of-the-line SE Tech Auto edition, which meant heated leather seats, classy metallic trim, and the presence of a touchscreen navigation and entertainment system that also responded to voice commands. Bluetooth and satellite radio were additionally along for the ride. The GT’s interior was quite roomy in both the first and second rows, although the first two positions disappointed in terms of their long-term comfort level on extended trips. Cargo room was also generous in the hatchback, with 651 litres of total space available.

Not Quite As Sporty As It Looks

The Hyundai Elantra Touring wasn’t exactly fun to drive, and the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT makes an effort to improve on the tepid dynamics of the now-departed wagon. The Elantra GT’s suspension system has been stiffened when compared to the Elantra sedan, and a different rear axle design tightens things up somewhat over the four-door, but while the hatchback feels confident around town and buttoned-down on the highway, it’s not in the same league as other performance-oriented compacts when driven at pulse-quickening rates of speed. An ‘active steering’ feature allows the driver to choose between Sport, Normal, and Comfort settings, which was an interesting novelty, but only the latter two modes are recommended.

Under the hood the Elantra GT’s 1.8-litre, four-cylinder engine provides 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, delivered in a somewhat rough and occasionally noisy fashion. The hatchback’s acceleration was well-suited to commuting duties, and it also cruised confidently on the highway without the need to kick the six-speed automatic transmission down more than a single cog when asked to climb through mountain passes (a six-speed manual transmission is also available). Fuel economy for the Elantra GT was not quite as advertised – we were unable to achieve 5 L / 100 km on the highway, even with the Active Eco feature selected, which is intended to retune the engine and transmission for maximum efficiency. In fact, the button seemed to have little to no appreciable effect on the amount of gasoline consumed by the hatchback, but it did noticeably slow down shifting and introduce a certain sluggishness to the vehicle’s driving experience.

Excellent Value

There’s little to find fault with when it comes to the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT’s overall package, especially considering its price. Big on the inside and little on the outside is what most Canadian compact hatchback shoppers are looking for, and the GT’s cargo area is simple to access and holds its own against its main rivals. The Elantra GT is also easy on the eyes, although if you are looking for a bit of performance to back up its sultry looks you will most likely be disappointed. Hyundai has built a competent hatchback that acquits itself well in daily driving duties, but the Elantra GT isn’t going to steal any thunder away from vehicles like the Mazda MAZDA3 when it comes to handling and poise. Ultimately, however, it’s what the Hyundai Elantra GT does do well, not where it comes up short, that helps to define this solid entry-level compact hatchback option.