In its most recent comparison test, we called the new Hyundai Elantra sedan “arguably the best-looking vehicle the company has ever offered for sale.” That argument is about to get tougher with the arrival of the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT, a hatchback version plucked from the automaker’s European division that serves up clean lines and attractive detailing. Combine the sharp styling with an available 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder (and a standard six-speed manual transmission), and this new Hyundai has the potential to be a formidable challenger to segment favorite hatchbacks such as the Honda Civic and the Volkswagen Golf.

For even deeper coverage of the Elantra GT, view our buyer’s guide in-depth review.



Like the outgoing Elantra GT hatch, the new model is essentially identical to the Europe-market Hyundai i30. That means it’s not a hatchback version of the U.S.-market Elantra sedan, and instead it rides on a different architecture; the relationship is similar to that between the VW Golf and Jetta. The Elantra GT’s wheelbase is two inches shorter than the Elantra sedan’s, for instance, which puts the Hyundai right between the Golf and Civic hatches.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

The Elantra GT’s base four-cylinder displaces 2.0 liters, like the sedan’s standard engine, but different tuning results in 161 horsepower versus the sedan’s 147. Both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are offered with this naturally aspirated engine. Things get more interesting in the Elantra GT Sport, which packs the Elantra Sport sedan’s turbocharged 1.6-liter four making 201 horses and 195 lb-ft of torque. Here, too, a six-speed manual comes standard, while the optional automatic is a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. All Elantras are front-wheel drive.

As in the Sport sedan, the GT Sport swaps out the standard torsion-beam rear suspension for an independent multilink setup. Eighteen-inch wheels and larger brakes round out the changes to the performance-oriented model.

No matter the trim level, the Elantra GT’s interior looks upscale and sensibly laid out, with a dashboard design noticeably different from the sedan’s. An 8.0-inch display screen comes standard and offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality along with an updated version of Hyundai’s Blue Link infotainment software.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

As with any hatchback, cargo-carrying practicality is an important consideration. The Elantra GT’s cargo hold boasts 25 cubic feet of space, which is between the Golf’s 23 and the Civic hatchback’s 26. With the 60/40 split rear seats folded, the Elantra provides 55 cubic feet of space, beating out both of those rivals (the Honda provides 46, while the Golf has 53).

The 2018 Elantra GT will reach dealerships this summer and is likely to be priced starting around $20,000. That’s higher than the Elantra sedan’s $17,985 base price, but the GT will try to justify its higher price using its enhanced practicality and style.

MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

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