Elantra GT puts the Sport into driving
Hyundai hatchback is a blast
If I was materialistic, I’d ask Santa Claus for a special little treat in addition to that peace-on-earth, goodwill to all men stuff which, as a child of the ’60s and ’70s, I’m cool with.
That treat would be a 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport, which I had more fun in this week than any car I can remember (get your mind out of the gutter).
The redesigned Elantra GT Sport hatchback, provided for this week’s test by John Baugh of Integrity Hyundai, is an absolute revelation. The Elantra was always a fundamentally sound compact car, but now it’s pure fun. In all the years I’ve tested cars, I’m hard-pressed to think of a smallish car that was such a blast to drive.
My time in the Elantra was limited due to my well-founded concerns about Monday morning’s snowstorm which hit with the fury of a Mike Tyson punch but I spent enough time behind the wheel to make judgment on it.
The Marina Blue Elantra handled the slick road conditions on a highway cruise with aplomb, providing a comfortable and stable ride despite deteriorating visibility and traction.
While the Elantra is considered a compact, the GT hatchback has the interior room of a small sport utility vehicle. With rear seats occupied, the hatch is said to have about 25 cubic feet of storage space. With the split-folding leather rear seat folded down, cargo space increases to a substantial 55 cubes. That is impressive for a car that takes up so little space in a parking stall.
The tester, priced at $30,204, comes fully loaded with beautiful black leather seating and brilliant offsetting red piping. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are features that will be appreciated in this week’s wintry conditions. Come summer — or January, passengers can take advantage of dual zone climate control.
The interior of the Elantra is sumptuous with superb fit and finish, large easy-to-readcontrols and an eight-inch touchscreen with rearview camera.
The larger touchscreen will be not only be easier on older eyes but is also way handier to use than the smaller offerings in other vehicles. It’s also conveniently located within easy reach. The car also a multi-information display in the instrument panel that is also easily readable at a quick glance.
Even with the panoramic sunroof over both rows of seating, interior headroom is superb.
The back bench will easily accommodate two adult passengers, who have decent leg and shoulder room.
The car features the latest in available safety technology, including blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert. It also has seven airbags, including roofmounted side curtains and a driver’s knee bag.
The GT Sport model is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline fourcylinder direct injection engine cranking out an impressive 201 horsepower. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddleshifters.
A six-speed manual is also available in the Sport which includes a sporttuned suspension for driving enthusiasts.
Fuel economy is rated at 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway or 34 mpg combined.
HID headlights, LED tail lights and 18-inch alloy wheels are also part of the Sport package.
Staying connected is easy with the Sport which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two features that set it apart from some competitors.
For those who really want to rock while rolling down the highway, an Infinity premium audio system with 314 watts and eight speakers is an available option.
The first impression behind the wheel is that the GT Sport is designed with the driver in mind. Seats are well bolstered and comfortable, and can be adjusted electronically in multiple ways.
The gearshift is right at hand, the adjustable armrest can easily be moved fore and aft, and the steering wheel is nicely weighted. Visibility is exceptional and the large touchscreen is well placed.
The car accelerates swiftly and even with wind howling, the interior is hushed. The ride is smooth and will make this car an enjoyable roadtrip companion for many hours at a time.
In better conditions, I would have taken the Elantra on a much longer jaunt but this car felt right from the second I lowered myself into the driver’s seat.
And I know it’s a vehicle I could live with happily for highway excursions and city commuter.
And the colour is a killer. It’s bold, bright and bodacious. Just like the Elantra GT sport itself.
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