HYUNDAI ELANTRA COUPE POUNDS PAVEMENT IN STYLE
Two, six, 40. If Hyundai were playing the numbers, that would be a winner. The 2013 Elantra Coupe should win over buyers with its sleek two-door style, efficient six-speed gearbox and 40 miles per gallon highway fuel economy.
On the outside, the Elantra Coupe is a sweet swoop of sophisticated design that borrows some cues from its four-door sibling, but has more edgy fog lamps and a tick more length. The headlamps and tail lamps are sleek, jeweled slits angling toward the car’s midsection.
Serodynamic-looking lines run across the side panels, punctuated by pronounced wheel arches front and rear. The back end is slightly higher than the front, which creates a speedy look, along with an integrated deck lid spoiler on the SE trim, and chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.
The Hyundai Elantra Coupe is available in two trim levels: GS with the sixspeed manual transmission and the SE priced at $19,745.
Under the hood is a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder shared with the Elantra sedan; it delivers 148 horses and 131 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; an automatic six-speed is available. Technologies such as electronic throttle control help boost responsiveness and fuel economy, which is 29 miles per gallon city/40 mpg highway with the manual transmission and 28/39 with the automatic.
On the road, it’s clear this coupe was tuned for a sportier and firmer roadfeel than the sedan version. MacPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers, is matched with a lightweight coupled torsion beam rear suspension design, creating steering stability.
We drove the SE version that was engineered with slightly different suspension geometry for an even sportier ride. Our drive included a variety of roads and different road surfaces, and we enjoyed the coupe’s handling in the corners, with little body roll and the ability to cut in and out of traffic with ease.
We appreciated the gearing in the automatic transmission and the ability to manually shift gears using the Shiftronic system, but didn’t get to try the manual.
Notable features are crisp steering feel from the motordriven power rack-andpinion steering, and good brakes. Standards include stability control, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist.
Aluminum pedals on the SE version add another sport touch. Although the coupe is designed to seat five, four passengers would be a smarter choice, especially for the climb into the back seats.
Inside, the coupe is sparse and modern looking, with a thoughtful layout and easyto-access knobs and buttons. There is a collection of nice touches like standard heated seats, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, a Bluetooth hands-free calling system with voice recognition, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and deeper side bolsters for a more supportive driving experience.
The standard audio system is a 172-watt AM/ FM/satellite radio/CD/MP3 setup with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks. Touchscreen navigation is available; it includes a high-resolution, voiceactivated seven-inch screen. The system also integrates a rearview camera.