Hyundai is making big news at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show with additions to its new Elantra lineup. First up – the new 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback. The 5-door Elantra hatch offers more functionality for an active lifestyle and ‘European driving dynamics’ since it is based on the new i30 model specifically designed for the Euro market.
“Elantra GT is a fun-to-drive, functional, five-door compact hatchback,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Elantra GT is the latest example of how Hyundai is redefining the compact car and setting new standards in automotive design, efficiency and functionality.”
Hyundai says that the new 2013 Elantra GT will compete with the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and will offer more interior space and fuel-economy than its competitors. It also weighs the least out of the bunch at just 2,784 pounds (with an automatic) – 175 pounds lighter than Focus, 151 pounds lighter than Mazda3 and 222 pounds lighter than Golf.
Under the hood the car equips the same engine as found in the Elantra sedan and Elantra Coupe. This 1.8 litre Nu 4 cylinder engine delivers 148 BHP of peak power and 178 Nm of peak torque. As is the case with Elantra coupe, the GT version is also expected to come with either a 6 speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control. Surprisingly the power packed hatchback offers nearly 10 KMPL and 13.8 KMPL of fuel economy in city and o n highway respectively for the manual variant while the automatic version delivers slightly less.
Inside the Elantra GT, offers more interior volume than the Toyota Matrix, Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover. Technology wise, the 2013 Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod/USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and Hyundai’s new BlueLink infotainment system. Optionally, buyers can add SiriusXM Satellite Radio, real-time NavTraffic and Data services, leather trim, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a panoramic sunroof.
Also see – Kia teases new vehicle ahead of 2012 Chicago Auto Show debut
See more images of 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatchback –
