2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Same excellent fuel economy with even better packaging, more features and additional safety.

Wayne Gerdes - CleanMPG - Jun 16, 2012

2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch – Starting from $18,395 while providing a 28/39 mpgUS city/highway rating.

How do you improve upon one of the best sedans in the C-Segment marketplace? How about offer a "Hot" hatch and a coupe with even more capability. Yeah, that should make competitors once again study Hyundai's moves in order to offer a competitive product and price in 2 + years.

This past Wednesday Hyundai released pricing details for its much awaited all-new 2013 Elantra GT 5-door hatch. The value oriented five-door hatch will have a starting price of $18,395 and include 7-airbags including a driver’s side knee, Bluetooth, heated front seats and a cooled glovebox as standard equipment.

A cooled glove box is standard on all trims.

In addition, the 6-speed manual transmission can finally be optioned up with the works including such niceties as a 7” screened Navi with rear view camera, panoramic roof, leather, 17” alloys and a power drivers seat with lumbar support adjustment.


2013 Elantra GT Hatch Highlights

Just like the 2012 North American Car of the Year in the form of the Elantra sedan, the GT hatch is born from the same DNA. Meaning a similar award winning Fluidic Sculpture design, lightest weight platform in the segment and the same advanced and efficient 148 HP 1.8L I4 with either a six-speed AT or MT.

Up front, Hyundai’s bolder signature hexagonal grille as seen on the 12 Sonata Hybrid and 13 Veloster Turbo presents an even more modern look for Hyundai’s latest creation. The 2-bar grille was chromed for an eve more contemporary appearance.

The large projection lenses form the fender flare outline which transitions into the Hyundai signature deep beltline crease running from stem to stern.

Adding to its futuristic flair, the GT hatch includes a chrome molding at the window sill just above the beltline crease.


Just like all Hyundai’s, the GT hatch will provide its owners with a class above passenger and cargo volume. While being offered in the highly competitive C-Segment, its 96 cu. ft. of interior space and an over the top 23 cu. ft. of cargo capacity with the rear seats UP make it an actual D-segment sized car with more than just room for five but actually “plenty of room for five”. Drop the split fold down rear seats and there is 51 cu. ft. of cargo capacity available to swallow up things such as bicycles, camping gear or even a weekend trip to the Home Depot to complete home projects without having to rent a truck! The perfect

Elantra GT Hatch Details

The Elantra GT comes in three flavors including an exceedingly well-equipped base model, a Style package offering a panoramic sunroof, upgraded wheels, and a Tech package offering navigation system plus much more.

Modifications to the GT from the sedan include higher rear spring rates, improved body motion control thanks to a bevy of suspension changes in the rear. In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT’s Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.

Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai’s all-new Driver Selectable Steering Mode. With three operating modes to select – Comfort, Normal and Sport – this innovative system allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. Comfort level offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for city and parking environments. Sport is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while Normal is ideal for a mix of driving conditions. The Driver Selectable Steering Mode not only adjusts power assistance levels in each mode, but also on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, for a very natural, progressive feel.

Elantra GT 5-Door Hatch - Standard and Optional Features

GT 6-speed M/T

• 1.8L I4 Dual CVVT engine
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Driver Selectable Steering Mode
• 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires
• Seven airbags (driver’s knee airbag, front, side & curtain airbags)
• ABS, EBD, four-wheel disc brakes, VSM, ESC and TCS
• Daytime running lights
• Air conditioning with cooled glove box
• AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system w/ six speakers, iPod/USB and MP3 auxiliary input jacks
• Power windows, heated mirrors and door locks
• Remote keyless entry system with alarm
• Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls
• Cruise control
• Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System with voice recognition
• Blue Link Telematics System
• Premium cloth interior w/ cloth door trim
• Dual front illuminated vanity mirrors with sunvisor extensions
• Sliding center armrest
• Heated front seats
• Driver’s seat height adjustment
• Tilt & telescopic steering wheel
• Outside temperature display
• Trip computer
• Metallic inside door handles
• One-touch triple turn signal
• Luggage net hooks and outlet
• Sunglass holder & map lights
• Front and rear map pockets, front seatback pockets
• 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback
• Rear-seat center armrest with cupholders
• Chrome grille
• Front fog lights
• Front variable intermittent wipers
• Bodycolor door handles & mirrors
• Solar glass with windshield shade band
• Rear window wiper and spoiler

GT 6-speed M/T Style Package - $2,750 Option Package MSRP

• 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Panoramic sunroof
• Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Leather seating surfaces
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• Aluminum pedals
• Driver-side auto/up window

GT M/T Technology Package - $2,350 Option Package MSRP (requires Style Package)

• Navigation system with seven-inch screen
• Rearview camera
• Automatic headlamps
• Dual automatic temperature control

GT 6-speed Shiftronic A/T - The Elantra GT A/T has an MSRP of $19,395, excluding $775 freight, and includes all of the GT M/T equipment plus the following features:

• 6-speed AT with Shiftronic
• Active ECO System

GT A/T Style Package - $2,750 Option Package MSRP

• 17-inch alloy wheels with P215/45R17 tires
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Panoramic sunroof
• Side mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Leather seating surfaces
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• Aluminum pedals
• Driver-side auto/up window

GT A/T Technology Package - $2,350 Option Package MSRP (Requires Style Package)

• Navigation system with seven-inch screen
• Rearview camera
• Automatic headlamps

Early Conclusions

Hyundai’s latest fluidic sculpture design has been improved with a more modern exterior appearance, cargo capacity has been increased massively and the options now available with the 6-speed MT make for a truly exciting offering for those looking within the compact segment offerings. In addition, the overly synthetic EPS system may have been tempered into an excellent feeling steering solution with the three different Driver Selectable Steering Modes. We will have more detail beginning Monday when we actually get behind the wheel of one and I cannot wait :)

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Finally a Manual With Blue Tooth from Hyundai. :)

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi Kurz:

My sentiments exactly!

Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Verrrrry interesting !!

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Nice. Not a "hot hatch" but very nice indeed.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Price points alone are going to put a lot of pressure on the competition. Where are you getting a car with everything this one comes with, including a back up camera and Nav system for $24,270?

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Very anxious to give the stick version of this car a test drive once it hits the dealer lots. Tested both the Elantra and Veloster in both manual and auto, and the manual versions blew away the automatics as far as indicated fuel economy.

I really didn't care for the upholstery material in the Elantra, nor the lack of space in the Veloster, so this car may solve both of those issues...

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Ok, now we're talking.

Leave everything as it is and throw in an Atkinson engine, electric motor and big 'ol battery and we'll talk turkey.

:)

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi Jon:

In my discussions with Hyundai, they are close with actual Blue Drive prototypes on the ground but it is the total cost that is holding the Elantra Hybrid back :(

An atkinsonized 1.8L D-CVVT Nu engine mated to a smaller Blue Drive would be stupidly efficient, wouldn't it ;)

Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Pricing is exactly where I expected (and feared): just a hair over $19k w/dest, a couple thousand more than the Touring it replaces, thanks in part to more standard equipment. Heated seats are welcome, but I could do without the standard Bluetooth.

And this car will be much more popular than the Touring has been, meaning not much discount off MSRP. Never will you be able to buy a Hyundai 5-door in this class for anywhere near the $15,500 I paid, let alone the $13,300 that they often went on ad for the first couple years they were available. Of course part of the price increase will be justified by reduced fuel costs.

BTW, the AC glovebox (which can also be heated FWIW) is NOT new. My base '11 Elantra Touring has this.

I'm amazed they're shrinking the length by 8" vs. the Touring, yet retaining almost as much cargo cap. Are we getting the "long variant" of the global i30 after all? Cargo capacity has NOT been "increased massively," however ... it is actually down slightly vs. the car it replaces. The current Touring is rated 28cf by the EPA, and 24cf by Hyundai (I suspect the difference is in the under-floor storage), with the new GT rated 23cf by Hyundai.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

The circa 2003 generation Elantra hatch had about the same space. Curiously, they avoided showing the cargo space or bragging about it in ads for that generation, even though it was roomier than all or nearly all hatches available then.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Taking another look, I now realize how Hyundai is able to shorten the car. Although the GT's cargo area is presumably not much smaller than the Touring's, the passenger space has been tightened up, reducing both the passenger and seats-down cargo volumes. So maybe this is the shorter i30 variant after all.

	Passenger space	Seats-up cargo	Max cargo
'09-'12 Elantra Touring	101cf	24cf*	65cf
'13 Elantra GT	96cf	23cf*	51cf

* Seats-up cargo space per Hyundai. Elantra Touring has 28cf per EPA spec.

And this is all fine with me. The Touring's back seat is downright luxurious in size, more than I need. I'd gladly give some of that up (as long as I don't also sacrifice cargo space) for a smaller car that's even easier to park.

I'd have to say that despite the higher price, I like my Hyundai so much that if mine got stolen/wrecked I'd be hard pressed to do better than the GT as a replacement for it (though I would at least check out the Mazda3 hatch). At least as far as conventional ICE cars go, that is: of course, at $19k it would end up being a tough decision between the GT and the Prius, even taking TCO into account.

On another note, I'm hoping that the new EPS fine-tuning options deliver a bit more road feel. As we're getting used to with so many EPS systems (including the Focus I just rented this weekend), the Touring's is a bit numb. Like big front and rear blind spots, this seems to be an attribute of so many current vehicles that I wish could be made better.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi All:

Here is what a huge 13 Elantra GT and Coupe Short Lead looks like:


Everybody that is anybody in the auto journalism world is here :)

Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi Aca2983:

While still under the embargo, I can say the Elantra GT is indeed a "Hot" hatch due to the new exterior, utility and HW upgrades from the steering and suspension to Blue Link ;)

Dan, give me a few and I will have some pics of the GT's interior spaces. It "feels" just as large as the sedan from a front and rear seat room perspective but the added utility of the hatch with the fold forward rear seat allowing a flat load floor is where the GT hatch excels.

And road feel? The 3-mode user selectable system is ... I can tell you more after the embargo date.

Of all the capabilities added to the Elantra within the GT, it is the user selectable steering mode that may be the best of all yet few journo’s will write about it until they get behind the wheel for more than just a few hours. It is cool ;)

Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi All:

Some more hatch detail…


And can you name the dumb@$$ that would pull out a tape measure at a major short lead launch? Yeah, that was me :rolleyes: :D

Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

that lady has some nerve with that metric tape measure!

Nice big hatch, is that 52" deep?

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Nice! I like that interior better than the sedan's. Did you get measurement of the hatch's dimensions with the rear seats up? I miss having bottom seat cushions that fold forward like that, that is one thing that my old car did that my new one does not.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Wow, I'm excited to hear more about road feel when you're ready to tell us. :D

Any chance you measured the fore-aft length of the load floor with the seats up? To me that's the most critical dimension for cargo capacity. For reference, the Touring is 36" long, and the old '02-06 Elantra GT hatch was 36-37" -- compared with most hatchbacks which are in the 26-32" range.

I'm kinda disappointed that you have to flip the bottom seat cushions up to fold down the seatbacks. I thought automakers were finally getting away from that tediousness. On the current Touring you don't have to flip up the seat cushions (in fact, you can't because they are fixed in place). Just pop a button and flip the seatback down, and you're done. The resulting load floor is flat if you put any weight on it.

EDIT: I see a substantial liftover at the back of the load floor, which the Touring (being a real wagon) does not have. Maybe they're trying to get the floor as low as possible (eliminating the under-floor storage?), which would also necessitate having to fold the seat cushions out of the way in order to have the folded rear seatbacks line up flat with the rear part of the floor.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Nice. What else can you tell us about Christie S. ?

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Personally, I'm in favor of a lower load floor and more clearance vs. under-floor storage and not having to flip the seat bottoms. The Prius is the latter, and I often wish I had another few inches of height with the seats folded. My first car (old Volvo wagon) had flip-up seat bottoms and I never gave them a second thought.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

I could definitely see that in the case of the Prius, because the load floor is unusually high, resulting in a cargo hold that is really not very tall. Maybe the GT would also be a bit tight on height, since its roofline is a bit lower than the Touring's. Certainly in the case of the Touring, however, the cargo area is still plenty tall, even with a load floor 4" higher than it otherwise would be. My kid's 16" wheeled bike can easily fit in it standing upright.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi All:

Like all late model Elantra’s, there is plenty of room front and rear…


Herm, I brought the tape, she brought the excellent conversation while we drove 150 + miles/day in the Veloster turbo, Elantra GT and Elantra coupe over the course of 2 driving days.

Mike, I will get that measurement for you in a few. The hatch is 9” shorter than the coupe/sedan while the extra cargo cap is due to the hatch.

Dan, I will get that seat up measurement in a few. Looking for my tape measure amongst the hundreds of pounds of gear I am carrying right now in fact.

Regarding the seat bottoms going forward, to get the flat load floor, you have to. You can drop them but the load floor is not flat and one of the reasons I included the 60/40 split fold down pic with and without the rear seat cushion flipped up. Regarding the flip up seat, after the embargo is lifted, I will cover a miscue with this feature. One of the very few I can think of right now.

I will take a liftover height shot for you when I get the seats up depth as well.

Edwin, Christie is one of the nicest and least opinionated auto journalists in the US right now. I wish I could say more as she is indeed cute and a unique individual that I hope to mimic in a number of ways someday. Given this business is dominated by about 95% males, she’s a refreshing change from the overly macho driving partners I have been partnered with in the past.

Tim, there is some under floor storage but I have not lifted up the floor to see what is under there yet. I will snap a pic of what is underneath when I find the tape.

Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi Mike and Dan:

I think this is what you were looking for?


Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi All:

The difference between a preview day with a vehicle and a few days without restriction is you get to experience and see things you would not normally perceive in a positive or negative light.

Here is yet another example of “Hot hatch” without blowing your new car purchase budget…


I am sure rims like this have been installed on modded vehicles but OEM? Probably not. They arrive with the $2,750 style package that includes the leather seating surfaces, steering and shift knob, panoramic roof, powers driver seat and aluminum pedals.

Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Am I to understand that the load floor is only 30" long front to back? Really? Geez, that's the same as the Accent, and 6" less than the Touring! Might as well save some money and get the Accent, since it would give me the same utility.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Yeah, I was disappointed to see that number too, and wondered whether you guys are measuring the same thing by the same definition. I'd guess you're not, but am not sure. How do you adjust the front seat before making that measurement? For comparison, I measured 30.5" in a 2000 Accent, and 31.5" in my old GLC.

For carrying fully assembled bikes, the fold-forward rear seat cushion could be a problem, because it may block dropping the front wheel (and fender, when present) of the bike into the space behind the front seat. Or, will the seat back fold forward low enough to get a bike in, even with the lower cushion in its normal position?

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

The measurement we're talking about is the length of the cargo floor, with the rear seats up from the back of the rear seatback to the back of the cargo floor. So positioning of the front seat won't have anything to do with it. In the photos it sure looks longer than 30" though!

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Oops, sorry, I was in a hurry and confused when I asked about the front seat position. I did measure length from the back of the front seat to the rear wall, as well as from the back of the rear seat as you did. The numbers I quoted were from the rear seat, measured at cargo floor level. From the front seat, the distance to the rear in the both cars was 59", with the front seat adjusted for me.

My bikes are 67" to 69" long, so having adequate space between the seats to tuck the front wheel (and fender, when applicable) into is critical unless the car has more length than that. The aforementioned 2000 Accent did not allow doing that, because of its non-removable rear head restraints and skimpy space between front and rear seats.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

I am always surprised that hatches that sound so big on paper aren't really as big as I expect. Compared to my 14 ft^3 hatch, the Elantra sounds downright huge at 23 ft^3 (64% bigger!). But mine measures pretty much the same dimensions at 30" long x 40" wide x 29" high. Mine must be measured with the cargo cover in place or something.

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi All:

I was asked via twitter if the 2013 Elantra GT had a temporary spare so I opened up the bottom of the hatch to find out.

It does and this is kind of unusual in the B and C-Segment ranks given the bottom line pricing nature of the entire group. Good for Hyundai and good for us!


Wayne

Re: 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT Hatch Details Released
 

Hi All:

After some late afternoon meetings, I took the Elantra GT out for a little ride and I cannot get over how enthralled I am about the new steering setup. Nice On-center feel, Sport for coming down the mountains and comfort for most everything else makes it a dream. The soft leather wrapped wheel feels really nice and after 2,250 or so miles, I have only missed one shift and it was amongst heavy traffic on I-70 while I had my camera in one hand trying to catch the Colorado River flowing by next to the Interstate. Hyundai must have had a Mazda3 in one of their R&D centers to duplicate its “Fun to Drive” nature because they have accomplished most that plus in the GT!

Wayne