Drivers & Believers - Hyundai Elantra GT

Tuesday
March 9, 2010

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"... a ride that is second to none in the subcompact class."

"This was the best stopping Hyundai we've yet driven."

"...if other 5-doors measured up to the 2002 Hyundai Elantra GT, there would be no need for a hatchback comeback."

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"Upping the ante in affordable fun."

"...by giving the Elantra GT a taut, responsive feel that doesn't make for a harsh ride but is most appreciated on twisty roads or your favourite cloverleaf interchange."

"What catches most people off guard when they peer inside the GT is finding leather seats in a car that lists for $13,999."

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"...it excels at nimble executions of turns and tight maneuvers."

"Interior material quality exceeds what you'd expect to find in a car of this class, with soft-touch surfaces and a refined finish."

"Hatchbacks appeal to the youthful crowd, and we can envision possible aftermarket modifications on the GT to increase its coolness quotient."

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"The standard manual five-speed transmission provides easy, comfortable shifts - much better than the transmission in the previous generation Elantra."

"With a fully independent suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, and gas-filled shock absorbers, the Elantra exhibits excellent control on bumpy surfaces and switchback curves, and has a surprisingly smooth ride."

"...the Elantra GT is quiet on the highway, the ride is comfortable and smooth, and there's a surprising lack of engine and road noise."

"...the Elantra is more refined than the Protege5 and the Kia Spectra hatchback."

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Note: The Canadian spec GT is slightly less optioned than the US version.

"The Hyundai Elantra is one of the best subcompacts available. It's more comfortable and more enjoyable to drive than many of the name-brand cars in its class."

"The Elantra is quieter than the Honda Civic. In the workaday grind the Elantra GT is better than acceptable. It's good. It can run with comparably equipped competitors in nearly every respect except the size of the monthly payments, where it runs ahead."

"What impressed us most was the Elantra GT's balance of ride and handling, which replicates the style of a good European sedan. Some cars that cost $25,000 don't have speed-sensitive power steering or a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, but the Elantra has both."

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"... anyone looking for economical transportation would be foolish not to check it out. It’s when you add ride and handling to all that standard equipment that the Elantra GT really stands out."

"...one helluva lot of car for the money and great fun to toss around."

"Any back road with curves, dips and hills between the straight-aways will call to you to test the GT’s limit."

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"Buy it before Hyundai realizes what a terrible mistake they’ve made and raises the price to 20 grand. Which is probably where it should be."

"We found very few things to nitpick about it. Probably our greatest complaint was the fact that antilock brakes are not standard, but are part of a $1,175 options package that includes traction control and a power glass sunroof. But side air bags are standard, which is unusual in this size and price class."

"...given the outstanding warranty, the high level of standard equipment, the terrific price and the above-average quality, the Elantra GT is a best buy."

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