The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GThatchback starts at $20,235 including an $885 destination charge, the automaker announced this week. The hatch, which is based on the global-market i30 rather than the current U.S.-spec Elantra sedan, features European-inspired styling and a driving experience that’s geared more toward enthusiasts.
All models receive a six-speed manual transmission as standard, with a six-speed automatic serving as a $1,000 option on the base car. The base Elantra GT is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I-4 that produces 161 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and an 8-inch Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Even the base Elantra GT was designed with sportiness in mind, but the one enthusiasts will want is the Elantra GT Sport. That variant starts at $24,135 and offers 201 hp and 195 lb-ft from a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4. For a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of the standard six-speed manual, add $1,100. The Sport model also gets a unique multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance all-season tires, and larger brakes.
The Elantra GT undercuts the 2017 Honda Civic hatchback’s starting price of $20,575 and the 2017 Volkswagen Golf’s starting price of $20,715. There’s unfortunately no hatchback version of the new turbocharged Civic Si, but the 2017 Civic Si sedan and coupe start at $24,775, or $640 more than the Elantra GT Sport that boasts similar specs. Meanwhile, the 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI commands a starting price of $26,415.
All Elantra GT hatchbacks offer 120 cubic feet of total interior space, with nearly 25 cubic feet of that devoted to cargo room. Optional features include heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, navigation with Blue Link telematics, wireless charging, LED headlights, and a seven-speaker Infinity audio system. The Elantra GT also offers available advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Hyundai’s Driver Attention Alert, which monitors driver inputs to assess your level of attention and alerts you if it thinks you’re falling asleep.
