The 2017 Elantra GT has a dynamic front grille and a body design that personifies an athletic gait and promotes a partnership with the driver.
Inside, the interior volume and seats give the occupants a sense of spaciousness and comfort. The 119.1 cubic feet of interior space lead most car enthusiasts to agree that Elantra GT has more total volume and maximum cargo capacity than Ford Focus, Mazda3, or VW Golf.
There are 51 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seat folded down, which is more cargo capacity than a Juke. The rear seat splits 60/40 and folds flat to create an ideal space for large cargo, such as sporting equipment and big suitcases. As a compact vehicle, the Elantra GT sure has interior room.
The Elantra GT is a five-door hatchback powered by a 2.0 L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine with Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), which is capable of cranking out 173 horsepower and 154 lb.-ft. of torque.
The six-speed automatic transmission accompanying the four-cylinder engine has Shiftronic gear selection and Active Eco System. The latter contributes to the fuel efficiency, and the Elantra GT with the six-speed auto earns EPA ratings of 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, for a combined 27 mpg average.
The vehicle has numerous standard safety features, including an extensive airbag system with a driver’s knee airbag, plus a comprehensive Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system that links stability control, traction control, and ABS to keep the Elantra ET in control, even in drastic situations.
Information and entertainment are important to Hyundai owners. The default audio system sports AM/FM/CD/MP3/SiriusXM and six speakers. The Bluetooth hands-free phone system adds another layer of safety to staying in touch while driving.
The $1,650 Value Edition Package packs quite a number of goodies, including 17-inch alloy wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, proximity key with push-button start, 10-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, automatic headlight control, and one-touch driver’s automatic window.
The $3,600 Tech Package adds features on top of the Value Edition and includes several high-tech amenities, including a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system, panoramic sunroof, Dual Automatic Climate Control, ventilated front seats, smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, and a rear-view camera.
The rear-view camera has dynamic guidelines; it displays yellow and red guidelines on the center console monitor that bend to match your steering wheel input and convey the projected path of your vehicle while backing up.
The cabin of the GT was spacious, well-lit, and nicely ventilated. Driving was fun, allowing the driver to relax and enjoy the ride solo or with enlightening conversation.
However, there was some strong road noise, which I suspect was contributed by rough roads and uneven road surfaces. It seems every road in Texas is being worked on, making for disagreeable driving terrain.
This Hyundai has a long list of features, making driving most desirable, but the thing about this GT was a quality ride for only a bit over $21,000.
Hyundai Warranty Program
5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty
7-year/Unlimited miles Anti-Perforation Warranty
5-year/Unlimited miles 24-hour Roadside Assistance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this newspaper or at [email protected]
