Hyundai revealed its redesigned 2018 Elantra GT hatchback at the Chicago Auto Show. In addition to a whole new look, the 2018 GT offers a new drivetrain and several new features.
Hyundai says the 2018 Elantra GT is longer, lower, and wider than the previous version, and also 22 percent more rigid. Two trim levels will be offered: the base GT, and the GT Sport. The former carries over a normally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, but power drops a bit from 173 horsepower to 162. The GT Sport gets the turbocharged 1.6 offered in Hyundai’s Veloster hatchback that’s expected to produce the same 201 horsepower. Both models come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but the 6-speed automatic that’s optional on the GT gives way to a 7-speed automated manual on the GT Sport. The Sport also substitutes a more sophisticated fully independent multi-link rear suspension for the GT’s rear torsion beam, and adds 18-inch wheels (vs. 17s) and larger brakes.
On the feature front, Elantra GT standards now include vertical LED running lights and an 8-inch dashboard screen hosting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available are LED headlights, wireless smartphone charging, and a revised Blue Link communication system that allows remotely starting the car and setting not only the desired temperature, but also activating the heated rear window and side mirrors. Blue Link now also works with Amazon Alexa, enabling owners to use voice commands from their home to start the car and set the temperature. Also available are some high-tech safety features, including forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control with start/stop capability.
Hyundai says the 2018 Elantra GT is due to go on sale this coming summer.
CG Says:
Hyundai refers to the new GT Sport as “a true hot hatch,” and that’s probably not hyperbole. With four doors and a large cargo area, either GT should make for a very practical car, particularly with all the new features offered. By all appearances, we’d say Hyundai probably has a real winner here.
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