2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport:  Mild to Wild Affordable Thrills!

By Autoreviewman

The new 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT is one of the most powerful Elantra model ever, and benefits from a variety of important powertrain, chassis, and styling upgrades over the previous models. The 2018 GT Model as tested is one seriously good looking sporty hatchback with its sharp European derived styling, integrated rear spoiler and dual exhausts. The Elantra Sport offers a choice of two engines, three transmissions, specialized exterior body accents and interior treatments, such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, sport seats, and red accents and contrast stitching. The GT also receives an optional more powerful engine, chassis tuning, uprated sporty interior and a host of extras including a standard eight-inch colour touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the line up, along with heated seats and a heated steering wheel.  The Sport ups the ante with well- supported leather sport seats, full LED headlights and LED taillights.

The GT hatchback arrives four models: GL, GLS, Sport and Sport Ultimate, and starts off with GT’s base a 2.0-litre four-cylinder 162 Hp GDI engine in the GL and GLS that offers 150 lb.-ft. of torque.  Sport models offer a turbocharged 1.6-litre, with a high output 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Drivers may choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with paddle shifters. Helping to ensure the most powerful Elantra ever is also the most fun to drive, the Sport is exclusively outfitted with an independent multi-link rear suspension designed to elevate on-road dynamics and feel. The interior on our tester was a smart black affair with plenty of room front and rear. Red accent and cool metal trim make for a classy sports influenced cabin.

On the road, our automatic equipped tester proved very impressive with its paddle shifters and quick tight reactions. Steering is quicksilver responsive with a nice feel and heft as it returns to center. We liked the retuned chassis and suspension as well, which allowed the Sport to really hunker down on tight turns. Acceleration is strong, with the turbo 1.6 unit exhibiting little lag as you climb through the tach. Brake are equally strong with the Sports bigger brake rotors making for smooth, well-modulated stops. In summing up, there is much to like about the Hyundai Elantra Sporty. It is a smart, unobtrusive, but still sporty hatchback ―that offers excellent value for money.

2018 Hyundai Hatchback Elantra GT Sport: Priced from $20,449 – $30,499