2013 Hyundai Elantra GT

While long popular in Europe and Asia, Americans have only recently gravitated towards stylish 5-door hatchbacks. Seeing that trend, Hyundai has dumped their dumpy Elantra Touring in favor of this svelt new Elantra GT. This compact hatch adds the flowing character lines and expansive front intake of other new generation Elantras, plus more cargo and passenger room, all while shortening up both wheelbase and length. The result is a surprisingly roomy cabin, ensuring good long distance comfort for all, while also appealing to the tight urban confines favored by young adults.

We found the shorter, squatter GT was also better suited to the Elantra’s 1.8-liter 148-horsepower I4; and although slightly underpowered, shifts were smooth with good steering responsive through turns. And even with added curb weight over the Elantra and Elantra Coupe, highway fuel economy for both manual and automatic is rated at 39 miles per gallon, beating Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza. With 5-door compacts finally starting to gain footing in America, the 2013 Elantra GT offers up comfort and versatility in a slick looking package. Prices start at a low $19,000 and the GT is in dealerships now. And we’ll buckle up and report back just as soon as we grab more new sets of car keys!