The 2013 Hyundai Elantra coupe is a very comfortable riding car and unexpectedly driver friendly. This writer has often shared praise for the Hyundai products, particularly the compact Elantra which when driving the sedan last, managed to provide over 40+ mpg on a trip to Indianapolis. That in itself was impressive.
Our test vehicle came equipped with several standard features, as well as two options, including the Technology Package (navigation system w/7-inch screen, rea
rview camera. 360W premium audio w/digital external amp, automatic headlamps, proximity key entry with electronic push button start and dual automatic temperature control w/clean air filter, $2,350; and carpeted floor mats, $95.
We drove the Elantra coupe SE PZEV version of the coupe. There are two trim levels available in the 2013 coupe: GS and SE. Top-of-the-line, the SE version comes with a sunroof, 17-inch wheels, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob and aluminum pedals. The GS version is also fairly well equipped with standard 16-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors, full power accessories, tile/telescoping steering wheel, cruise, air-conditioning, height-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, Bluetooth and 6-speaker sound system with CD player, Satellite radio and USB/iPod.
The optional Technology package-which our vehicle had-includes, as noted above, several high-tech features directly aimed at the younger set.
Performance isn’t a strong point of the Elantra’s 1.8-Liter engine with only 145 horsepower. You may not want to try and pass other vehicles unless you’ve got miles of road ahead, and getting out into traffic is a tad laborious in the Elantra. Too bad because this is a great-looking little coupe and offers a lot else. Perhaps the six-speed manual might provide a little more push. A slight hesitation upon acceleration was also felt at times.
When introduced in 2010, Elantra’s coupe was a novelty, and offered looks other compacts did not. Although identical to the Elantra sedan, the coupe offers a sporty look and feel and appeals greatly to the hi-tech set of drivers out there. While the 1.8-liter engine is a smooth running engine, providing respectable fuel economy, it just lacks enough pizzaz to excite.
Pricing for the Elantra coupe runs $17,595-$19,895, depending of course, on options. Our test vehicle came in at just over $23,000. The list of standard features is long and includes several creature comforts: traction/stability control, tons of airbags, ABS, cruise, decent sound system, power sunroof/doors/windows/mirrors, steering wheel mounted cruise/audio/phone controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel/seating/shift knob, heated front seats, and a full tank of gas!
Competitors to the Elantra coupe include Scion tC, VW Beetle, Honda Civic coupe, and Kia Forte Koup. Not really ‘sports’ cars, the competitors have more powerful engines than the Elantra.
This writer prefers the Elantra sedan, however, the coupe is surprisingly roomy. It feels spacious with ample head and legroom. After driving sedans, it takes some getting used to opening/closing the coupe’s heavy, big doors. Trunk space at 14.8 cubic feet is also ample. The gauges, speedo and tach are easily read and sporty looking. Controls are easily reached and workable. Interior appointments are of average quality.
SPECS:
MSRP: $20,745; total vehicle price $23,965; destination $775.
Engine: 1.8-Liter, DOHC 4-cylinder, 145 hp., 130 lbs.-ft. torque
Transmission: Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing, 6-speed automatic w/SHIFTRONIC
Wheelbase: 106 3 in.
Height: 56.5 in.
Curb Weight: 3,687 lbs.
Length: 178.7 in.
Width: 69.9 in.
EPA fuel Economy: 28/38 mpg. Average 31 mpg.
Tires: P215/45R17
Wheels: 17-inch alloy
Warranty: 5-yr./60,000-mile New Vehicle; 10-yr./100,000-mile Powertrain; 7-yr./unlimited-mile Anti-perforation; 5-yr./unlimited-mile Roadside Assistance.
Assembled: Ulsan, Korea
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