AUTO REVIEW:
Sensible and Spirited: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe
Hyundai’s Elantra Coupe offers a spunky, responsive ride with good visibility and lots of trunk space, writes our automotive editor Sally Miller Wyatt.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe.
Hyundai fans are well aware that the manufacturer has been shaking up the looks of their cars for the 2013 model year. First to get that makeover were the Genesis and Veloster Turbo models. Third in line is Hyundai’s popular Elantra compact car. The Elantra is available three ways: as a sedan, a five-door GT and a two-door coupe.
Like its siblings, the Elantra two-door coupe has been stamped with Hyundai’s new fluid-like design, starting with a swept-back grille and low profile, to a beltline molding on the sides that also suggests strong aerodynamics. The Elantra headlamps are particularly eye-catching, and the car’s 17-inch alloy wheels with chrome spokes make for a nice-looking package.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe.
The Elantra two-door coupe has the same low profile as the sedan and the GT, and that helps with fuel economy. The Coupe is rated for 27 mpg for city driving and 37 for highway driving for the automatic transmissions, which is nice for almost anyone on a tight budget.
Our Elantra Coupe SE was powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. While the car is not a hybrid, its emissions are almost as clean as one, thanks to its advanced clean engine technology. Our test car was rated as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) by the EPA.
The Elantra Coupe can seat five, but it’s a bit tight if all are adults. And, as with all coupes, that means getting into and out of a rear seat by stepping over the front passenger’s seatbelts. Hyundai makes this less of a chore with seatbelt holder that swings down, making it easier to get into the rear seat.
(Above): Interior view of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe.
Behind the wheel, I found a sleek and stylish-looking dashboard that was highlighted with chrome accents. The car’s very wide A pillars and large side view mirrors did hamper forward visibility, unfortunately.
Always eager to check out safety features in the family car, I see that the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe has a nice list. At the top of the list is Standard Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control, Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, four-wheel disc brakes, driver knee, front, front-side and side curtain airbags, and pre-tensioners on the seatbelts.
(Above): Exterior view of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe.
Our test car had a base price of $20,745, but when a few extras were added, the base price rose to just under $24,000. Among them was a technology package that had a navigation system with a seven-inch screen that also has a rearview camera, and dual automatic temperature controls. The rearview camera is a real convenience in helping you back out of parking spots in crowded lots, and dual temperature controls means there will be no fighting over how warm or cool you and your mate want to be.
On the road, you’ll find the Elantra Coupe offers a spunky, responsive ride with good visibility and lots of trunk space.
Hyundai’s new Elantras are smartly designed smaller cars, with impressive fuel economy. It’s a good combination for small families, city dwellers, empty nesters or college students.
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