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Ten Reasons To Buy The Hyundai Elantra GT

It's affordable. Base versions start under $20,000. Add a style package (17-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, leather seating, aluminum trim) for only $2,750 and a tech package (navigation, auto headlights, dual temperature control) for $2,350 more. That is significantly cheaper than the Toyota Prius and Lexus CT 200h, but competitive with the Subaru Impreza Premium.

It’ll fit all your friends. Even the big ones. The five-passenger wagon has ample leg room and more than 40 cubic inches of headroom in front.

It is from a brand that lacks image problems. Hyundai is a young marque on the rise. It is not enmeshed in government funding. It is not trying to figure out how to keep momentum. And it does not demand the price premium of luxury brand names. A refreshing change.

 

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The interior dash and console are sleek. Buttons for the telematics, temperature and radio controls are presented in a straightforward, uncluttered way. Hyundai is not interested in being too clever or cute with its inside display, which is a great advantage as others seem to push technology just for bragging rights.

It looks better than other wagon competitors. Arguably cooler than the Ford Matrix, Toyota Venza or the Mazda Sport. The Lexus CT looks pretty sleek, but it costs almost $10,000 more. And for looks it blows the Kia Soul and Nissan Cube out of the water.

You can whip it. Sure, the car is a bit sluggish off the line, but the driver-specific steering modes and its trim physique made it easily navigable and nimble, even through Manhattan's cluttered thoroughfares.

It has a large sunroof. Never underestimate the power of a Very Big sunroof. It floods the car with sunlight, making the whole thing seem large, light and airy. And it adds an almost luxurious cache to the whole enterprise.

 

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You could run a bodega out of the back. Storage space in this baby abounds: With the seats down, it has 51-cubic-feet of cargo volume, one foot less than the spacious Subaru Impreza Sport Premium. In fact, now that I am on my soapbox, more Americans should try a hatchback. They are as big as some vans and small SUVs in the back, and more fuel-efficient. They also lack the emotional baggage (embarrassment?) that comes from driving a minivan.

It has four doors. Consider that fact another notch in the practicality post.

It is efficient. The Hyundai Elantra GT gets 28mpg in the city and 39mpg on the highway. That beats competitors like the Kia Soul, Toyota Venza and Ford Focus SEL.

http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mkm45gdfik/ten-reasons-to-buy-the-hyundai-elantra-gt-3/