Journey's End: Comparing to the coupe competition
Pricing for the Elantra Coupe GS starts at $18,220 (including manditory destination charge), and includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, Bluetooth, an iPod-compatible stereo, alloy wheels, and heated seats. To put that in perspective, the Honda Civic LX Coupe, which lacks Bluetooth, alloy wheels, or heated seats, goes for $18,595. The SE model adds leather upholstery, a sunroof, sport-tuned suspension, and a few other odds and ends, and stickers for $20,520, about $125 less than a Civic EX with cloth. The only options are an automatic transmission ($1,000) and a Technology Package ($2,350) with navigation, push-button ignition, rear-view camera, premium stereo, automatic headlights and dual-zone climate control; unfortunately, it's only available on automatic SE models.
Best rival? No question, that's the Forte Koup from Hyundai's corporate sister, Kia. The Forte Koup is angular where the Elantra Coupe is curvy, but it looks good in its own way. It's comparably priced (a couple hundred bucks cheaper, actually) and doesn't have the quirky rear suspension issues that the Elantra Coupe has. But the Forte gets bigger engines -- either a 156 hp 2.0-liter or a 173 hp 2.4 liter -- so while it's quicker and more fun to drive than the Elantra Coupe, it's nowhere near as fuel efficient. And let's not forget the Scion tC -- though pricier than the Elantra Coupe (especially with all the bits and bobs tacked on by Scion dealers), it's good to drive, roomy, and has a huge hatchback cargo bay that hauls twice as much stuff as the Elantra Coupe.
Bottom line: I always thought the Elantra made a great sedan, and I'm pleased to see it makes a good coupe, too. I like the style, I like the functionality, and I like the fuel efficiency. If only Hyundai hadn't changed the rear suspension, it'd be perfect. -- Aaron Gold
What I liked about the Hyundai Elantra Coupe:
Roomy back seat comes as an unexpected surprise
Photo © Aaron Gold
Description:
Pricing for the Elantra Coupe GS starts at $18,220 (including manditory destination charge), and includes air conditioning, power windows and locks, Bluetooth, an iPod-compatible stereo, alloy wheels, and heated seats. To put that in perspective, the Honda Civic LX Coupe, which lacks Bluetooth, alloy wheels, or heated seats, goes for $18,595. The SE model adds leather upholstery, a sunroof, sport-tuned suspension, and a few other odds and ends, and stickers for $20,520, about $125 less than a Civic EX with cloth. The only options are an automatic transmission ($1,000) and a Technology Package ($2,350) with navigation, push-button ignition, rear-view camera, premium stereo, automatic headlights and dual-zone climate control; unfortunately, it's only available on automatic SE models.
Best rival? No question, that's the Forte Koup from Hyundai's corporate sister, Kia. The Forte Koup is angular where the Elantra Coupe is curvy, but it looks good in its own way. It's comparably priced (a couple hundred bucks cheaper, actually) and doesn't have the quirky rear suspension issues that the Elantra Coupe has. But the Forte gets bigger engines -- either a 156 hp 2.0-liter or a 173 hp 2.4 liter -- so while it's quicker and more fun to drive than the Elantra Coupe, it's nowhere near as fuel efficient. And let's not forget the Scion tC -- though pricier than the Elantra Coupe (especially with all the bits and bobs tacked on by Scion dealers), it's good to drive, roomy, and has a huge hatchback cargo bay that hauls twice as much stuff as the Elantra Coupe.
Bottom line: I always thought the Elantra made a great sedan, and I'm pleased to see it makes a good coupe, too. I like the style, I like the functionality, and I like the fuel efficiency. If only Hyundai hadn't changed the rear suspension, it'd be perfect. -- Aaron Gold
What I liked about the Hyundai Elantra Coupe:
Photo © Aaron Gold
- Attractive styling
- Usable back seat and trunk
- Great fuel economy
- Poorly-sorted rear suspension
- Tech package only available on top-of-the-line automatic cars
Description:
- Elantra Coupe is the new two-door version of the Elantra family
- Price range: $18,220 - $23,870
- Powertrain: 1.8 liter 4-cylinder/148 hp, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 29 MPG city/40 MPG highway (manual), 28/39 (automatic)
- Best rivals: Kia Forte Koup, Scion tC, Honda Civic coupe