More Aggression Bound for Hyundai Elantra GT

Though it plays second fiddle to more popular hot hatches from Honda and Volkswagen, Hyundai’s Elantra GT is not without a generous list of attributes. Space, inoffensive styling, and value play a large role here, even if the N Line variant (formerly Sport) can’t match the output of its boosted rivals.

For the coming model year, Hyundai aims to ensure the Elantra GT attracts more eyeballs.

A teaser image from Europe shows the front end of the refreshed i30 — the overseas moniker of the Elantra GT. Seen in N Line guise, the i30/Elantra GT dons an aggressive front fascia with LED headlamps, while its revised grille, lower opening, and side scoops all host the same black mesh. A pair of V-shaped LED running lamps lend character.

There’s something Ford-like in its visage, but that can be said for a number of vehicles these days. One could also say there’s Kona elements at work here.

While the compact hatch’s rear remains hidden for now, Hyundai claims the fascia alterations continue near the stern, with new tail lamps being part of the upgraded package. The interior sees the addition of a 10.25-inch infotainment screen.

Changes to the i30 are expected to carry over to the North American version; we’ll get a better look when the car debuts at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

Appearing in its current form for the 2018 model year, the Elantra GT trailed its revamped sedan cousin by a year. And unlike the sedan, the Elantra GT’s refresh isn’t the hideous makeover foisted on the stock Elantra for 2019. (That model should undergo a full redesign for 2021, bringing its appearance closer to that of the wildly styled midsize Sonata sedan.)

Powertrain changes are unknown at this time. In N-Line guise, which brings a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (201 hp, 195 lb-ft) and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to the table, the Elantra GT is a fun little hatchback with plenty of personality. Lower-trimmed models suffer from a slushbox that deadens performance, but the GT’s base 2.0-liter at least outperforms that of the Elantra sedan.

A more athletic appearance for the Elantra’s hatch variant could help stimulate some interest in the model. While Hyundai doesn’t split the two models on its sales ledger, the Elantra nameplate as a whole fell 12.6 percent in 2019.

[Image: Hyundai Europe]