NEW FOR 2016:
- New grille design
- New wheel designs
- Proximity key with push-button start, mirrors with integrated turn signals standard on GLS
- New LED tail lights (Limited only)
- New trim levels: GLS Tech, Limited
- New colour: Coffee Bean
For 2016, Hyundai’s Elantra GT gets a front-end makeover with a giant hexagonal grille with prominent horizontal strakes. It’s closely in line with the styling of the just-updated Veloster and last year’s redesign of the Sonata.
Hyundai has also taken the opportunity to make equipment adjustment levels to some of the trim levels. A new premium GLS Tech trim replaces the previous SE; it offers up navigation and a reverse camera without some of the available luxury features like leather. On the other hand, the SE Tech trim is renamed Limited, and gains LED tail lights. The volume-selling GLS also gets more standard equipment including a proximity key with push-button start and mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Now in its fourth year in production, the Elantra GT continues to offer Canadians a Euro-style hatchback at affordable prices. The GT was developed in Europe and is sold oversea as the i30, and competes against the Ford Focus Hatchback, Scion iM and Volkswagen Golf.
All Elantra GTs come powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque lending it a peppy feel down the road. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual; optional is a six-speed automatic.
Trims include L, GL, GLS, GLS Tech, and Limited.
In L trim, features include 16-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, overhead sunglass holder, cooled glove box, 172-watt six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with USB and aux-in jack, air conditioning, front console with armrest and storage, power heated exterior mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver’s side auto-down, and a rear spoiler.
GL adds satellite radio, Bluetooth, automatic headlights, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, and cruise control.
GLS adds 16-inch alloy wheels, eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, front fog lights, panoramic glass sunroof, mirrors with LED turn signal indicators, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, cloth door trim inserts, proximity key with push-button start, illuminated vanity mirrors, extending sun visors, and under-floor cargo area storage.
GLS Tech adds six-speed automatic transmission, 180-watt sound system, 7.0-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and a reverse camera.
Limited adds 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, chrome exterior window trim, front windshield wiper de-icer, sliding front armrest, driver’s window auto-up, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door opener, leather upholstery, and LED tail lights.