MotorMouths

For buyers who seek a hatchback for its versatility, value and features — typically a much larger audience than the hot-hatch set — this GT gives Hyundai and Elantra fans another reason to smile.

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.

As small hatchbacks go, most of the 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT’s direct rivals play from essentially the same game plan. But given the Elantra GT’s core strengths of practicality and value, we think it’s still a top choice for a small hatchback.

The Elantra coupe is smooth, comfortable, and quiet at all speeds. Its deportment is competent and predictable, its braking feels strong, it looks good, it’s an mpg champ, and as with all Hyundais, you get a lot of standard kit for the money.

The pricing equation works out well for the GT. It’s starting price bests everything but the Volkswagen Golf by around $1000. Even if price isn’t your determining factor, 39 mpg on the freeway and the sheer amount of cargo space make the Elantra GT a fine choice for a small wagon.

The Elantra GT is certainly no Panamera. But it is a fun and tech-forward alternative to the compact sedans that dominate the automotive landscape.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe drives exactly like the sedan, complete with that car’s masterful highway ride and sleepy dynamics. There is, however, one difference that matters: price. Call it the cost of looking good.

The Hyundai Elantra is affordably priced, has loads of style and sips gas. Plus, it adds a dash of driving fun, giving small-car shoppers plenty of reasons to choose it over one of the sales leaders.

Despite some flaws, the Elantra delivers the most adventurous styling, a leading warranty and the most features for the price.

The second you close the door to the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe, the magic is gone. Before you are all of the same vitals from the Elantra sedan. And because it uses the identical 1.8-liter engine, everything feels the same. There is, however, one difference that matters: price.

With stand-out styling and that big 40-mpg number, Hyundai won’t have any trouble bringing customers into dealerships, and with an impressive interior and solid pricing, dealers should find it equally easy to send folks on their way in a new Elantra.

The dynamic performance of the Elantra Coupe never really came together. The ride was also lacking on a dynamic front. Perhaps the biggest benefit of buying an Elantra Coupe is the fuel economy it offers. On a practical level, the Elantra Coupe makes even more sense.