MotorMouths

Beautifully executed, nicely loaded and excellent prices should put the Hyundai Elantra at the top of many consumers’ lists.

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring is a spacious compact hatchback with surprisingly sophisticated road manners, but it is in need of a makeover.

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is comfortable, well-built, fuel efficient, abundantly equipped, sharply styled and covered by Hyundai’s long warranty coverage. When it comes to the small sedan segment, we can finally endorse the Elantra as a top pick.

Thanks to head-turning styling, a fuel-efficient engine, a long list of standard safety features and upscale options, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra stands as a top pick for a compact sedan.

Thanks to head-turning styling, a fuel-efficient engine, a long list of standard safety features and upscale options, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra is a top pick for a small coupe.

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.

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

The Elantra coupe states its claims in looks, comfort, efficiency and value. Flipping the usual script, though, the Elantra sedan actually seems more dramatic and different than this two-door.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra coupe is a stylish, excellently crafted, fun-to-drive coupe that is easy to maintain and fuel, with one of the best new-car warranties in the business. All of this in an ‘economy’ car that is better designed and better equipped than many more expensive rivals.

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.

If you like snappy styling, efficiency, and value-packed pricing, the GT adds an element to the Elantra lineup that was previously missing: hatchback practicality and a dash of European flair.

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.