Just today, Hyundai has taken the sheets the new 2018 Elantra GT at the Chicago Auto Show. Aimed squarely at its European hot hatch rivals, the new model is lower and more aggressive-looking than the regular Elantra, and gets packed with a ton of tech and optional extras.
Scott Margason, director of product planning at Hyundai Motor America said, “The new Elantra GT brings more to the North American shores for the 2018 model year. More space and features inside. More aggression and European flair outside. And more options under the hood. I’m particularly excited to showcase the GT Sport, a true hot hatch.”
New GTI Rival?
It certainly does look that way when you take a look at the GT Sport’s spec sheet. With a 201-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and six-speed manual gearbox—a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is available, too—a certain German automaker (cough, Volkswagen, cough) may start to worry—especially if its handling is as good as its looks, which they should, because it was developed on James May’s favorite track: The Nurburgring.
Plus, lots of tech
Hyundai is loading their new hot hatch with a ton of optional tech, too, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto—displayed on an 8″ display—and wireless smartphone charging. Also on offer is adaptive cruise control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, features one might not expect to come from Hyundai.
Though pricing is currently unannounced, it’s likely it will be competitively priced against its Volkswagen, Ford, Mazda, and Honda rivals. If it performs as well as Hyundai claims, too, then they’re in for some real competition.