Topic: Test Drive: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE

[Autos_Editor]

The new Hyundai Elantra Coupe merges swoopy styling with the roomiest cabin in its class.

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[hemusbull]

So Hyundai comes on the market last of the bunch, it is slowest with the least powerfull engine, carrying not the best fuel efficiency, riding on...not fully independent rear suspension? Hmmmm...

[Danno001]

So Hyundai comes on the market last of the bunch, it is slowest with the least powerfull engine, carrying not the best fuel efficiency, riding on...not fully independent rear suspension? Hmmmm...

Not sure if you read the same article, the Honda coupe has less hp and slower 0 - 60. But, the Hyundai will sell well, as the overall package is killer.

[5 Wheel Drive]

This is a pretty sharp looking little coupe, it lookes even better in person.  I'm surprised I haven't seem more of them on the road.  Sounds like the 1.6 turbo from the Veloster turbo and some mild suspension tuning would make this a great competitor to the Civic Si

[dencanad]

If I were in the market for a sporty coupe, my money would go to FR-S or BRZ. 
Much better value, and a whole heck of a lot more fun!

[nlm]

Good write up but when comparing stats between 3 or more vehicles, especially fuel economy (city/highway) I recommend using a chart/table rather than a long paragraph of words and numbers. Are tables tough to insert on web pages with consistency?

[aaronk]

Good write up but when comparing stats between 3 or more vehicles, especially fuel economy (city/highway) I recommend using a chart/table rather than a long paragraph of words and numbers. Are tables tough to insert on web pages with consistency?

Good suggestion, +1. Charts are great for comparing specs side-by-side.

[Erik]

If I were in the market for a sporty coupe, my money would go to FR-S or BRZ. 
Much better value, and a whole heck of a lot more fun!

Different kind of car for a different buyer. I doubt there will be much cross-shopping between Elantras and BRZ's..

[hemusbull]

So Hyundai comes on the market last of the bunch, it is slowest with the least powerfull engine, carrying not the best fuel efficiency, riding on...not fully independent rear suspension? Hmmmm...

Not sure if you read the same article, the Honda coupe has less hp and slower 0 - 60. But, the Hyundai will sell well, as the overall package is killer.

You are right about HPs/0-60, but these torsions at the rear makes no sense in the so called sporty coupe, young, fun and so on category IMO. Honda never used semiindependent suspension at rear!

[aaronk]

I don't see where this has an advantage over the Forte Koup. Sure it may be a few years old now but it at least offers the 2.4L engine and comes with wicked financing deals - you can get an SX (2.4L, leather, etc.) for $19,500 and you still have the option of a manual. I guess if fuel economy is the last word? But Hyundai doesn't seem to be doing too well with that these days...

[Danno001]

You are right about HPs/0-60, but these torsions at the rear makes no sense in the so called sporty coupe, young, fun and so on category IMO. Honda never used semiindependent suspension at rear!

99.9% of the target market for this "sporty coupe" won't care about the rear suspension design. The Mustang has a solid rear axle and it is considered a sports car - period.

[Jaeger]

Sharp ride.  Too bad no manual in the SE.  I get the limited appeal of stickshifts in today's market, but if you're going to offer a manual at all, make it available in the sportiest model fercryingoutloud.  I am still betting they will drop the 1.6l turbo motor from the Veloster into this ride, no matter how many times Force denies it. 

As for independent rear suspension - gearheads get it, the vast majority of buyers don't know or care.

The next Kia Forte will no doubt kick ass, but the current one is long in the tooth and a little rough and agricultural by today's standards. And its comparatively large 2.4l motor will be thirstier and not all that much more powerful.  Cheap, sporty, stylish - it will still sell, but I can definitely understand why cross-shoppers might choose this instead.

[safristi]

"aimed at the young spotty group"  then it must be an ACNE motors production.try "squeezing" some just under 10 sec times outta this supposed sporty coupe..it has the interior/exterior bling but it sings "chick" car................this coming from someone who had a Veloster for 6 weeks... .that was it's "KILLER AP  "...........

[Rupert]

   I think that you can make a case for non-independent rear suspension on the basis of having more room inside. Perhaps ind. rear could give a more responsive ride but possibly at the expense of camber angling and strange tire wear. I think that I prefer vertical wheels and longer tire life. Wringing out the equipment for max acceleration is something that few people do ever. Don't like the dash...or nose.

[hemusbull]

Right, but not. The #1 coupe in the class is Civic and the class itself was created and established by Civic's fans many of them modifing their cars. They've built this culture creating from Civic coupe an icon. And the result is the most sold coupe in Canada. When Hyundai targets this niche, it fights Civic, not Cobalt Coupe!

[Fobroader]

Good looking car, but if I was looking for a car like this, Kia Forte Koup all the way. More power, better looking (IMO) and great deals.

[dkaz]

I test drove the Elantra last year, it wasn't horrible for someone who just needs a basic commuter car. Different strokes, different folks. I'd take a 3, Focus, or Cruze (except the Eco) any day.

This is a pointless product though. The Elantra sedan already has a coupe profile, so the coupe has the exact same profile but two less doors. Weight savings from two less doors? Nope, the coupe is actually ~10kg heavier.

[Winterpeg]

If I were in the market for a sporty coupe, my money would go to FR-S or BRZ. 
Much better value, and a whole heck of a lot more fun!

Different kind of car for a different buyer. I doubt there will be much cross-shopping between Elantras and BRZ's.









Agree with Erik...this Elantra Coupe would be a "sporty" car where as the FRS/BRZ twins are considered (99.9%) to be "sportscars" .   

[Fobroader]

If I were in the market for a sporty coupe, my money would go to FR-S or BRZ. 
Much better value, and a whole heck of a lot more fun!

I completely and wholeheartedly agree with you.....unfortunately for the masses of car buyers, RWD doesnt mean anything, they just want a car that looks fast, all show, no go.

[aquadorhj]

If I were in the market for a sporty coupe, my money would go to FR-S or BRZ. 
Much better value, and a whole heck of a lot more fun!

I completely and wholeheartedly agree with you.....unfortunately for the masses of car buyers, RWD doesnt mean anything, they just want a car that looks fast, all show, no go.

hey, i resemble that remark!!     i got my car for its looks and it's FWD prowess in winter!!