The new Hyundai Elantra adds a coupe and a hatchback for 2013

Hyundai just keeps cranking out good choices and folks just seem to keep turning their heads to take a look. Case in point is the 2013, very fuel-efficient, Hyundai Elantra in the compact sedan market.

There are many features on this car so consider it a real option, with competition coming in from the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, and the Mazda 3.

Redesigned a few years ago, this year’s Elantra is all about cool styling and a good gas mileage record even with a standout engine.

There are two trims on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra the GLS and Limited. The GLS trim has 16-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, power accessories, height-adjustable driver seat, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat.

Also available on the automatic transmission GLS is the Preferred package offering the same size alloy wheels, fog lamps, heated front seats, lighted vanity mirrors, and steering wheel audio controls.

If you want those extras standard then opt for the Limited sedan but with 17-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, leather upholstery, power driver seat, and heated front and rear seats.

On this one you can opt for the Technology package and you get headlamps, keyless ignition/entry, rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an upgraded audio system.

Under the hood, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra will give you front-wheel drive and a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. A manual transmission is standard, but you can get a six-speed automatic on the Limited.

Safety on the Hyundai Elantra is impressive with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, and front seat side-impact and side curtain airbags.

Inside the Hyundai Elantra, the interior boasts a center stack climate control system with a nice look and it’s easy to navigate.  Of course, on an upgrade there is also the leather seating, heated front and rear seats and a rearview camera.

While the Hyundai Elantra is a compact, the space will fool you.  There is 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk and the 60/40 split pass is a good size too.

For tall drivers and passengers, this is definitely a go-to vehicle and even the backseat is good on the legroom, but headroom might offer a challenge in some cases.

For the behind-the-wheel experience, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra has plenty of power, is a quiet ride takes the curves handing just fine and could be considered “best all around.”  

Should You Need to Know: This year the 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan saw little change other than the introduction of the coupe and hatchback model body styles.

Miles Per Gallon: I drove the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe GS PZEV with 28 miles per gallon in the city and 39 miles per gallon on the highway. 

Cost: The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe GS PZEV price tag came in at $19,315.

Source: Washington Times