Hyundai’s Sporty and Versatile Hatchback Gets a More Affordable Style Package and a New Navigation System with Next-Generation Blue Link Telematics
On Monday at the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai Motor America introduced a refreshed Elantra GT for the 2016 model year, offering updated styling with customer-focused technology and features. With a more distinctive front fascia and all-new 17” alloy wheels, Elantra GT’s new look further enhances the vehicle’s signature sporty styling. And when mated to a standard 2.0-liter Gasoline Direct Injection engine, the formula comes together to deliver a vehicle that both looks and feels dynamic. Elantra GT’s acclaimed sporty styling, crisp handling and spacious interior won’t break the bank either, as 2016 Elantra GT pricing will start at just $18,800, excluding $825 freight charge, and will be available in dealerships starting this March.
- Redesigned grille with horizontal chrome and argent slats
- Newly styled 17-inch alloy wheels
- Available Ventilated Driver’s and Passenger’s Seat (a segment first)
- Available next-generation navigation with HD Radio and Apple Siri integration
- Available next-generation Blue Link system with new connectivity features such as Remote Start with Climate Control and Destination Search Powered by Google
STANDARD 2.0-LITER NU GASOLINE DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE
The 2016 Elantra GT comes standard with a 2.0-liter Nu engine mated to the choice of either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift control. Fuel is delivered by a high-pressure Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) system, which helps improve engine response compared to non-GDI models. A shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2,175 psi.
Direct injection also utilizes a higher than normal 11.5:1 compression ratio for increased power. The pistons are “dished” to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder. This high-tech, all-aluminum engine also has Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) and a Variable Induction System (VIS) for better engine breathing. A lightweight intake manifold also reduces weight by 30 percent over a cast unit.
Power is rated at 173 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 154 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,700 rpm. The 2.0-liter Nu has been tuned to provide more torque at 1,500 rpm than the 1.8-liter Nu previously available on the Elantra GT and currently available on the Elantra Sedan. The engine also produces more torque - from 4,000 rpm to 5,500 rpm - for impressive linear power delivery all the way to redline. The engine delivers an impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway/27 mpg.
‘FLUIDIC SCULPTURE’ DESIGN LANGUAGE
Hyundai is known for its defining and distinctive ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. The ‘Fluidic’ essence provides the Elantra GT with a slippery .30 coefficient of drag. Everything about Elantra GT is aerodynamic from the aggressive profile and low overall height, to the sleek side mirrors. Tire gaps are minimized while rocker panels are streamlined. Lower wind resistance translates into a smoother and quieter ride.
Up front, Elantra GT’s revised front grille adds a distinctive and assertive look more consistent with Hyundai’s newer models. Its sporty look is further complemented with wrap-around headlamps and sculptured hood creases. The body-side graphic features a chrome beltline molding to keep up with the sleek character lines. Sharp projector headlamps, available fog lights and all-new 17-inch euroflange alloy wheels complete the modern design. It’s all finished off in the rear with available LED taillights.
Elantra GT’s widespread use of high-strength steel results in a lower curb weight and allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,904 pounds, the automatic transmission Elantra GT is lighter than most of its competitors, while offering more interior room than Focus, Mazda3 and Golf. Elantra GT is 44 pounds lighter than Focus and 119 pounds lighter than Golf 5-door.
The Elantra GT can be equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC® manual shift mode. The six-speed automatic includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at freeway speeds.
Elantra GT’s six-speed manual transmission provides short, crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance thanks to triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears. Also, an upshift indicator in the instrument panel identifies the ideal shift points to save fuel.
INTERIOR SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
Maximizing interior volume and delighting customers with various seating layouts are hallmarks of Hyundai engineering and translate into more cabin room, cargo space and versatility. The Elantra GT features seating layouts that can comfortably seat five people or accommodate four passengers, plus long items like golf clubs or snowboards.
Drivers may opt to fold down two seats to seat three people and hold larger packages or fold down all of the back seats to get CUV-sized cargo space. The rear seats can fold completely flat by first folding the lower seat cushion upward. These options allow customers to discover that Elantra GT has more interior volume than Mazda3, Ford Focus and VW Golf and even more cargo capacity than the Nissan Juke crossover, thanks to the fold-flat rear seats. Elantra GT also features the best front and rear shoulder room in its class.
The Elantra GT includes a number of convenient, standard stowage and storage features, including a sunglasses holder, two front and two rear cup holders, door bottle holders, cooled glove compartment, central console storage, sliding armrest, front storage tray and front seatback pockets. The cargo area also has a 12-volt outlet for passengers who desire to plug in their portable electronic devices.
| Volume Cu. Ft | 2016 Elantra GT | 2015 Mazda3 5dr | 2015 Ford Focus HB | 2015 Subaru Impreza | 2015 VW Golf |
| Passenger Volume | 96 | 96 | 91 | 98 | 94 |
| Cargo Volume | 23 | 20 | 24 | 23 | 23 |
Max. Cargo Capacity (Seats folded down) | 51 | 47 | 45 | 52 | 53 |
| Total Interior Volume | 119 | 117 | 115 | 121 | 117 |
RIDE AND HANDLING
Elantra GT is fitted with a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is comprised of a lightweight coupled torsion beam for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers. A 22mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.
Elantra GT is tuned for added feel, responsiveness and control, while the Elantra Sedan is tuned for comfort. Modifications to the GT include higher rear spring rates, a stiffer twist beam and Sachs dampers for improved body motion control. These changes create driving dynamics which are sporty and comfortable.
In addition, two suspension packages were developed to optimize tuning for the two different tire sizes. The Elantra GT’s Style package offers a sportier suspension calibration that is optimized for its lower-profile P215/45R17 tire.
Behind the wheel, drivers benefit from Hyundai’s Driver Selectable Steering Mode, which has been enhanced with a 32-bit processing system and tuned for better steering feel for the 2016 model year.
With three operating modes to select – Comfort, Normal and Sport – this innovative system allows drivers to adapt Elantra GT steering characteristics to varying driving preferences and road conditions any time they choose. ‘Comfort’ offers the greatest ease of steering and is ideal for city and parking environments. ‘Sport’ is optimized for higher-speed highways or winding roads, while ‘Normal’ is ideal for a mix of driving conditions.
The Driver Selectable Steering Mode adjusts power assistance levels in each mode and moderates on-center feel and steering build-up curves throughout the steering range, allowing for a very natural, progressive feel. Steering damping characteristics, active return gain and high frequency friction levels have also been optimized for Elantra GT in this system. Even more, Elantra GT’s turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Focus and Golf.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
Elantra GT rides on a 104.3-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 169.3 inches. The height is 57.9 inches and the width is 70.1 inches.
CABIN REFINEMENT
Cabin refinements on the Elantra GT are inspired by the high standards of the entire Hyundai lineup. Located in the center console, the available all-new navigation system is displayed via a seven-inch touch-screen and incorporates the rearview camera screen. Elantra GT’s rear-view camera is like no other. This mechanized camera is hidden behind the Hyundai badge on the rear hatch and only appears when needed.
Dual-zone climate controls ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and activates the system accordingly. Another premium feature in the Elantra GT is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.
For the 2016 model year, both driver and passenger can enjoy the comfort of the segment’s first ventilated front seats available in the Tech Package. Heated seats are standard on all trims of Elantra GT.
Elantra GT offers many premium features, such as:
- Standard cooled glove box
- Standard heated front seats
- Standard driver’s blind spot mirror
- LED taillights
- 10-way power driver’s seat including power lumbar support
- Dual Automatic Temperature Control with Clean Air Ionizer
- Leather seating surfaces
- Ventilated front seats
- Automatic headlights
- Side mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators
- Standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls
- Standard Bluetooth hands-free system with voice recognition
AUDIO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM
Elantra GT comes standard with a 172-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A Bluetooth interface is also standard. The system plays CDs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs.
The Elantra GT with the Tech Package now includes Hyundai’s next-generation AVN 4.0 navigation system, the same platform praised by experts and found in Hyundai’s latest models like the all-new Genesis and Sonata.
The 7-inch multi-touch display features HD radio® technology with multicasting, SiriusXM Travel Link , SiriusXM Traffic, downloadable and pre-installed apps such as Pandora®. iPhone® users will also be able to quickly access the system’s built-in Siri “Eyes Free” integration with a long-press of the voice command button on the steering wheel. A split-screen interface allows map and music information to be displayed at the same time on the home screen.
The system also supports the latest SiriusXM feature set, including the recording of SiriusXM presets 1-6 for rewinding up to 22 minutes of live radio to listen to the full song or catch up on a sports broadcast. SiriusXM Travel Link® provides access to traffic information, sports scores, weather, stock prices, fuel prices and local movie times.
SAFETY FEATURES
Elantra GT features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants, including Daytime Running Lights, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), ABS (anti-lock braking system) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management. Seven airbags - front, side and curtain including a driver's knee airbag - are standard.
CONNECTED CARE AND HYUNDAI BLUE LINK®
Elantra GT is equipped with Hyundai’s Blue Link® safety, service and infotainment telematics system. For the 2016 model year, Elantra GT also makes available the next-generation Blue Link system for buyers that opt for the Tech Package. This next-generation Blue Link system adds new features and convenience to the long list of features the system is known for. This includes Remote Start with Climate Control and Destination Search powered by Google™.
Customers will soon also be able to access these features from the convenience of a smart watch, as recently announced by Hyundai at the 2015 Consumer Electronic Show. In addition to these features and services, all Blue Link-equipped 2016 Elantra GT models come with one year of complimentary Blue Link Connected Care.
Connected Care is a suite of safety and car care features providing Hyundai owners with services including Automatic Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, monthly vehicle health reporting and maintenance alerts.
Blue Link is offered in three service packages: Connected Care, Remote and Guidance:
Connected Care package (complimentary for 1-year):
- Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and Assistance
- SOS Emergency Assistance
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance
- Monthly Vehicle Health Report
- Maintenance Alerts
- Automated Diagnostic Trouble Code Notification (DTC)
- Recall Advisor
- Service Link
- Blue Link App (smartphone)
- On-Demand Diagnostics (Next Gen. Blue Link Elantra GTs only)
- Driving Information (Next Gen. Blue Link Elantra GTs only)
- In-Vehicle Car Care (Next Gen. Blue Link Elantra GTs only)
- Recall and Maintenance info
- App Store Access (In-vehicle and Web)
- Remote Start with Climate Control
- Remote Door Lock/Unlock
- Remote Horn and Lights
- Car Finder via Mobile App
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery/Slowdown/Immobilization
- Geo-Fence (Delayed availability for Next Gen. Blue Link Elantra GTs)
- Valet Alert (Delayed availability for Next Gen. Blue Link Elantra GTs)
- Speed Alert (Delayed availability for Next Gen. Blue Link Elantra GTs)
- Curfew Alert
- Panic Notification
- Alarm Notification
- Destination search powered by Google® (Navigation equipped Elantra GTs only)
- Destination Send-to-Car by Google®
- POI Web Search and Download
- Turn-by-Turn Navigation (Non-Navigation equipped Elantra GTs only)
HYUNDAI ASSURANCE CAR CARE IN-VEHICLE APP
The Blue Link in-vehicle car care app will be available for download onto the head unit screen of Elantra GT’s equipped with navigation. The in-vehicle app will have similar features to the Hyundai Assurance Car Care mobile app and gives owners another convenient option for scheduling service at their favorite dealership from inside the vehicle. Features include:
Car care serviceservice scheduling
Maintenance information
- Warranty information
- Warnings and indicators guide
- Owner’s manual information
- Quick reference guides
- Dealer locator
- Roadside assistance
- Blue Link information
