New coupe brings two-door flare to Elantra family

Hyundai’s compact Elantra family gains two models this year and loses one. The Gone: last year’s five-door Touring Hatchback. The Here: the five-door GT Hatchback ($19,340, with transportation) that replaces the Touring and a new two-door Coupe ($18,390). The Touring was the final vestige of the old Elantra clan. It was roomy and utilitarian, but had run out its string. Both its GT replacement and the all-new Coupe are based on the new-generation Elantra sedan. Economical, stylish and stuffed with amenities, that car established Hyundai as a serious player in the compact segment. The new Elantras follow the sedan’s lead, sharing its mechanicals, features and design. The sedan and coupe are similarly sized, while the GT is nine inches shorter and rides on a wheelbase that’s been trimmed two inches. On the outside, Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” aims to reflect the action of wind on a solid surface. It manifests itself in flowing character lines, wheel-arch creases and swept-back headlights. Inside, the new models share the sedan’s hour-glass-shaped instrument panel/console layout which, in models equipped with navigation, is topped by a 7-inch touch-screen LCD display. Gauges reside deep inside twin housings and are easily read at a glance. Minor equipment variations distinguish the models, but all are generously outfitted. We tested the coupe, which comes standard with foglights, heated mirrors, full power accessories, a tilt-and telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, air-conditioning, heated front seats, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface. The up-level SE trim adds a sunroof, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob and aluminum pedals. It also qualifies for the $2,350 Technology package that brings the excellent nav system, proximity key, upgraded stereo and rearview camera. All three are powered by a 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with all the latest tech, including direct injection, dual continuously variable valve timing, offset crankshaft and maintenance-free timing chain. Depending on trim, it can be ordered with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. In the coupe this powertrain returns EPA ratings of 29/40 mpg with the stick and 28/39 mpg with the automatic. Hyundai pitches the coupe as a sporty alternative to the sedan but nothing here will thrill the enthusiast market. Tepid power output, a slow-shifting automatic and solid rear axle sap the coupe of vitality. On the other hand, we racked up several hundred miles in 9 days of complaint-free driving on a recent East Coast trip. The large trunk swallowed suitcases, carry-ons and laptop cases. Steering effort has a natural heft and good on-center feel, making easy work of the many miles we travelled on the New Jersey Turnpike. More aggressive throttle and gearbox tuning would have better suited the turnpike’s frenzied give-and-take, but that’s the toll efficiency exacts. The new three-car Elantra family gives Hyundai a serious presence in the compact class. Corolla and Civic may not be shaking in their boots, but you can bet they’re paying attention. Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. He can be reached at don@dadair.com. 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE PZEV Vehicle base price: $17,595 Trim level base price: $20,745 As tested: $23,965 Optional equipment: Navigation system, rearview camera, 360-watt premium audio system, proximity key entry with electronic push-button start; dual-zone automatic climate control; carpeted floor mats EPA ratings: 27 city/37 highway Regular unleaded fuel specified