2002 Hyundai Elantra GT - Cars Worth Noting - Brief Article

Automotive Industries,  June, 2002  by Andrea Wielgat

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I'm impressed.

I wasn't sure what to expect. I'd heard good things and hoped they were true. But I needed to see for myself.

My conclusion after a week the Hyundai Elantra GT is quite the remarkable car. Remarkable not only because it starts at $13,999 but also because it is a whole lot of good-looking car for a low price.

Yep, the Elantra GT is a hatchback -- not atypical stellar seller in the U.S. But I'm a fan of the 5-door styling. It reminds me of the Saab 9-3 with a little more attitude.

Under the hood is Hyundai's 2.0L, 140 hp. DOHC 4-cylinder engine. This engine supplies more than enough power for a vehicle in this segment. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard while a 4-speed automatic is optional as are ABS with traction control and a moon roof with power sliding glass.

Unlike a lot of its competition, everything else is included in the standard price including a CD player, remote keyless entry, fog lights, cruise control and power windows, mirrors and door locks.

My only criticism of the vehicle is on the inside. Here's where the low price comes into play. The center console is very sparse and feels a little chintzy and plasticy.

But to Hyundai's advantage the Elantra GT's seats, steering wheel and gearshift are wrapped in leather and the instrument cluster is illuminated in purple.

And, like all of its vehicles, the Elantra GT is covered by Hyundai's 10 year 100,000 mile powertrain protection and 5 year 60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranties.

That's a lot of car for a low, low price.

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