I own the 2013 model. This car fits 4 full height adults (I'm 6'3", I can sit behind myself), is quiet, incredibly efficient, and has an excellent heater and A/C. The car doesn't bog down with the A/C on, either. Very impressed so far.
The base 2014 GT had heated seats. That basically sold me on the car, but the rest is impressive too. For $16k out the door new (with a model year end discount) it’s a fantastic car for the price point. Had it almost seven years now and no major mechanical issues, still runs great.
I find it more on the fun to drive side, but it isn't a GTi, as said, and I'm glad it isn't. As for gas mileage, I'm glad Hyundai is under-estimating it. You may have gotten 27 combined, but I can consistently beat the highway numbers (6-speed manual transmission). I can regularly get 38 ("EPA" 34) with the cruise set at 70 driving the interstates of mountainous PA. I can't wait to get it on flat interstates, where I'm sure I can get close to or above 40 MPG. If you check, you'll find Hyundai lowered all MPG ratings for 2014 since they were sued over false claims. I previously had a '12 Sonata SE 2.4, and I'm averaging 6-7 MPG more with my Elantra GT, but if you check EPA numbers for the '14 Sonata SE, they're almost identical to the '14 Elantra GT.
I was gonna say, I'm on a long business trip and am renting a 2014 Elantra Sedan (which I just found out, isn't the same car from this video) and I'm getting about 36mpg mixed. When it's just highway I was almost pushing 40. I was hoping the GT was similar as I'm pretty impressed with this car.
In general, I agree with the review. I have a 16' model, and I do think it is somewhat fun to drive. I think this is a much better option for those looking for a decent amount of power but don't want to step up to a full on hot hatch, as this car does have more horsepower than comparable Ford focus models, Mazda 3s, and even the VW golf (albeit by 3 hp, but it is still more). I'm actually trying to trade in my 16' for this exact model except with a manual transmission. I think that would help the "fun" factor quite a bit, but as it stands, I love the car so far!
In Europe this car(called the i30) has seen a massive surge in popularity. A few years ago the only people in Hyundai's were old ladies, now they are quite common. They are eating into even Ford's fan base with the Focus, which has dominated sales since it's introduction. That's saying something when the Focus is the second most popular car in the UK and you're doing well to go more than a minute without seeing one.
I just purchased the 2015 GT and I must say that I'm enjoying it.... Seeing 29.8mpg driving around town is also enjoyable, compared to my old Honda Passport....the sunroof looks as though it starts at the windshield wipers and goes all the way to the 5th door.....
I own a 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT GL (hatch). The rear suspension is bloody awful. At city speeds (50 kmph) you can feel the back end hopping. At highway speeds (100 kmph) when you hit a pot hole or bump the back end hops and steps sideways quite badly. If you read a few forums you'll find this is a common problem with more than just this model of Hyundai (and it persisted till at least the 2016 models). I took it to an authorized dealer in Smiths Falls Ontario who suggested I "put a heavy weight in the hatch". I changed the rear shocks off the OE shocks (I forget which make I went with), which made it a lot better but it's still not great. I've had my car for about 2 years. Also, all the display uses blue LED lights (blue can cause night-blindness, red is a much better choice for night lighting). @5:01 You don't sit nearly as high as someone in a crossover, and that is a bloody good thing.
One thing about hyundai is the parts are more expensive in general than other cars,and its not because they're any better or less are made. So if you keep the car for a while parts are going to eat the pocket book. Not to mention Hyundai has had some serious issues with phony mpg rarings (that was in court)
I got this car in December. It doesn't have the back up camera or nav system and I wish it did. I backed up into some ice that was piled up too high trying to park and got a nice little crack in the bumper so I agree. That stuff should've been standard. At least sensors.
I bought my '16 because my 20 year old F150 kicked the bucket and wouldn't pass inspection so I had 24 days to buy a new vehicle. The cheap poorly designed tires made the ride horrible so I replaced them with expensive Coopers. The wheel covers are plastic toy cheap so I replaced those with chrome. The seats are thin and hard with no lumbar support. The rear suspension is "sport"(?) and take pumps hard! The hatch latch can get completely iced over and impossible to open. Windshield wipers were a joke - replaced them . Rear wiper doesn't make good contact. What Hyundai calls "carpeting" is from the $1 store! No light in the glove box. Piano black on the dash and console attracts lint and dust. Heater takes a long time to defrost windshield. 6 speed automatic can get confused in slow city traffic.
I wonder if the rarity of this car makes getting repairs expensive? Hyundais aren't rare but as the reviewer said, this one is based on a european model.
Good review. I have this car (2013) and he's correct in saying it isn't a "sports car." It is a very well rounded small car. I kind of wish they would have put the 2.0 liter in the 2013 model. I get 27 city and 37 highway.
I back up camera on a compact lmao!!! No wonder there are so many bad drivers if you can't park a compact without a back up camera you shouldn't be driving to begin with. If its a full size SUV then I understand but a compact what a joke
***** There are some really good after market sensors you should look into. I'll prolly look for a discounted 13/14 since 15 will bring a new model year.
***** Gdi has proven to be reliable already which is why most manufacturers are going that route. More torque more HP more mpgs what's not to like about GDI. Reliability is there
Accord is not a compact, not a hatchback, and does not offer manual transmission in a fully loaded package. You're comparing apples to bananas, fish to birds.
