2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport: Can it out-hot-hatch the GTI? [Video]

Nathan Adlen is reporting from San Diego this week where he has been flown out to drive the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport. This car has aspirations to challenge the original hot hatch, the GTI, but does it have the stuff to dethrone the king?

Performance

Powering this GTI competitor is a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels, in Nathan’s case, through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. However, a 6-speed manual option is available if you prefer to row your own gears. This powertrain is enough to send the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport to 60 in roughly 6.5 seconds (6.7 with the manual).

Nathan note’s the car’s excellent handling, likely a product of this car’s development at the famed Nürburgring. However, the 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport doesn’t quite have the stuff to knock the GTI off its throne. Despite this, Nathan thinks it is a fun, sporty car with great value and a comprehensive warranty sure to keep you smiling for years.

UDATE 8.4.2017 — Hyundai released pricing for the Elantra GT Sport today. Base price with the 6-speed manual is $23,250. Base price with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission starts at $24,350.

To find out what else Nathan had to say about the GT Sport, please be sure to watch the whole video!