2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show
- Competes with: Honda Civic coupe and corporate cousin Kia Forte Koup
- Looks like: It expands on the Elantra sedan’s new-for-2011 fluid design
- Drivetrain: 148-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual or automatic transmission
- Hits dealerships: Spring 2012
This year’s North American Car of the Year gets a sibling for 2013. Hyundai’s Elantra coupe will join the sedan and Touring hatchback when it goes on sale this spring.
More 2012 Chicago Auto Show Coverage
The sole powertrain across the three body styles remains the 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Six-speed manual or automatic transmissions are available. Hyundai estimates the Elantra coupe should get 29/40 mpg city/highway with the manual and 28/40 mpg with the automatic.
The coupe retains the Elantra sedan’s styling, but it looks a little more aggressive thanks to some front-end tweaks, side sculpting, dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes and five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with dark spoke inserts. Three new coupe-specific exterior colors will be available: Monaco White, Black Noir Pearl and Volcanic Red.
The Elantra coupe rides the same 106.3-inch wheelbase and retains the sedan’s basic dimensions. GS and SE trims will be available. Coupe-specific features inside include new seats with deeper side bolsters and aluminum pedals on SE models. Heated seats are standard on all coupes; a navigation system is optional on SEs. It’s the same 7-inch touch-screen available in Limited versions of the sedan.
So far, the Elantra sedan has been a success in terms of sales, elevating Hyundai beyond its budget-brand image. Will the coupe get as warm a welcome when it goes on sale later this year?
