Comments by "Stephen Hendricks" (@stephenhendricks103) on "" video.
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Nice car. But labeling it an "Elantra" with the same moniker as the Elantra sedan, a completely different vehicle, is confusing, at best. And trying to configure and compare trim levels can be a nightmare, especially if you're undecided between a sedan and a hatchback.
Sticking to the hatchback, the Elantra GT comes in two trim levels, the "GT," the base version, and the "N Line" reviewed by Joe. Unless you're severely pressed for cash the base version is hardly worth considering. It's obviously not a competitor to the VW GTI. And adding a $3000 option package does little to help it. Adding the package eliminates the MSRP advantage and the GT model is still inferior to the "N Line" except for a sunroof that can't be had at any price on the N Line. At best the "GT GT" is a Golf competitor, not a rival of the GTI. And besides the Golf there are several other better choices than the base "GT" model, imo.
As a GTI owner I'm obviously biased but trying to be as objective as possible I still think even the N Line falls short of a GTI. Hyundai builds good engines but the 1.6L turbo at 201 HP/195 lbft of torque, is considerably short of the GTI's 2.0L turbo with 228/258, especially in terms of torque. And given VW's well known tendency to underrate the HP and torque of their engines, the gap is probably considerably greater. I'd give the GTI a significant advantage on that score.
In terms of transmissions the N Line matches the options available in the GTI. Each can be had with an MT and each offers a 7 speed DCT. But all DCT's are not created equal and the VW DSG (VW's designation of their DCT) is (imo) the gold standard short of a tiptronic in a Porsche. If I were shopping, I'd give the N Line the benefit of the doubt until I drove it but I'm skeptical it will match the performance of the VW's DSG.
As far as other features are concerned, Hyundai has apparently dropped any integrated nav system from the Elantra GT, relying instead on touting its support for AppleCarPlay and Android Auto. That's not surprising and probably represents the wave of the future for other brands. But my GTI has both integrated nav and support for cell phone based navigation. I can compare them simultaneously in my car. Doing that, I've found each has advantages, each has its own errors now and then. But one advantage of VW's integrated system is that in areas where cell phone coverage is spotty or non-existent (and a nav system is especially useful) the VW nav system continues to operate while AndroidAuto and AppleCarplay sometimes freeze or fail completely. All in all, I find the VW's full-featured, integrated nav system to be a significant advantage.
One area in which the GTI shines is its relatively huge interior space. Overall, the N Line matches the cargo space of the GTI but in doing so it sacrifices rear seat passenger space to some extent. Not disastrously, but noticeably. And overall, the quality of materials and design of the interior in the GTI is significantly better. In terms of infotainment, I haven't driven the Hyundai but my KIA Sorento has the same system and it's great! But so is the GTI's. I'd call it a draw. Each is better, imo, than most competitors.
The one area where the N Line has a significant advantage over the GTI is price. Depending on trim level, the N Line is as much as $3K to $6K less expensive in terms of real world prices. (Not necessarily MSRP's). That's not enough for me to choose the Elantra GT N Line over the GTI but it might well be a critical factor for others. One thing is certain, I think, at its price point the N Line is a serious competitor for the Civic SI.
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