Hyundai Expands Elantra Family with New Coupe

At one time the Elantra was a one trick pony, sold only as a compact four door sedan. The times have changed, with the addition of the Elantra GT and now, the Elantra Coupe. The Coupe, which will be available later this month has its sights aimed directly on the Honda Civic Coupe. Hyundai boasts the Elantra Coupe has more power, better fuel economy and more standard features than the Honda. Hyundai is also quick to point out the Elantra Coupe offers more interior space than the Nissan Altima Coupe, and both Honda Civic and Accord Coupe.

The Elantra Coupe is powered by a 1.8L four cylinder rated at 148hp. Buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, which adds an extra $1,000 to the price. Hyundai claims an Elantra Coupe with the manual tranny should be good for 40MPG on the highway. Hyundai is offering the Elantra Coupe in base GS and sporty SE trim. We have broken down equipment and pricing below.

Hyundai Elantra Coupe GS: $17,445USD

For a base model, the Elantra Coupe GS comes with a generous amount of standard equipment, starting with 16' alloys, foglights, six speaker audio with iPod jack and SiriusXM satellite radio, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth and heated seats. The comparably priced Civic LX Coupe lacks many of these features.

Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE: $19,745

Hyundai is marketing the SE as the sporty Elantra Coupe. Upgrades include 17' alloys, sport-tuned suspension, leather interior, sunroof, aluminum pedals and a rear spoiler. You will pay nearly $1,400 more for a comparable Civic EX Coupe, and be without the sport-tuned suspension, spoiler and settle for smaller wheels. And you cannot get the Civic with a manual transmission if you want leather.

Hyundai is guilty of the same crime. While the top-spec SE is available with either a manual or automatic, if you desire the Technology Package you must forgo the joy of shifting for yourself. For an additional $2,350, features include Navigation, rearview camera, premium audio, dual-zone auto climate control and push button start, but you have to settle for an automatic.

With the Elantra Coupe, Hyundai has expanded the line but the real story here is how the press release was worded. Hyundai is making no bones that it is going for the jugular with Honda. With Honda's weak redesign of the Civic which seemed little more than a retread of the older car, Hyundai is churning out new, and most importantly, very good cars at a positively feverish pace. The momentum Hyundai has built up in recent years is nothing short of astonishing, and shows no sign of slowing.

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4. '09 Hyundai Elantra Touring
5. Hyundai to show new rear wheel drive coupe concept at LA auto show