2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE Review

When the four-door Hyundai Elantra sedan debuted for model-year 2011, it set the standard for expressive styling in the bread-and–butter, compact car category.

The new for 2013 two-door Hyundai Elantra Coupe builds on an already very swoopy profile with added classy 17” wheels and low-profile rubber standard on our SE trim-level tester. It’s a definite “looker.”

However, if you’re one who thinks looks should match performance, you may have an issue with the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe because dynamics and performance are pretty much on par with the sedan.

Not that there is anything wrong with the sedan: 2013 Canadian sales from the first two months show only one other compact car to outsell the Hyundai Elantra, and that’s the Honda Civic.


Subtle changes
In addition to the two-less-doors thing, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe’s body differs from the sedan with more black in both the front fascia and rear valance, and the addition of a small rear spoiler.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe also features unique-to-Coupe chrome exhaust tips, and a slightly stiffened suspension that adds sportiness to the ride. The top-shelf SE model (like our tester) has an even “sharper” suspension calibration.
The changes do not vault the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe out of the sedan’s ride and handling realm. We get the same smooth, comfortable ride, and predictable handling befitting a mainstream compact car.

The electric power steering feels precise -- with just the right weight on-centre -- giving you a confident and relaxed feel when tracking straight on the highway. The feel off-centre could be a bit better, but such is the case with most compact cars with electric power steering.

In addition to the two-less-doors thing, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe’s body differs from the sedan with more black in both the front fascia and rear valance, and the addition of a small rear spoiler. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Powertrain points
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe’s zippiness obviously matches that of the sedan’s as it packs the identical 1.8L “four” that produces 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra SE model only comes with a 6-speed automatic, but a 6-speed manual is available on the GLS trim.

With either transmission, the powertrain provides a brilliant mix of performance and fuel efficiency. Hyundai purposefully kept the power in check to achieve over 40 mpg (5.8L/100km) in the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe. Manual transmission models are rated at 7.2L city and 5.2L highway per 100 km, while automatic models are rated at 7.6/5.3 L/100 km.

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe is slightly heavier than the sedan, but that doesn’t hamper the drive and the engine remains refined and quiet. I wouldn’t say the Hyundai Elantra loves to rev or even that it has buckets of low-end torque, but overall it is a very pleasant and easy-to-live-with engine.

With either transmission, the powertrain provides a brilliant mix of performance and fuel efficiency. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Concerning the cabin
The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe’s front seats have a bit more lateral support than the seats found in the sedan, and the SE model sports aluminum pedals, otherwise it’s business as usual inside the cabin. This is all good because the standard Elantra cabin is a good one. It’s very roomy for a compact, with a nice spread of high-tech goodies. The Elantra Coupe doesn’t lose out on much of that space either as the cabin is only 6 litres smaller overall than the sedan.

Rear seat ingress and egress could be an issue for some inflexible folk, and my son didn’t like the smallish window that doesn’t roll down. However, the rear seat area remains comfortable and roomy, as it is equal in size to the sedan.

The trunk openingin the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe is not large, but the space itself is biggish, and the backseats fold forward via neat latches in the cargo area to open up 420 litres of cargo space (the same as the Elantra sedan and larger than the Honda Civic Coupe).

The 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe’s front seats have a bit more lateral support than the seats found in the sedan, and the SE model sports aluminum pedals, otherwise it’s business as usual inside the cabin. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Pricing and final thoughts
2013 Elantra Coupe models join the party at Hyundai's GLS level starting at $19,949 -- exactly $100 less than a GLS Sedan. An automatic Coupe GLS is $21,199. The only other Coupe model is the SE (like our tester) for $25,199. Don't forget Hyundai's Delivery and Destination Charge: another $1,495.

Just a few of the techie bits available on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe are:

• Navigation
• Mirror-mounted turn signals
• Rear-view camera
• Push-button start
• Automatic climate control

Like I said off the top, the Hyundai Elantra sedan is easy to love, and the Coupe version will be loved for the same reasons. Especially if you hanker for more style and don’t need to ferry more than one passenger every day. However, if you want lots more oomph with your sport coupe style then you'll have to look elsewhere, maybe to Hyundai’s own Veloster Turbo or to something like the Honda Civic Si.