2020 Hyundai Elantra GT

Hyundai has gone from strength to strength globally and in the USA, and is at a point in its product development cycle where it is starting to take a serious jab at the hot hatchback market with its range of N-Line cars. The Elantra GT is a four-door hatchback with a bit of attitude, and starting at only $20,650, is ready to take the fight to Japanese competitors such as the Mazda 3 and Volkswagen's mighty Golf. In base form, the Elantra GT is more economy hatch than performance beast, but a beautifully put-together interior and good safety records make it an attractive option for those on the lookout for a good deal. The N-Line car offers some decent real-world performance, thanks to a 201 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and an upgraded suspension and braking system. It's not the fastest out there, nor the most engaging, but it's an excellent package at the price, and we love its sleeper status. So while it might not be the best at anything, the Elantra GT does it all really well, and if this is an indication of what's to come, the big guys better watch out.

Hyundai has been careful in calculating the asking price for the Hyundai Elantra GT, which competes with the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf. The base model Elantra GT, powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, starts off with an MSRP of $20,650, excluding a destination fee of $930. This is around $3,000 less than Mazda asks for its Mazda 3 hatchback, while Volkswagen's 1.4T TSI Manual goes for $23,195. If you're looking for a more entertaining experience, the high-performance N-Line model will set you back $23,500, which puts it in line with the much less powerful Volkswagen, as well as the Honda Civic Sport CVT at $23,550. Fully loaded, the Hyundai Elantra GT's price for the N-Line sits at a hair over $30,000.

While the base model might not have the serious straight-line performance of its turbocharged sibling and rivals, it makes up for it by offering an impressively capable and compliant driving experience - and it's here where Hyundai's thinking starts to make sense. The Elantra GT soaks up bumps and road imperfections with glee, and we didn't notice a single squeak or rattle. Steering is light but precise, and the Elantra will let you know in advance that you're reaching the limit. The N-Line car, which benefits from multi-link independent rear suspension in place of the GT's torsion axle and coil spring setup, feels more hunkered down on the road and its 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires and upgraded brakes inspire confidence. There's no comparing the N-Line to a Civic Type R through the twisties, but Hyundai has managed to get the basics right: the Elantra GT is fun to throw around the corners.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra GT was never destined to be a future classic or to make waves in the world of hot hatchbacks; instead, it offers a good balance of everything that makes a modern economy car successful. The exterior is inoffensive but just good enough not to be boring, especially in N-Line guise, where it displays glimmers of sportiness. Inside, you get a typically refined and well put together interior, which impressed us with its quality and value for money. The driving experience is great for a daily runabout, and even in base form feels like it drives like something with a much higher asking price. But, when it comes to hitting the twisty stuff, the N-Line with its upgraded suspension and brake system is the one to go for. The base model is far from being a performance hatch, and should rather be viewed as a sensible hatch with illusions of sportiness. The N-Line car bites harder than its bark, which is rather refreshing; you get punchy turbo power, a decent chassis and sporty looks all bundled into one. If you're after something affordable and fun, but don't want to stretch for Volkswagen Golf prices, then the Elantra GT range is well worth a look.

There are clear distinctions between the standard GT and the N-Line version, the main being the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine found under the hood of the N-Line car. So, your first decision will be to choose between the pedestrian base model or the warm hatchback that is the N-Line. We think that there are better hatchbacks out there if you're simply looking for a runabout; that's why we'll focus on the N-Line, which offers a more attractive proposition. In its simplest form, the N-Line with its six-speed manual transmission and upgraded suspension and brakes offers a good mix of fun and practicality and never pretends to be on par with the likes of the Civic Type R or Golf GTI. The interior features leather upholstery. You now get dual-zone automatic climate control, and the entire package feels more premium than the base model. All of this costs only $23,500, which is a bargain when you compare it to what Honda and Volkswagen have to offer.

The Mazda 3 has been setting the bar for refinement and build quality in the hatchback market for over a decade, and the recently launched fourth-generation car is better than ever. Powering the Mazda 3 hatchback is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which places it between the Elantra GT and N-Line in terms of performance. The Mazda 3 will return 24/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined. The strikingly good looks of the Mazda 3 are complemented by an equally impressive interior that offers class-leading design and build quality. Out on the road, the Mazda 3 drives with confidence, and although it lacks the punch of the more powerful Elantra GT N-Line, it handles as well as, if not better, and is even more comfortable to drive on a day to day basis. Impressive levels of standard features and a balanced overall driving experience make the Mazda 3, starting at $23,700, one of our favorites in this class - but if its performance you're after, the Elantra GT N-Line is better.

This comparison is aimed at the N-Line variant in the Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback range, which offers a more driver-focused experience thanks to its turbocharged engine and upgraded suspension and brake systems. There's no need to introduce the famed VW Golf GTI. It is loved around the world for its peerless balance of performance and everyday practicality, and it's only getting better. The GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot, which kicks out 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to thrill the driver without getting into too much trouble. Out on the road, the GTI will consume 24/32/27 mpg city/highway/combined. Whereas the Hyundai Elantra GT N-Line offers warm performance, the GTI gives you the full hot hatch experience by way of a honed chassis, beautifully balanced suspension setup, and steering feel that connects the driver to the road in a way that makes the N-Line feel disconnected and dull. The N-Line might not be that much slower, but the GTI, starting at $27,595, feels faster in almost every situation, and does so while offering a more refined experience overall. The N-Line is a bargain for those looking for turbo thrills, but the GTI feels more polished in every sense.