Hyundai goes defensive in the US - launched Elantra GT and Coupe

In market where both hatchback and sedan rules, Hyundai has launched a defensive strategy to cover the compact market with as much exposure as it can. It include launching a single model with multiple body style to cover the attack in every corner. Enter a duo of new Hyundai Elantra. While the fluidic sedan body style is deemed interesting-looking enough already, Hyundai now try to fend off the likes of Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza hatchback with its Elantra GT. The 2 door coupe Elantra coupe meanwhile has sets its sight firmly on the new Civic coupe.

Think you've seen this car before?Well, it is the Hyundai i30 in the Europe, brought over across the continent to live as Elantra GT. The 5 door hatchback is pitched as a sporty 5dr hatch with its sports-tuned suspension. The car is claimed to the lightest in its class, which include the aforementioned Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 as a rival. The drivetrain package is however similar to the Elantra sedan, which means a 1.8L which kicks out 148bhp at 6500rpm. Transmission option is either manual or automatic with 6 forward ratios.

The Elantra GT features Hyundai now-customary hexagonal grille that blends smoothly with the hoodline, which then travel along the sleek beltline. Carefully-honed aerodynamically, the implementation of Hyundai latest fluidic approach here yields a drag coefficient of 0.3, better than any of its rival. Sleek side mirror and 17" alloy complete the exterior styling panache.

Unlike the rebadged i30, the Elantra Coupe is an all-new effort, albeit with a heavily borrowed cues from its sedan sibling. The rakish coupe is actually slightly longer than the 4dr version, so don't worry too much on the loss of practicality. Elantra Coupe was designed at Hyundai's North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif where the exterior styling was honed to an impressive 0.28 of drag coefficient. From the side, Hyundai Elantra Coupe conveys a wedge-like sport coupe silhouette with deeply sculpted surfaces, while the steep A and C-pillar angles frame a sharply tapered greenhouse, further accentuating the wedge profile. Just below the belt line, a prominent character line carries from the door through to the rear deck. Wheel arch creases give a subtle flared appearance around front and rear wheels, for a wide and aggressive presence. Further, a beveled rocker panel rounds out the lean and muscular effect.

Under the hood, the Elantra Coupe is powered by the similar 1.8L Nu engine as per the Elantra GT and the Sedan. For the US market, the Coupe comes in two trims level, the base GS and the SE range topper.  The SE model gained 17" alloy wheel (instead of 16" item on GS),  rear lip spoiler, sportier suspension tuning and gets the option of touch screen GPS systems and a rear camera.

The gallery of both model can be found after the jump.

Gallery of Hyundai Elantra GT

Gallery of Hyundai Elantra Coupe