Who doesn’t love getting the most for their money?  Hyundai has truly become a brand where the buyer can walk away feeling like ‘Wow, I got a good deal.’  For 2013 the 5-door GT hatchback is a new offering to the Hyundai Elantra lineup, in addition to the coupe and sedan.

Granted, it’s not the fastest or sportiest choice for this segment, but behind the wheel, drivermom found it fully-equipped, comfortable and fun to drive. It’s zippy.  A great car for scooting around.  While the Elantra GT is sportier than the base sedan, for more refined handling and a smoother engine one might want to consider the Ford Focus or Madzda3.  The Elantra GT comes with a four-cylinder engine and standard six-speed manual transmission.  A six-speed automatic is optional.

Consistent with Hyundai’s goal of offering quality with good value, the base model comes loaded with standard options. Think of a well stocked fridge.  At a base price of $19,170, the GT is complete with heated mirrors, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, air conditioning that also cools the glove box, cruise control, driver-selectable steering modes, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics, satellite radio, fog lights, a USB port and aux input, and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

For a more upscale feel, the performance oriented Style package ($2750) adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, slightly firmer suspension tuning, the double sunroof, leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a power driver’s seat, aluminum pedal cladding, and auto up-and-down control for the driver’s window.  The Tech package ($2350) includes a nav system, a rearview camera, dual climate control and proximity key entry and start.  My tester included both packages and gave me the sense that this is quite a bit of car for the money.

The interior cabin is spacious. However, the front seat passengers get more leg room than the rear.  It made things bit cramped with a rear facing car seat, especially installing it.   The biggest struggle was accessing the lower latches.  The seat leather was so stiff it took significant force and maneuvering to hook onto the latch anchors through the seat cushions.  I also had to push the front seat pretty far forward.  Trunk space makes up for some of these infractions at 23 cu.ft. with seats up, 51 cu. ft. with seats down.

Quality, good value and style.  Fun to drive.  What’s not to like?

Some Basics
MSRP: $19,170 (base)

engine: 1.8 L turbo, I-4
hp/torque: 148 hp/131 ft-lb.
drivetrain: FWD
fuel economy:  28 city/39 hwy
IIHS Safety Rating:  Good. Top Safety Pick.

drivermom summary
Three words to describe this car
fun, economical, comfortable

What’s the best thing about it?
great value for the price

What’s the biggest drawback?
lower latches difficult, stiff seat cushions

Mom-friendliness score: B+

Driver-friendliness score: B

If this car could talk, what would it say?

“Zip. Zip.”