Flash Drive

Flash Drive 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe

August 19, 2014 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

 Model Tested: 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe 

2014 was the last year for the stylish Hyundai Elantra coupe.
2014 was the last year for the stylish Hyundai Elantra coupe.

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4, 173 horsepower 154 lb-ft torque 

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive 

EPA Ratings: 24/City—34/Highway—28/Combined 

Base Price: $19,600 

As Tested: $24,735

 Performance:

Satisfactory acceleration, nothing spectacular

Nice six-speed automatic transmission

Smooth highway ride

Test car equaled EPA economy estimates

Pretty nimble handling

 Comfort:

Excellent, multi-function steering wheel

The Elantra coupe interior is quite roomy for both front and rear seat occupants.
The Elantra coupe interior is quite roomy for both front and rear seat occupants.

Comfy seats, good on long trips

Sliding center armrest

Heated seats

Soft headrests

Leather seating surfaces

No lumbar adjustment

Manual seat track adjustment

Seat height pump

Stretch-out front legroom

Roomy rear seat for tall people if front seat is up a little

Very low floor hump

Utility:

Acceptable visibility for a coupe

Wide trunk opening, but not very tall

Big, deep trunk

Substantial slant to split, folding rear seats

Big step between trunk floor and folded seatbacks

Flat trunk floor

Seven-inch navigation screen

Numerous interior storage areas

 WOW Factors:

Sharp styling, good handling, and frugal fuel economy didn't equal enough sales to keep the coupe body style in the lineup.
Sharp styling, good handling, and frugal fuel economy didn’t equal enough sales to keep the coupe body style in the lineup.

Handsome styling

Back seat very easy in/out; unusual for a coupe

Back seat roomier than many sedans

 Whines:

No back seat storage bins or pouches

Sunroof rather small

Very hard plastic on seatbacks

 Bottom Line:

The 2014 Hyundai Elantra is available as a sedan, hatchback and handsome coupe. The Elantra coupe is surprisingly roomy, especially the back seat. It’s affordable and easy on gas. The stylish coupe is a pleasant change in a sea of sedans.

Flash Drive 2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe.doc