2021 Elantra GT not coming to America?

15767 Views 55 Replies 20 Participants Last post by zooid, 4 d ago

alpinewhite3

Discussion Starter · May 11, 2020

Hey guys, new member here..was all set on purchasing a GTI the other day until i went and drove the Elantra GT N Line. Wow. I was so impressed. Just as good-if not better and 10k cheaper than the autobahn trim GTI!

I' have seen the new I30 facelift and presume the elantra GT N Line will get the same treatment. I really like it and am willing to wait for the 2021..but the dealer i am working with told me that Hyundai is discontinuing the elantra GT for America and there will not be a 2021 model.

Anybody have any info? Is this just a shady sales tactic? I need to figure this out b/c then i will scoop up one of the few remaining N lines before they disappear. Thanks !

1 - 20 of 56 Posts

Exeno

· #2 · May 12, 2020 (Edited)

I suspect this may be the case. I don't have insider information, just speculation and the fact that they tend to announce new model year Elantra GT and a few others like the sedan, and such, earlier than the rest of the lineup which commonly starts model year switchovers in August or so. Buuuuut here's my take on it:

-The US, classically, doesn't care for hatchbacks. And until somewhat recently, the default "car" is a 4 door sedan. They announced the Elantra N-Line (they are retiring the Sport moniker) AND it appears they are making a full-N, so we'll see.
-It kind of competes with another compact 5 door hatchback on the same lot, that can also be equipped similarly and for around the same price... it's called a Kona... and it's very much a volume seller in the US. Even has the same running gear
-It gets nearly zero marketing, and even journalists routinely forget the car exists when running comparisons.
-Powertrain engines were announced, and none of them looked right for the NA market. Particularly the mild-hybrid. Most powerful non-N is 1.5T with 160PS (157ish HP)
-Aftermarket support for these cars suck compared to even the Elantra Sport sedan, and the Veloster. Just not nearly as much out there. I practically had to beg a shop just to fabricate an A-pillar gauge pod.

- It's never been a volume seller in the US. Since North American Hyundai lumps all of it's nameplates together when putting together sales numbers, it's just part of "Elantra" sales in general and we can only guess. But if you look at any given dealership's inventory, they have Elantra, Kona, and Tucson (for example) stacked deep, but then only like.... 10 EGTs... and only one or two of those are even an N-Line, with one being a base model 6-speed and the other being a DCT Ultimate.

- Though we all wish Hyundai would change their mind, they decided that the inaugural N car would be the Veloster, and not the i30, which was designed for European taste anyhow. Interior materials in the EGT here are just a smidge nicer than you find in most of the sub-30K vehicles in their lineup, especially the Veloster.

-Frankly I've had a long day and I've run out of steam, but there were a few other reasons why I believe this to be the case, and my THEORY is that yes, they are dropping the EGT in the US for 2021.

The Kona N is imminent, as well as the 2021 Tucson which appears to have the 2.5T as an engine option. So there's your two "hot hatches". You may have to wait another month or three to see the Kona. Rumor mill says "July" for US release. And I have my fingers and toes crossed that it's their first AWD N car here. So if you like the N-Line that much, go for it. Just keep in mind that if you get the DCT model, the DRY 7DCT in the car has a torque limit around 275lb-ft. So you can modify it and you can definitely crank that little Gamma III engine like nobody's business, but if you want more power than that you'll need to get the 6-speed manual. The new N-DCT is an 8-speed WET DCT similar to VW's DSG. And thus can take a lot more power. Plus you may want the full N experience, not the half-way line.

* I could be wrong and the 2021 could come here

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alpinewhite3

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 12, 2020

Exeno said:
I suspect this may be the case. I don't have insider information, just speculation and the fact that they tend to announce new model year Elantra GT and a few others like the sedan, and such, earlier than the rest of the lineup which commonly starts model year switchovers in August or so. Buuuuut here's my take on it:

-The US, classically, doesn't care for hatchbacks. And until somewhat recently, the default "car" is a 4 door sedan. They announced the Elantra N-Line (they are retiring the Sport moniker) AND it appears they are making a full-N, so we'll see.
-It kind of competes with another compact 5 door hatchback on the same lot, that can also be equipped similarly and for around the same price... it's called a Kona... and it's very much a volume seller in the US. Even has the same running gear
-It gets nearly zero marketing, and even journalists routinely forget the car exists when running comparisons.
-Powertrain engines were announced, and none of them looked right for the NA market. Particularly the mild-hybrid. Most powerful non-N is 1.5T with 160PS (157ish HP)
-Aftermarket support for these cars suck compared to even the Elantra Sport sedan, and the Veloster. Just not nearly as much out there. I practically had to beg a shop just to fabricate an A-pillar gauge pod.

- It's never been a volume seller in the US. Since North American Hyundai lumps all of it's nameplates together when putting together sales numbers, it's just part of "Elantra" sales in general and we can only guess. But if you look at any given dealership's inventory, they have Elantra, Kona, and Tucson (for example) stacked deep, but then only like.... 10 EGTs... and only one or two of those are even an N-Line, with one being a base model 6-speed and the other being a DCT Ultimate.

- Though we all wish Hyundai would change their mind, they decided that the inaugural N car would be the Veloster, and not the i30, which was designed for European taste anyhow. Interior materials in the EGT here are just a smidge nicer than you find in most of the sub-30K vehicles in their lineup, especially the Veloster.

-Frankly I've had a long day and I've run out of steam, but there were a few other reasons why I believe this to be the case, and my THEORY is that yes, they are dropping the EGT in the US for 2021.

The Kona N is imminent, as well as the 2021 Tucson which appears to have the 2.5T as an engine option. So there's your two "hot hatches". You may have to wait another month or three to see the Kona. Rumor mill says "July" for US release. And I have my fingers and toes crossed that it's their first AWD N car here. So if you like the N-Line that much, go for it. Just keep in mind that if you get the DCT model, the DRY 7DCT in the car has a torque limit around 275lb-ft. So you can modify it and you can definitely crank that little Gamma III engine like nobody's business, but if you want more power than that you'll need to get the 6-speed manual. The new N-DCT is an 8-speed WET DCT similar to VW's DSG. And thus can take a lot more power. Plus you may want the full N experience, not the half-way line.

* I could be wrong and the 2021 could come here

Thanks for your response....i suspect you;re probably right. I did as much research as i possibly could online tonight and could not find a single press release or any credible information regarding a 2021 Elantra GT. For a car that is supposed to come out in late 2020, that is pretty suspect. I think the upcoming Kona N killed this car...now the big question- get into a 2020 GT N line now or wait for the full Kona N???

alpinewhite3

Discussion Starter · #4 · May 14, 2020

Update: Spoke to another dealer and they told me no definitive answer or decision has been made by Hyundai about the Elantra GT yet...which is prob not a good sign considering 2021 models should be rolling in the next few months.

I also emailed Hyundai customer care and was told " Hyundai Motor America has not announced any plans to discontinue the Elantra GT N Line at this time. You can stay up to date on all of the latest announcements regarding new Hyundai vehicles here: www.hyundainews.com."

So, who knows??? If anyone can find any concrete info, please let me know!!

jetrep

· #5 · May 14, 2020

We don't know if the car is returning in 2021 but you can be certain that the salesman doesn't know either and was trying to make a sale.

The EGT is a good car but to suggest it's just as good if not better than the GTI is a bit much. The EGT is certainly a worthy competitor and for the price the better choice for a lot of people. I test drove the GTI multiple times before deciding on the EGT. I decided if the EGT didn't do it for me I'd sell it and pick up the GTI. I've been happy with the EGT. It drives great and you get way more tech for the money. Superior warranty as well.

Exeno

· #6 · May 15, 2020 (Edited)

jetrep said:
We don't know if the car is returning in 2021 but you can be certain that the salesman doesn't know either and was trying to make a sale.

The EGT is a good car but to suggest it's just as good if not better than the GTI is a bit much. The EGT is certainly a worthy competitor and for the price the better choice for a lot of people. I test drove the GTI multiple times before deciding on the EGT. I decided if the EGT didn't do it for me I'd sell it and pick up the GTI. I've been happy with the EGT. It drives great and you get way more tech for the money. Superior warranty as well.

Yep. The vehicle is priced appropriately against the GTI. You've got 80% of a GTI for 80% of the GTI's price.

Though that comes down to personal preference. I shopped GTIs, and have driven multiple trims of 2016-2018 GTIs, with and without Performance Pack, and came to the conclusion that it wasn't the vehicle for -me-.We just weren't speaking the same language.

The Golf 1.8 TSI, on the other hand, I felt punched well above it's weight and I actually came away MORE impressed with it, than I did the GTI.

alpinewhite3

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 15, 2020

jetrep said:
We don't know if the car is returning in 2021 but you can be certain that the salesman doesn't know either and was trying to make a sale.

The EGT is a good car but to suggest it's just as good if not better than the GTI is a bit much. The EGT is certainly a worthy competitor and for the price the better choice for a lot of people. I test drove the GTI multiple times before deciding on the EGT. I decided if the EGT didn't do it for me I'd sell it and pick up the GTI. I've been happy with the EGT. It drives great and you get way more tech for the money. Superior warranty as well.

That’s a fair point...I guess I was really factoring price and warranty into the equation. I was looking at the GTI autobahn which was approaching 39k. The N line with the tech package had more features and came in about 10k cheaper which is A LOT of $.

As a daily driver I think it’s about 90% GTI. Maybe the differences would be more pronounced if you auto cross the cars. I think the GTI has a slightly better chassis and is more refined but I liked the steering better in the EGT. Seemed a bit quicker and more nimble.

Did anyone cross shop the civic hatchback ? Going to test drive it this weekend.

Exeno

· #8 · May 15, 2020 (Edited)

alpinewhite3 said:
That’s a fair point...I guess I was really factoring price and warranty into the equation. I was looking at the GTI autobahn which was approaching 39k. The N line with the tech package had more features and came in about 10k cheaper which is A LOT of $.

As a daily driver I think it’s about 90% GTI. Maybe the differences would be more pronounced if you auto cross the cars. I think the GTI has a slightly better chassis and is more refined but I liked the steering better in the EGT. Seemed a bit quicker and more nimble.

Did anyone cross shop the civic hatchback ? Going to test drive it this weekend.

Drove a 2017 Civic Sport Touring hatch. Has good power, but I'm not a CVT person. Honda has one of the best CVTs in the business right now, and I still hated it. On the flip side, many people don't care for how the DCT feels, either. The car seemed well put together, rear visibility wasn't as good, interior was nice, but as with the GTI it didn't speak to me. And, for the prices they were quoting me, I also preferred the EGT because you just get more for your money as well as a longer warranty. Also, some Hyundais don't actually depreciate as much as you think they might. My former 2017 Elantra Value Edition sedan actually held it's value a little better than I expected it to, and the EGT hasn't dropped like a rock either. In fact, it seems Mazdas depreciate worse these days despite their attempted moves upmarket. I've driven the Mazda6 and CX-5 respectively, and both were turbo models, and came away impressed. But you still have a higher transaction price, with higher depreciation. If you're keeping the car, or plan to keep the car for more than a few years, this becomes less of a concern.

At the end of the day, spec sheets and internet debates only tell part of the story. You need to drive the vehicle for yourself to decide.

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Exeno

· #9 · May 15, 2020

As I thought about what I wrote (and passed the 15 minute edit limit), I neglected the fact that the current COVID19 situation is having a significant effect on used vehicle pricing, and trade-in values. Double-checking some of the usual sites (KBB, Edmunds, etc) it looks like these vehicles also lost a bit of a value. I'm sure it will be all over the place for time to come, but, I wish I could have gone back and nixed my reference to used car values.

In general, it IS something to consider (ie: a Civic may be a more objectively expensive car, but also enjoys less depreciation on average, so the difference in cost may be a wash), but that's a whole another financial argument best left to professionals. I am not an accountant.

PNW_i30

· #10 · May 21, 2020

I recently had a brand new (27 miles on the odometer) Civic 5-door hatch with the 1.5T & CVT as a loaner from the dealer (our other car is a Honda). It drove pretty well and is quick (though I noticed it also has a decent amount of torque steer at times) but, god ****, that dash is just a fugly disaster - waay over-styled and disjointed looking + there was weird glare coming off some of the piano black areas (a trend which I dislike on any car) at times. My EGT is a lot nicer inside and I think looks far more refined. Ergonomically, Hyundai interiors are really quite good overall, at least against direct rivals such as Honda, Toyota & Mazda.

PNW_i30

· #11 · May 21, 2020

Tried to edit the above reply and it wouldn't let me so ignore that one in favor of this instead:

I recently had a brand new (27 miles on the odometer) Civic 5-door hatch with the 1.5T & CVT as a loaner from the dealer (our other car is a Honda). It drove pretty well and is quick (though I noticed it also has a decent amount of torque steer) but, god ****, that dash is just a fugly disaster - waay over-styled and disjointed to look at with little if any design continuity. The Honda steering wheel controls are also a joke - looks like the buttons were randomly dropped in place. There also was some odd glare coming off the piano black trim around the cluster at times. In comparison my EGT is nicer inside and looks far more refined. I was quite disappointed with that Civic as Honda used to be the among best in regards to interiors. No longer as ergonomically Hyundai interiors seem better overall IMO.

alpinewhite3

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jun 22, 2020

Any updates on this?

Exeno

· #13 · Jun 22, 2020

These are the two sites you need to keep an eye on, to get "updates":

https://thekoreancarblog.com/

https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/

JP_N-Line

· #14 · Jun 23, 2020

There was a bulletin sent off to Canadian dealers stating the Elantra GT (including N-line) is discontinued next year. Also, the veloster is going away as well to (Veloster N is staying)

Nothing from what I've seen is confirmed in US

Exeno

· #15 · Jun 23, 2020 (Edited)

JP_N-Line said:
There was a bulletin sent off to Canadian dealers stating the Elantra GT (including N-line) is discontinued next year. Also, the veloster is going away as well to (Veloster N is staying)
Nothing from what I've seen is confirmed in US

Do you happened to have a link to the announcement, by chance?

Can check GoodCarsBadCars for easy-to-read aggregated sales charts.

Veloster: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/hyundai-veloster-sales-figures/
Elantra: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/hyundai-elantra-sales-figures/ NOTE: Keep in mind that Hyundai North America lumps ALL Elantra nameplate sales under "Elantra", and doesn't differentiate between sedan and GT.

I could understand why Canada would drop the standard Veloster model (kind of like VW is ONLY selling the MK8 Golf R and GTI here, not the standard model at all). They sell very very few of them up there. In the US, the Veloster enjoys pretty stable sales. 10-12K a year, which I find odd that the 2nd gen actually sells 1/3 the volume they once did despite being an overall better vehicle, and the DCT is better behaved. Though I admit to never having looked much less driven a 1G Veloster. The 2G, yes, but I chose my Elantra GT because it is the right size and because the Veloster didn't offer vented seats. I would dearly miss my frosty buns during the California Summer.

Also, many automakers are making the AWD trim of their vehicles standard, in Canada, when the US still gets 2WD options...

What cars don't have an AWD option, for traction performance or otherwise? The Veloster and Elantra GT
What car DOES have an AWD option, and is getting an N-Line and a Full N release with the '21 refresh, and is also about the same cost and size? The Kona.

My opinion still stands: The introduction of the Kona in 2018, was the final nail in the coffin for the Elantra GT. And by proxy, probably the Veloster too. The Kona sells, despite being a hatchback, because it's officially marketed as a "compact SUV". And also because the Kona actually GETS marketing and advertising. The Elantra GT? Never. Got a single blurb about getting an N-Line trim, and was Hyundai's placeholder until they could get more N vehicles out there to fill the lineup.

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JP_N-Line

· #16 · Jun 23, 2020

Here's the bulletin

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Reactions: 1

Exeno

· #17 · Jun 23, 2020

JP_N-Line said:
Here's the bulletin

Welp. LOL.

I'm still a fan of the i30/EGT, but this brings it into even clearer view what the product strategy was a couple years back, that made the Veloster the inaugural N car in North America. Because they never intended to sell the EGT here past 2020, and the Veloster is a placeholder until the dedicated N cars come around (see: RM19), that may have stuck around if (US) sales warrant it. They plan these product cycles sometimes 4-6+ years in advance, especially Hyundai since they seem to enjoy refreshing and facelifting vehicles only 2-3 years into their cycle.

In interviews with Albert Biermann, he stated the Kona N was a borderline-skunkworks effort. They just tried it out anyhow and managed to make enough of a business case for it, to green light it's production. It totally makes sense, too: Kona is very popular and is a strong seller, and it's easier to take the stilts away from the "SUV" to slam it to the ground with plenty of potential suspension travel. Especially if you're thinking of potential adjustable suspension to make Comfort even MORE compliant. It also already has AWD, which will raise the potential performance limits, Fire-Breathing FWD Civic Type-R be damned. My understanding was that the Kona rear end COULD just "drop in" the rear of the i30, but that's added expense and engineering. Plus if they had issues with the differential's pumpkin size, they could potentially run into the same issue the early Focus RS did; of essentially burning up it's rear diff.

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alpinewhite3

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jun 24, 2020

Exeno said:
Welp. LOL.

I'm still a fan of the i30/EGT, but this brings it into even clearer view what the product strategy was a couple years back, that made the Veloster the inaugural N car in North America. Because they never intended to sell the EGT here past 2020, and the Veloster is a placeholder until the dedicated N cars come around (see: RM19), that may have stuck around if (US) sales warrant it. They plan these product cycles sometimes 4-6+ years in advance, especially Hyundai since they seem to enjoy refreshing and facelifting vehicles only 2-3 years into their cycle.

In interviews with Albert Biermann, he stated the Kona N was a borderline-skunkworks effort. They just tried it out anyhow and managed to make enough of a business case for it, to green light it's production. It totally makes sense, too: Kona is very popular and is a strong seller, and it's easier to take the stilts away from the "SUV" to slam it to the ground with plenty of potential suspension travel. Especially if you're thinking of potential adjustable suspension to make Comfort even MORE compliant. It also already has AWD, which will raise the potential performance limits, Fire-Breathing FWD Civic Type-R be damned. My understanding was that the Kona rear end COULD just "drop in" the rear of the i30, but that's added expense and engineering. Plus if they had issues with the differential's pumpkin size, they could potentially run into the same issue the early Focus RS did; of essentially burning up it's rear diff.

Getting a really good lease deal on a EGT N line right now...pull the trigger or wait for the Kona N? (which essentially will become a hatch when they drop the suspension) Any release date set for the Kona? And will it be too harsh as a daily? EGT N seems like a perfect blend.

Exeno

· #19 · Jun 24, 2020 (Edited)

alpinewhite3 said:
Getting a really good lease deal on a EGT N line right now...pull the trigger or wait for the Kona N? (which essentially will become a hatch when they drop the suspension) Any release date set for the Kona? And will it be too harsh as a daily? EGT N seems like a perfect blend.

Common rumor places the Kona announcement somewhere in July; so next month we should hopefully know. And the announcement will include the date they intend to start taking orders and when production starts, if it hasn't already. The Elantra GT announcements and updates, in the US, tend to come sometime in Autumn. If you like the Kona, and you've been inside and driven any of them, you're off to a good start. But '21 is a facelift year and they are putting the Smartstream engines in it, as well as making interior changes and what appears to be not-insignificant exterior changes (Santa Fe style grille, etc). So the current model may only give you a GENERAL idea.

I personally am waiting on the official announcement, and confirmation of rumors that it will be the first AWD N car. If the Kona N remains FWD, then I'll pass and pick up a Stinger instead when my lease is up. If it does go AWD, and I don't see why not, then it's my top pick. There may be a bit of time before they hit dealer lots, too, so that's something to consider. I have a few things going on right now, myself, personally. So I'll be glad to have an excuse to wait a few more months. If you're able to wait one more month and confident you'll find the car you're looking for, then I'd suggest that. So you don't have buyers remorse. With everything going on right now, a lot can happen in a single month.

I don't have an inside track, either, or inside contacts or anything of the like. I just read a TON of automotive news, not just on Hyundai-KIA. I check Korean Car Blog and the various other (minor) Kona forums, as well as just taking stock in Hyundai's general model and powertrain announcements to try and piece together the rumors, spy shots, interviews, and official announcements, to get a prediction. ****, there was a strong rumor that the Veloster would have got the 2.5T along with the wet DCT for 2021, but it only got one of those things. There's also planned production of a Venue N-Line and a true-to-form Tucson N-Line, but the powertrains in those depend mightily on the platform and what vehicles in it's class tend to have. ie: the Sonata N-Line gets the 2.5T, but it's also a larger vehicle and a more expensive vehicle class. If you want the 2.5T in the Veloster, too, you may want to make that thing AWD.

So really, I don't have your answer. It's a difficult decision because sometimes these N-Lines are hard to come by. But if rumor is true, and production ends after 2020, and the EGT is really what you want, then why not? So long as 201HP is enough for you, and you can tolerate FWD without Torque Vectoring (that the Veloster has on all models). At least the Stability Control does a good job in full-throttle sweeps and turns.

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Exeno

· #20 · Jun 24, 2020

I ran out of time somehow editing my original post. I'm a chatterbox who was never very good at summarizing things. Anyhow, my FULLY INTENDED post is below. Maybe I can get the other one deleted.

alpinewhite3 said:
Getting a really good lease deal on a EGT N line right now...pull the trigger or wait for the Kona N? (which essentially will become a hatch when they drop the suspension) Any release date set for the Kona? And will it be too harsh as a daily? EGT N seems like a perfect blend.

Common rumor places the Kona announcement somewhere in July; so next month we should hopefully know. And the announcement will include the date they intend to start taking orders and when production starts, if it hasn't already. The Elantra GT announcements and updates, in the US, tend to come sometime in Autumn. If you like the Kona, and you've been inside and driven any of them, you're off to a good start. But '21 is a facelift year and they are putting the Smartstream engines in it, as well as making interior changes and what appears to be not-insignificant exterior changes (Santa Fe style grille, etc). So the current model may only give you a GENERAL idea.

I personally am waiting on the official announcement, and confirmation of rumors that it will be the first AWD N car. If the Kona N remains FWD, then I'll pass and pick up a Stinger instead when my lease is up. If it does go AWD, and I don't see why not, then it's my top pick. There may be a bit of time before they hit dealer lots, too, so that's something to consider. I have a few things going on right now, myself, personally. So I'll be glad to have an excuse to wait a few more months. If you're able to wait one more month and confident you'll find the car you're looking for, then I'd suggest that. So you don't have buyers remorse. With everything going on right now, a lot can happen in a single month.

I don't have an inside track, either, or inside contacts or anything of the like. I just read a TON of automotive news, not just on Hyundai-KIA. I check Korean Car Blog and the various other (minor) Kona forums, as well as just taking stock in Hyundai's general model and powertrain announcements to try and piece together the rumors, spy shots, interviews, and official announcements, to get a prediction. ****, there was a strong rumor that the Veloster would have got the 2.5T along with the wet DCT for 2021, but it only got one of those things. There's also planned production of a Venue N-Line and a true-to-form Tucson N-Line, but the powertrains in those depend mightily on the platform and what vehicles in it's class tend to have. ie: the Sonata N-Line gets the 2.5T, but it's also a larger vehicle and a more expensive vehicle class. If you want the 2.5T in the Veloster, too, you may want to make that thing AWD.

There are two reasons that I, personally, am not keeping my N-Line after the lease.
1) My partner's 2018 Sport is rock solid with no issues and AWESOME build quality. My N-Line's build quality is not that great. I don't have problems, but I have small trim issues and noticeably uneven panel gaps, and just a series of unfortunate events that have made me brand it my "bad luck car". We are buying his out after the lease 100% for sure. I overlooked the panel gaps because it was tough at the time to find an N-Line, and I wanted out of my boring 2017 Elantra sedan

2) It is simply and quite frankly, "not enough car" for me. It's not fast enough, and it's FWD. I had fever dreams of modifying it, but I gave up about 10 months into ownership. It's just been a series of unfortunate events that have soured my ownership. I still enjoy driving the car, but I fell out of love with it. I also have become far more financially well-off in the past 5 years and want something a bit more rowdy.

So really, I don't have your answer. It's a difficult decision because sometimes these N-Lines are hard to come by. But if rumor is true, and production ends after 2020, and the EGT is really what you want, then why not? So long as 201HP is enough for you, and you can tolerate FWD without Torque Vectoring (that the Veloster has on all models). At least the Stability Control does a good job in full-throttle sweeps and turns.

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