Hyundai Unveils Civic-Fighting Elantra Coupe

The Hyundai Elantra has already earned a bevy of awards, even the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year, and continues to be a hit with consumers. As if the new sedan’s stellar momentum wasn’t enough, Hyundai decided to launch a two-door variant to better give the Civic a run for its money.

At the Chicago Auto Show this week, Hyundai unveiled the Elantra Coupe, which boasts a wheelbase that’s three inches longer than its two-door Civic rival. Under the hood is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet and up to 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway highway when mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. An automatic transmission is also available.

There are also plenty of performance-inspired features that can be had along with the Elantra’s newfound sportiness. Such features include 17-inch wheels, rear lip spoiler, lower profile tires than the sedan, and re-tuned suspension. Inside, a touch-screen navigation system is available along with Bluetooth streaming audio, iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs, heated front seats, power sunroof, and dual automatic temperature control with Clean Air Ionizer and auto-defogger.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to be competitive. The Elantra Coupe already has more room, more horsepower, and better fuel economy than the Honda Civic Coupe, and it may have better styling too.

Find more details on the 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe below.