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2013 Hyundai Elantra

COLD SPRING, N.Y. (MarketWatch) -- Hyundai's hot-selling Elantra line picks up new models for 2013, a coupe and a hatchback while the, ahem, Veloster gets a turbo.

The coupe and hatchback share the engine that's in the Elantra sedan -- a 1.8-liter, inline 4 that cranks out 148 horsepower -- matched to a six-speed automatic or a stick shift. An Elantra coupe with the stick is EPA rated at 29-40 mpg while a hatchback with automatic comes in at 28-39.

Elantra hatchback

The slick-looking hatchback is called the GT. After an initial test drive, I can report that the driving position was very sports-car-like, with ample room for a 6-foot-tall tall driver, even with the sunroof.

On the highway, the GT with the automatic was no world-beater when it came to power, but judging by the stick-shift coupe, it should be livelier with that transmission. The stick was a delight to use and the clutch pedal effort was just right. Wind and road noise were well controlled for this price range, controls were easy to use and reach, and materials were above average.

The GT cried out for a turbo, and Hyundai officials indicated one just might be added down the road.

Both cars retain the Hyundai tradition of lots of standard equipment. The GT was the more lavishly equipped, with the only two available option packages: a $2,750 "Style Package" with 17-inch alloy wheels, sportier suspension, sun roof and leather seats among other things. The "Tech Package" brought a navi system and backup camera, automatic headlights and dual temperature control for $2,350 extra. The bottom line including transportation came to a reasonable $25,365.

The two rear seats, of course, fold down to form a virtually flat storage compartment that comes to 51 cubic feet. With the seats up, that is trimmed to 23 cubic feet. That compares to 42-17 listed for the Mazda 3 hatchback.

Unlike their counterparts in Europe, where this car is known as the i30, U.S. drivers haven't been attracted to hatchbacks. It will be interesting to see if Hyundai (005380) can win over U.S. buyers with this one.

Elantra coupe

The coupe shines with its slick manual shift, but room for the driver is a tad more compact than the GT. It is also more of a base model, with no options and an easy to take $20,615 price tag. That still included stability control, disc brakes all around, tire pressure monitoring, a power sun roof, and a satellite radio with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, among other things.

Both came with Hyundai's 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year, 60,000-mile new-vehicle warranty.

Hyundai's rather weirdly designed Veloster gets a badly needed power boost in the form of a twin-scroll turbocharger added to its 1.6-liter four. Adding the turbo means the loss of just two miles per gallon. Look for 34 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic tranny and 25 mpg around town. It runs on regular unleaded.

With the six-speed manual transmission, look for zero to 60 in just over six seconds, closer to seven for the automatic. Power is up to 201 hp from 138 in the standard model.

Can you feel the difference on the highway? That's like asking if the Yankees will still be playing in October. Pushing the pedal to the floor made merging on interstate highways easy, with the four producing a pleasing howl.

Inside there was Hyundai's traditional attention to detail, and very comfortable seats. Combine that with good fuel economy and this would be a nice long-distance vehicle.

While the turbo adds a hefty $4,500 to the base price of the Veloster, pricing still starts at a sensible $21,950. The Veloster that was given a brief test drive came with a $2,500 "Ultimate Package" with navi, sun roof, rear view camera, automatic headlights ands delivery for $26,320.

There is still only one door to exit the rear seat, for reasons that evade me. Hyundai officials say there are no plans to change that. Hyundai claims customers don't mind the missing door.

While it does give the Veloster a coupe-like appearance when viewed from the driver's side, it also means the inside passenger has to crawl over the seat to exit. On the other side, try to find the door opener on your own without assistance. It's what looks like a trim piece to the rear of the window.

Stay away from the $1,000 extra-cost matte flat gray exterior for the simple reason that the Veloster then can't be taken through a car wash. It's strange that Hyundai would offer such an exterior.

As for looks, the maker proclaims that those seeking a Veloster are pretty much sold on the product when they come in the dealer. In its advertising, Hyundai says Veloster was designed to "Look like nothing else on the road."

In my mind it succeeds, but not for the better. Especially when viewed from the rear.

Vehicles tested for this column are on loan from the auto companies through local distributors.