It wasn’t long ago that two-door variants of compact cars were both expected and somewhat popular, but the options lately have dwindled. Even the Americans—once mainstays in the segment—have backed out, with the new Ford Focus and the Chevy Cruze eschewing the formula, while Chrysler hasn’t had a little coupe since the first-generation Neon. Absent those, in which cars will high school girls of the future hang leis and plastic necklaces? A two-door Honda Civic or a Kia Forte Koup? No way. Those, like, aren’t even that cute.
Luckily, Hyundai is readying an Elantra coupe that should be totes cute. We confirmed this model’s existence back in February, but an eagle-eyed reader has sent these exclusive spy photos that provide a first look at the car testing here in the States. A bit of camouflage leaves something to the imagination, but the shots clearly show the two-door’s new roofline and fixed rear windows. Peeking through the black vinyl out back, the taillamps appear to be very similar—if not identical—to those of the sedan, and the decklid shape should follow suit as well. We expect that the front clip will go essentially unchanged, too, so the stylish design of the four-door should carry over nicely to this version.
Our previous speculation stated that the coupe will use the same 138-hp, 1.8-liter inline-four and pair of six-speed transmissions as the Elantra sedan, and we’re sticking with that theory for now. Other options that might show up include the Kia Forte Koup’s larger fours (a 156-hp 2.0-liter and a 173-hp 2.4-liter are offered), or the 210-hp, 1.6-liter turbo four that’s currently in development for Hyundai’s Veloster, but we don’t expect hot performance to be the Elantra coupe’s thing. The Korean company must, after all, protect both the funky-doored Veloster and the rear-drive Genesis coupe. This one will be all about two-door style, and that combined with the Elantra sedan’s engine should be enough for the high-school cheerleader set. (Well, at least until VW gets around to building a Jetta coupe.)
source : Car and Driver
