"The Elantra is a touch lighter than its predecessor and tips the scales at 2,661 lbs with a manual and 2,701 lbs with an automatic. "
If those numbers are accurate for the North American model, it would be remarkable. The 1.8L I4 should not have any issue to move this car adequately.
Any info on the platform/suspension? IRS or torsion beam?
Is there a hatch version in the pipeline? So far, I haven't seen any reports on this.
"Move Adequately" is the operative term, if one's performance requirements in a car are minimal. It has about the same power to weight and torque to weight as a base Honda Civic. Its slightly better than a Saturn Astra and a base Toyota Corolla, hardly enough to get excited about, the only other two in this category that have 1.8L engines. So expectations shouldn't run amok, as those comparative cars have frequently been criticized in road tests as having inadequate performance.
It is delightful to me to see the weight kept in check like they have done! If and when a larger engine and supporting suspension tweaks etc. are introduced, this could be an exciting car in addition to good looking and fuel efficient.