prashok
Apr 14, 07, 5:25 am
Spotted a few of these new redesigned models at DFW this week and decided to skip the upgrade on a B reservation...
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/elantra/elantra.aspx
From the Hyundai website, this particular Elantra GLS was equipped with the Preferred Package (including XM radio, fog lights and illuminated vanity mirrors) and a sunroof, for a grand total of $15,995.
Powertrain: Hyundai's familiar 2.0L four-cylinder powers the Elantra, this time with 138 hp. Power is good for a small car, and while the engine is refined at low revs, when pushed it can get quite buzzy. The four-speed automatic works smoothly, except for an occasional snap when downshifting. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated 28/36 mpg city/highway, and my observed economy seemed to be in that area.
Ride/Handling: While not the sportiest in its class, the new Elantra has zippy performance. Steering is sometimes odd in response, but the chassis feels solid and body roll is minimal. Ride-quality is surprisingly smooth and road/wind noise are controlled well, though in return, the suspension can feel floaty at times. The standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are effective.
Interior: The Elantra is very uncompact-like in terms of interior. Dash plastics are hard but show impeccable build and materials quality. Tactile quality of controls is similarly in a higher caliber than many other small cars. Space is at midsize levels in the cabin, and the trunk has little problems with cargo, given the Elantra's size. The seats are plush and comfortable, and there are several levels of adjustments for height and recline.
Design: The newest Hyundai is slightly plain (and somewhat reminiscent of the Toyota Corolla in the rear), but overall is a pleasing design. The interior is similarly no-nonsense, but controls are logical and the pleasing blue hue of the gauges at night jazzes things up.
Features: The Elantra comes with a lengthy list of features, and as mentioned, this particular example also had XM and a sunroof.
Value: It works well as an appliance, but the new Elantra takes it one step further with a bit of personality as well. While I would still choose the Mazda 3 in the compact class for its fun-factor, Hyundai's compact is perfect for those who want a compact that doesn't feel like one, in terms of space and comfort. ^
To sum it up:
The Good
Exceedingly spacious
High-quality interior
Comfortable seats and ride
The Bad
Sometimes floaty
Noisy engine
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/elantra/elantra.aspx
From the Hyundai website, this particular Elantra GLS was equipped with the Preferred Package (including XM radio, fog lights and illuminated vanity mirrors) and a sunroof, for a grand total of $15,995.
Powertrain: Hyundai's familiar 2.0L four-cylinder powers the Elantra, this time with 138 hp. Power is good for a small car, and while the engine is refined at low revs, when pushed it can get quite buzzy. The four-speed automatic works smoothly, except for an occasional snap when downshifting. Fuel economy is EPA-estimated 28/36 mpg city/highway, and my observed economy seemed to be in that area.
Ride/Handling: While not the sportiest in its class, the new Elantra has zippy performance. Steering is sometimes odd in response, but the chassis feels solid and body roll is minimal. Ride-quality is surprisingly smooth and road/wind noise are controlled well, though in return, the suspension can feel floaty at times. The standard four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are effective.
Interior: The Elantra is very uncompact-like in terms of interior. Dash plastics are hard but show impeccable build and materials quality. Tactile quality of controls is similarly in a higher caliber than many other small cars. Space is at midsize levels in the cabin, and the trunk has little problems with cargo, given the Elantra's size. The seats are plush and comfortable, and there are several levels of adjustments for height and recline.
Design: The newest Hyundai is slightly plain (and somewhat reminiscent of the Toyota Corolla in the rear), but overall is a pleasing design. The interior is similarly no-nonsense, but controls are logical and the pleasing blue hue of the gauges at night jazzes things up.
Features: The Elantra comes with a lengthy list of features, and as mentioned, this particular example also had XM and a sunroof.
Value: It works well as an appliance, but the new Elantra takes it one step further with a bit of personality as well. While I would still choose the Mazda 3 in the compact class for its fun-factor, Hyundai's compact is perfect for those who want a compact that doesn't feel like one, in terms of space and comfort. ^
To sum it up:
The Good
Exceedingly spacious
High-quality interior
Comfortable seats and ride
The Bad
Sometimes floaty
Noisy engine