I've been itching to try the new 2011 Hyundai Elantra for some time now, and I was not disappointed. It's one of the few cars that I think looks great on the outside (both front and rear!) and inside. The proportions are just right and Hyundai's "fluidic" design language works very nicely here (somehow doesn't look quite as nice on the Sonata or the Tucson).
Unlike most cars, the rear of the Elantra looks great. Absolutely no comparison to last generation Elantra (which MotorTrend described as being as exciting as a bar of soap, haha), and right now, one of the best large compact sedans IMO.
The interior is well put together, with quality plastics and a fancy HVAC dial. Did I mention that a rear-window defroster is included as standard?! A lot of compact/mid-size cars omit that as a feature on the base model, very much appreciated by this driver.
Driver's instrumentation was very legible, colorful. Like the flowing design of the center stack. Really pleasant place to be; makes compact cars appealing!
PROS:
- Best example of Hyundai's fluidic styling, proportions just right. One of the few cars, IMO, to look gorgeous from the front, rear, sides, and interior!
- Amazing interior for a compact/mid-size car, feels very well put-together, high quality plastics.
- USB and Aux jacks standard, nice!
- Massive trunk space.
- Large side mirrors.
- Steering is very good; like the Ford Fusion, it's light and easy to maneuver, without being too floaty, a la the Hyundai Sonata. Competent, though not sporty, handling.
- Easy to reset trip odometer and access other driver's metrics using steering wheel controls.
- Stacked dials to control HVAC system are pretty neat, dials feel like high quality metal.
- Rear window defroster standard? Nice, not many cars in this segment have it as a standard feature.
- Awesome fuel economy; 29 city, 40 highway, and that's without any special efficiency packages or low rolling resistance tires. I averaged 35 mpg, even with my lead foot!!
- Good braking feel.
- Despite high decklid and beltline, surprisingly good visibility.
- Steering wheel is quite comfortable to grip.
- More than sufficient power from engine to perform quick lane changes/highway passing.
CONS:
- High decklid, high belt-line.
- Hard to reach window controls because of door handle; also, found it uncomfortable to lean my arm on the door.
- Radio buttons, like those on the Genesis, are difficult to depress, due to the low angle at which they are mounted. Some buttons had a tendency to jam too; operation was not crisp.
- Radio settings/clock/odometer somehow reset after turning off the ignition? Very frustrating.
Conclusion: Overall, a fun to drive/utilitarian large compact sedan. Interior is premium for car of this class. The fuel economy is great, moreso since no special packages are needed to achieve the 29/40 EPA rating. Has a few quirks that were annoying, though that perhaps was due to my unfamiliarity with operating the radio/clock settings.
Ford and GM have some serious competition; can't wait to try the 2012 Focus and 2011 Cruze.