More for Less

When Hyundai introduced the Elantra into the Canadian market in 1992, their motto was "more car for less money." Hyundai still upholds this philosophy today by offering even more bang for its customer's bucks, especially with the recently upgraded 2004 Elantra.

Hyundai stays true to their "more car for less money" motto with the upgraded 2004 Elantra. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

On the list of improvements includes a new grille, hood, headlights, fog lights and bumpers. In addition to a front facelift, the rear end received a little tweaking of its own. Posterior upgrades include a new trunk design, taillights and bumper. But the fun doesn't stop there.

Inside, new instrument panel gauges, vertical vents and control buttons revamp the look and layout, slotting the Elantra up a notch in interior styling. Capping off the aesthetic changes is a metal-finish "H" logo on the steering wheel hub, a nice touch.

Hyundai has re-energized their 2.0-L, 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine, adding continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) resulting in 138 horsepower. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

It would have been easy to miss the central door lock button conveniently placed on the drivers-side door, and the new 12V power outlet, both signs of Hyundai's attention to improving its compact entry's details.

The most noticeable change, however, couldn't necessarily be seen, but rather felt. Hyundai has gone under the hood and re-energized their 2.0-L, 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder engine. Now continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) makes way for 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, compared to last year's rating of 135 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Also, with the addition of the CVVT system the Elantra has gone form a Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) to an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV).