While the Elantra 4-door might not attract a lot of attention from the

Its quality-grade plastic surfaces, high-quality cloth upholstery and better-than-average switchgear combine nicely in its easy-to-maneuver-in cabin. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

outside, the attention to detail is what caught my passenger's and my eyes on the inside. Friends who rode in the Elantra noticed how well it was finished. Its quality-grade plastic surfaces, high-quality cloth upholstery and better-than-average switchgear combine nicely in its easy-to-maneuver-in cabin.

As much as I like all the bells and whistles in the premium-level cars I drive, I'm not crazy about all the buttons that come as part of the various packages. The modest amount of "buttonage" in the Elantra doesn't leave me searching, wondering where things are. It's simple, straight-forward, yet still delivers the essentials that make life comfortable.

Along the lines of comfort, as mentioned above, it comes with a fully

The GT came with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, adding to the fun since manuals are almost always my preferred choice. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

independent suspension, which makes for a nice cruising car. Unlike the 5-door GT, its suspension isn't sport-tuned, so I wasn't throwing it into corners while I was ripping around town, but the SE coasted comfortably in the city and on the highway. It's just a pleasant car to drive.

The GT, however, is the wild child of the two. Its fun and endearing personality allowed more expression with my driving and made the week all that much better. In addition, unlike the SE 4-door, which came with the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, the GT came with the standard 5-speed manual gearbox, adding to the fun since manuals are almost always my preferred choice.