From boring to alluring

The new Elantra looks nothing like the old one, which is a good thing.

Park a new Elantra beside and old one, and the average person would never think they were built by the same company. The new model is a pretty good-looking car, in my opinion. Check out the wavy beltline that flows over the front and rear fenders; the color contrast from the reflection of light is terrific. It may not be a timeless design, but it will serve the Elantra very well during the model's life cycle. It will definitely draw customers in Hyundai's showrooms on looks alone.

The GL Sport and GLS models get fog lamps and 16-inch alloy wheels and tires, while all other models including my tester rely on 15-inch wheels with covers. All Elantras have body-colored bumpers and mirrors, so even the base GL doesn't look like a stripper.

Competition
The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla will probably lose some market share to the Elantra. It's the domestic compacts, though, that should be worried, as the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac Pursuit and Ford Focus ZX4 will get a run for their money. The Elantra GL Comfort Plus, in usual Hyundai (and Kia) fashion, offers a price/equipment ratio that beats its rivals. At $20,395, including the automatic transmission, this Elantra is a good value.

Conclusion

The new model is the most refined and the most spacious to date.

As much as I'm praising this car, I and probably a lot of other people will have to raise our expectations about Korean automobiles. I'm still impressed every time I drive a new Hyundai, partly because they've came a long way since their first offerings in our market. I'll get over it.

However, the fourth-generation Elantra is by far the most refined, the most spacious and the best-driving one to date. It's Hyundai's greatest effort in the crowded compact category. Some rivals are better-looking, some are more powerful and some are more fuel-efficient; the Elantra borrows some of their best qualities and delivers them at a lower price.

The Elantra borrows some its rivals' best qualities and delivers them at a lower price.

What I like:
Great looks
Spacious cockpit
Lots of features for the money

What I don't like:
Engine could be quieter and more frugal
Leisurely-shifting transmission
Slightly less refined than Japanese rivals



Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com

For more details concerning this vehicle, please refer to the technical specifications and to the standard features list.

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