Room to move
Filed Under Curt Hennig | Posted on April 7, 2008
The new Hyundai Elantra shows definite improvement over its
predecessors.
HYUNDAI’S fourth-generation Elantra gave the Korean brand a much
improved model in the highly competitive small car segment when it
arrived as a sedan in August 2006. But the company’s global
best-seller was slow to gain momentum here. It has also been
somewhat overshadowed by the chic i30 Euro-hatch variant since that
model’s arrival last October.
Nevertheless, the front-drive 2.0-litre Elantra sedan is an
appealing small-medium model with a very roomy interior and it came
at a time when Hyundai’s quality and brand value were on the
rise.
Today this Korean product is markedly better and the automatic
SX model priced from $21,990 is at least $1000 less than similar
models such as the Holden Astra, Honda Civic and Mazda3. It further
benefits from Hyundai’s industry-leading five-year, unlimited
kilometre warranty.
The 105kW four-cylinder engine links to either a five-speed
manual or a four-speed automatic. It is particularly well suited to
the automatic transmission with 186Nm of torque and happily runs on
standard unleaded petrol.
On the combined city-country fuel cycle the manual Elantra
returns 7.4 litres/100km and the auto 7.8L/100km.
The Elantra was justifiably criticised at launch for its less
than dynamic steering, which was no match for the car’s
well-controlled suspension. Hyundai quickly responded by flying in
technicians and recalibrating the power steering. The result is a
confident on-road package with good overall dynamics. But Korean
tyres still don’t match the all-round dynamic balance of most of
its Japanese and European competitors.
Stability control is not standard on the entry Elantra SX but
comes in a $1790 optional safety package with side and curtain
airbags.
The Elantra features a fully independent coil-sprung suspension,
while all models feature four-wheel disc brakes, ventilated on the
front, anti-whiplash four-way adjustable front head restraints, an
iPod/MP3-compatible CD sound system, double-acting gas shock
absorbers and a full-sized spare wheel.
Interior space and storage is a high point. In the rear seat,
leg room and width are generous for this class of car. Boot space
is also excellent, helped when needed by 60-40 split-folding rear
seat backs. Nevertheless the boot is a little shallow, thanks to
the spare.
Importantly, the Elantra has a very solid feel, which is the
result of gradual improvements made by the Korean maker since its
launch here as a brand in 1986.
SX
Starts at $19,990 in five-speed manual, $21,990 in four-speed
automatic. Metallic paint adds $300. Equipment includes dual front
airbags, air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes, CD player and power
windows and mirrors. Other items include pre-tensioners, load
limiters and height adjustment on the front seatbelts,
body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, integrated aerial
in the rear screen, engine immobiliser and alarm and a
tilt-adjustable steering wheel. Stability control and side and
curtain airbags are a $1790 option.
SLX
From $24,990 in five-speed manual, $26,990 in four-speed
automatic. Metallic paint adds $300. Over the SLX, the Elite gains
stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, trip
computer, tinted glass, cloth door trim inserts and a luggage net
on the boot floor. Internal storage items in all Elantras include
front-seat back pockets, retractable roof-mounted sunglass bin and
four cup holders. Other items: child safety rear door locks and
individual map lights for front seats.
ELITE
From $22,490 in five-speed manual, $24,490 in four-speed
automatic. Again, metallic paint is $300. Over the SX the SLX gains
side and curtain airbags, cruise control with steering
wheel-mounted controls, reach adjustment on the steering wheel,
leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever knob, automatic
air-conditioning, rear centre headrest and six-speaker sound
system. All Elantras come with ducted heating to the rear floor,
aluminium-effect highlights in the interior and automatic unlocking
in the event of an accident. Stability control is $990 extra.
ELITE S
The flagship Elantra S is available only in four-speed automatic
and starts at $28,990. Again, metallic paint costs $300. Over the
Elite, this model gains perforated soft leather trim on seat
facings, door trims and armrests plus a power tilt-and-slide
sunroof.
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