Hyundai Elantra - New and compelling small car choice

Just the latest project in a busy 2010 that saw Hyundai launch redesigns of the Tucson and Sonata, as well as introduce the all-new Equus flagship, the Elantra total makeover nudges this small sedan upmarket and into a more serious competitor for the likes of Honda Civic, Chevy Cruze and Mazda 3.

With pump prices climbing again, fuel economy is high on the list of sought-after attributes for new-car shoppers. Hyundai execs at the press first drive in San Diego in December were quick to point out that every Elantra, regardless of trim level or cost, earned an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. They further emphasized -- and more than once -- that while some Elantra competitors also offer high EPA numbers on the highway, typically those high achievers are restricted to specific, higher-priced trim levels. There are no qualifiers to Hyundai's 40 mpg highway claim for Elantra.

Hyundai offers the redesigned Elantra in two trims: GLS and the upscale Limited. As little as $15,550 will put you behind the Elantra's tilt wheel. Hyundai will probably sell only a few units of this base version because it lacks air conditioning. Ponying up another $1,250 for the Popular Equipment Package swells content to include air conditioning, cruise control, telescoping steering wheel, solar glass and 16-inch steel wheels in place of the basic 15-inch ones.
Standard equipment you can expect to find on even the most basic Elantra: full power accessories, keyless entry, heated outboard mirrors, six-way adjustable driver's seat, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and a six-speaker audio system with CD player and iPod/USB interface.

An all-new engine and new transmissions deliver the Elantra's giddy-up. Generating 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of peak torque, the 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder engine is plenty peppy. Don't plan on smokin' a Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V when the light goes green, but the 1.8L is more than sufficient to move the Elantra off the line with authority. In its entry-level guise, the GLS comes with a six-speed manual transmission. Both clutch and shift lever have a smooth, easy-to-operate feel. Standard in the Limited and a $2,250 option in the GLS is a slick-shifting six-speed automatic ushering oomph to the front wheels. The price of the GLS transmission upgrade also includes all of the added features of the Popular package.

Disc brakes on all four corners supervised by an antilock system are standard on all Elantras. Adding to its safety measures are traction control, stability control, electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assist. Inside, six airbags and front-seat anti-whiplash head restraints highlight the safety gear.
Gone is the plain-Jane wrapper from last year's Elantra. Sharp edges, deep cuts and sexy curves replace the slab-sided skin of the last generation. While trying to find your 2010 model in a packed mall parking lot was like looking for a contact lense on a crowded dance floor -- you better know exactly where it is, the uber-fresh styling screams, here I am! It is both distinctive and handsome.

Likewise the interior styling differences between the new and old are worlds apart. While the layout of the previous generation's instrument panel was a basic form-following-function approach, styling seems to have played a primary role when designing the new interior. For all appearances, the interior could be right at home in a sedan costing thousands more. Modern lines, along with sensible placement of controls and gauges, create a driver's work station that is both attractive and functional.

It's not often the climate system controls can be singled out for their asthetics as well as their utility. This is one of those rare cases. Conveniently located, controls for the climate system, consisting of one round knob and four buttons, sit midway down the center stack. When equipped with the optional $2,300 Navigation Package, that also includes a backup camera, its seven-inch color screen is neatly placed in a recessed area in the center-top of the dashboard. The easy-to-operate audio controls are immediately below it.
Although rear-seat headroom is a bit stingey, passenger space is better than expected for this segment. Nearly 15 cubic feet of trunk space will swallow all the luggage most families will require for a week at Grandma's. The front seats are firm and comfortable.

Pony up the cash for the $20,700 Limited and you get all the standard equipment in the GLS with automatic transmission, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, leather seating, heated front and rear seats, Bluetooth connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls, and fog lamps.
From behind the wheel, you won't mistake the Elantra experience for that of a bigger family sedan. A tad firm, the ride is an acceptable mix of comfort and handling. MacPherson struts in front and a solid rear axle don't translate into a boulevard ride, but most slight pavement imperfections are absorbed. What the suspension firmness does translate into is better-than-expected cornering. It takes a corner with virtually no body roll. It feels solid and stable.

Hyundai hasn't revolutionized the small car with the Elantra redesign, but it has built a top-flight competitor for the segment. It not only gets the job done, but looks pretty darn good doing it. Small-car buyers now have another legitimate choice.