The Hyundai Elantra offers a roomy interior for the class, a good package of safety equipment, and a strong warranty. The styling holds its own in the class; it looks very clean but doesn't try to draw attention to itself. The seats are comfortable, the brakes are excellent, and the cornering capability is good, making it enjoyable to drive. The engine offers the latest four-cylinder technology; it can power the Elantra to 80 miles per hour without much effort and delivers good fuel economy when driven conservatively. With a price that's lower than most other compact cars, the Elantra is a worthy competitor in the class and offers a very good value for the money.
Sam Moses contributed to this NewCarTestDrive.com report.
Model Line Overview
Model lineup:
Hyundai Elantra GLS ($14,120); SE ($17,020); Touring ($17,800)
Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist
Basic warranty:
5 years/60,000 miles
Assembled in:
Ulsan, Korea
Specifications As Tested
Model tested (MSRP):
Hyundai Elantra GLS ($14,120)
Standard equipment:
cloth upholstery, power windows, power locks, power heated mirrors, tilt steering column, tinted glass, 60/40 split folding rear seat
Options as tested (MSRP):
Popular Equipment Package ($1750) with air conditioning, 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 with six speakers and auxiliary jack, cruise control, in-glass antenna, dual illuminated vanity mirrors, and fog lights; carpeted floor mats ($95)
Destination charge:
($720)
Gas guzzler tax:
N/A
Price as tested (MSRP):
$16,685
Layout:
front-wheel drive
Engine:
2.0-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
138 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
136 @ 4600
Transmission:
5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
24/33 mpg
Wheelbase:
104.3 in.
Length/width/height:
177.4/69.9/58.3 in.
Track, f/r:
60.2/60.1 in.
Turning circle:
33.9 ft.
Seating capacity:
5
Head/hip/leg room, f:
40.0/54.2/43.5 in.
Head/hip/leg room, m:
N/A
Head/hip/leg room, r:
37.6/54.0/35.0 in.
Cargo volume:
14.2 cu. ft.
Payload:
N/A
Towing capacity:
750 Lbs.
Suspension, f:
independent, MacPherson struts, stabilizer bar
Suspension, r:
independent, multi-link, stabilizer bar
Ground clearance:
5.9 in.
Curb weight:
2723 lbs.
Tires:
P195/65TR15
Brakes, f/r:
ventilated disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD
Fuel capacity:
14.0 gal.
Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
All prices are manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) effective as of June 23, 2009.
Prices do not include manufacturer's destination and delivery charges.
N/A: Information not available or not applicable.
Manufacturer Info Sources:
800-633-5151 -
www.hyundaiusa.com
