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Elantra exemplifies Hyundais emotional Fluidic Sculpture design principles with flowing lines that create the illusion of constant motion.
Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Hyundai Elantra 1.8-litre Premium.
The large car hasn't quite had its day but the trend is definitely towards larger small cars and Hyundai's Elantra is a perfect example. Designed in California the stylish Elantra reminds of me of Doctor Who's time machine because it's bigger inside than it looks.
By virtue of their compact dimensions small cars are also cheaper but, in a reward/trade off most buyers opt for more expensive better equipped models. Our Premium test vehicle is again a prime example of the genre.
DESIGN
Although it's a sedan it looks more like a coupe. Designed in California primarily for the North American market, Elantra exemplifies Hyundais emotional Fluidic Sculpture design principles with flowing lines that create the illusion of constant motion.
TECHNOLOGY
Elantra is fitted with an all-new, all aluminium 1.8-litre four cylinder petrol engine. Its lightweight, powerful and delivers 110kW of power at 6500 revs and 178Nm of torque at 4700 revs.
Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency, and refinement provide a 30 per cent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. It also features a maintenance-free timing chain intead of a replaceable belt.
The engine is paired with a new six-speed auto in the Premium. Developed in-house its slick and responsive, it has an ECO Indicator that ecourages economical driving habits.
FUEL ECONOMY
With a lighter more efficient engine the new model delivers 11 per cent better economy than before - 6.6 in the manual and 7.1 litres/100km for the auto. We've been getting about 8.8 litres/100km which is good without being outstanding - we're hoping it's going to get better.
WHAT'S IT GO LIKE?
Very well. Sharp peformance, light steering and responsive to the throttle. Easy to drive and park, with a good-sized boot for the shopping.
SAFETY
Gets a full 5 stars for safety with six airbgs. The sophisticated Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) integrates all of the safety systems in the car. The object is to help maintain vehicle control by applying variable input to steering weight. This helps prevents the over-correction by the driver in an emergency situation by making the wheel harder to turn.
GOODIES
About the only thing missing which you can't get as an accessory is satellite navigation, but they are so cheap these days who cares. Premium model comes with leather, two zone climate air, Bluetooth for mobiles and audio streaming, full iPod connectivity with two 12 volt outlets and the front seats are even heated - how good's that?
HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Price: $20,590 - $28,990
Warranty: 5-years/unlimited km
Resale: n/a
Service interval: 15,000km/12 months
Safety: 5-star Euro NCAP
Engine: 1.8-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 110kW/178Nm
Body: 4-door sedan
Weight: 1289kg
Transmission: 6-speed automatic, front drive
Wheels/tyres: 17" alloy wheels, full-size spare
Thirst: 7.1L/100km, 91 RON, CO2 169g/km.
