Some cars catch your attention at first glance. And then there are the others -- less spectacular and often considered as nothing more than a means of transportation. Buyers choose them for their reliability and affordable price, not for the passion they arouse.
The Hyundai Elantra is one of them. Like the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus and other similar models, it never is an emotional purchase, yet it fulfills its primary mission quite well, which is to safely take its occupants from point A to point B.
In 2007, the Korean automaker launched the fourth-generation Elantra. Sporting a new bodywork and sleeker lines, the car was a radical departure from its predecessor. For 2008, additional changes have been made, albeit very minor.
Name game
First of all, the base model is now called Elantra L, while the GL Comfort model sheds the «Comfort» label. You follow me? Good. The GL Sport is now known as the GLS Sport and, finally, the top-of-the-line Elantra is no longer the GLS; it's actually the Limited. Phew!
Beyond these changes, which only crossword puzzle enthusiasts will find interesting, every Elantra now comes standard with an engine immobilizer and an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players. Power door locks are also included in the base model, while the GLS Sport gets side curtain airbags as standard equipment.
Under the hood is the same 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder since 2001. This VVT-equipped engine generates 138 horsepower and 136 pounds-feet of torque. In terms of performance and fuel economy, it compares favorably with most of the Elantra's many rivals. Mated to an automatic transmission, it allows you to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in a little over 10 seconds. At the end of our winter tests, we wound up with an average fuel rating of 10 liters per 100 kilometers. Summer tests should yield better results.
The Hyundai Elantra is one of them. Like the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus and other similar models, it never is an emotional purchase, yet it fulfills its primary mission quite well, which is to safely take its occupants from point A to point B.
 |
| The Hyundai Elantra is not really inspiring, yet it proves pleasant to drive. |
In 2007, the Korean automaker launched the fourth-generation Elantra. Sporting a new bodywork and sleeker lines, the car was a radical departure from its predecessor. For 2008, additional changes have been made, albeit very minor.
Name game
First of all, the base model is now called Elantra L, while the GL Comfort model sheds the «Comfort» label. You follow me? Good. The GL Sport is now known as the GLS Sport and, finally, the top-of-the-line Elantra is no longer the GLS; it's actually the Limited. Phew!
Beyond these changes, which only crossword puzzle enthusiasts will find interesting, every Elantra now comes standard with an engine immobilizer and an auxiliary input jack for MP3 players. Power door locks are also included in the base model, while the GLS Sport gets side curtain airbags as standard equipment.
Under the hood is the same 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder since 2001. This VVT-equipped engine generates 138 horsepower and 136 pounds-feet of torque. In terms of performance and fuel economy, it compares favorably with most of the Elantra's many rivals. Mated to an automatic transmission, it allows you to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in a little over 10 seconds. At the end of our winter tests, we wound up with an average fuel rating of 10 liters per 100 kilometers. Summer tests should yield better results.
 |
| The Elantra's 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine compares favorably with most competitors. |