While Hyundai has beefed up its model lineup during the past half decade, the compact Elantra continues as a familiar mainstay. Falling between the subcompact Accent and mid-size Sonata, Elantra has graced dealerships since 1991. It's solely front drive; all-wheel drive is not offered.
Fuel economy remains a key factor for Chicago suburbanites shopping in the compact neighborhood; and the 2010 Elantra delivers. Thanks to engineering enhancements to the returning 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, Elantra's economy rating is up four percent overall compared with 2009 models. Aside from improved mileage, little changes from 2009 save for a modified front grille and new lower-cost entry trim. This latest generation of the four-door Elantra arrived three years ago.
South Korea's largest automaker continues delivering value-driven products. Elantra's starting price is lower than just about any comparably equipped segment competitor, yet includes a cadre of safety nuances and pleasant driving characteristics. Hyundai also shed a reputation for suspect quality long ago. Today, Hyundai's attention to detail is well regarded, and may have moved up a notch in the minds of consumers as Toyota takes its lumps in the wake of recent, well publicized waves of recalls.
Competitors include the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cobalt (soon to be replaced by the Cruze), Nissan Sentra and Kia Forte. Elantra has a subtle ride not the sport tuning found in the Mazda3 or Suzuki SX4. The brake pedal has some travel before slowing, not an immediate grab. With an interior volume of 112.1 cubic feet, Elantra has more interior dimensions than the Sentra, Corolla or Civic. With a total length of 177.4 inches, Elantra has grown over the years to one of the bigger subcompact offerings. For those looking for extra room, Elantra is a great place to start. The next major Elantra redesign is slated for the 2012 model year.
Three trims are available, GLS, up-level SE and the new-for-2010 minimal-frills "Blue" edition. The Blue trim is the only one offering a smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission. Both GLS and SE have a standard four-speed automatic with overdrive. All trims get their power from a 2.0-liter, 138 horsepower double overhead cam four cylinder. Expect pleasant pickup, but passing maneuvers could use more punch. Remember, Elantra is built for economy, not performance. By comparison a base 1.8-liter Civic four cylinder and 2.0-liter Ford Focus four banger each deliver a horsepower rating of 140.
The new Blue edition easily surpasses the 30 mile-per-gallon highway barrier with an EPA rating of 35 mpg highway (26 mpg city). Both GLS and SE register one mile per gallon better in each category from 2009, with 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway in 2010. Elantra continues pushing itself to keep pace with fuel efficient rivals including the 2010 Toyota Corolla ($15,350 starting price) and Ford Focus ($15,520); both of which average 35 mpg highway.
Elantra's come relatively well equipped. All Elantra trims including Blue include dual front airbags, front-seat side-mounted air bags, side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry and power locks, mirrors and doors. Top level SE includes as standard a leather wrapped steering wheel, telescoping steering column, secondary audio controls on the large steering wheel and electronic stability control with brake assist. About the only factory options are a power sunroof in GLS and SE, heated seats in SE and a recommended "comfort" package in the debuting Blue edition. Rear DVD entertainment system is not offered.
Hyundai supplied a new Blue trim for a weeks testing. A nice change of pace since more often than not, upper level styles end up in the fleet. Starting price was $14,145. The $1,700 comfort package added an upgraded sound system with XM Satellite radio, MP3 audio jacks, air conditioning and steering wheel mounted cruise control. An iPod cable ($35), Bluetooth hand-free wiring ($325) and carpeted floor mats ($95) made the bottom line a still respectable $17,020 including a $720 destination charge.
Elantra now has strap-like side door handles rather than the cupped design from generations past. With a height of 58.3 inches, it's also taller. Thin, rear "C" pillars morph into a short, in-style slightly raised and angled deck lid. Narrow, medium-sized wrap-around tail light housing adorns the trunk and side fenders. Smallish cat's eye housing surrounds the updated front grille. The trunk houses a temporary spare tire under the floor and 14.2 cubic feet of room, equal to the volume of larger mid-size models. Goose neck-style hinges are exposed in the cargo region so place boxes or luggage strategically. Rear and side glass is large enough to provide good driver visibility.
In 2009, Hyundai added a versatile hatchback sibling, the Elantra Touring, with a more aggressive stance than the lower key sedan. No Elantra gas-electric hybrid is available. However, in 2011, Hyundai debuts its first hybrid technology sold in America, housed in the mid-size Sonata sedan.
Inside, the flat instrument panel includes three analog gauges, including a large, right-side fuel indicator. A floor lever left of the driver's bucket seat releases the circular fuel door. A button unlocking the trunk is on the lower portion of the driver's door. In line cup holders, between the front bucket seats, join a hand-operated parking brake and flip-top storage bin. Front doors also sport single cup holders.
Premium cloth seats come standard in all trims; front seats slide manually. No power sliding or leather seats are currently offered. Seats are not positioned as high as some mid-sized sedans, but not as low as a Mazda 3 sport sedan. Second row seatbacks fold down on the cushions with a 60/40 split (with an armrest/dual cup holder combo built into the larger side). Pull tabs unlocking both backs are accessible only from the trunk. Leg room is adequate in back thanks to Elantra's generous dimensions, but the entry way remains narrow when boarding row two. Head room for those six-foot, five inches and shorter is comfy.
Three large, textured dials monitor ventilation functions. Elantra includes many storage areas, including a shallow covered compartment on top of the central dash. The two-tone layout adds a few bushed aluminum accents. The glove box concaves inward opening up more leg room for front passengers. Nothing fancy, just a functional, user-friendly design.
As with all Hyundai vehicles sold in the States, powertrain warranty coverage is for 10 years or 100,000 miles, one of the longest in the industry. Elantra is assembled in South Korea. Don't let Elantra's low price somehow inference a low-quality experience. This vehicle stacks up well to other compact rivals.
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