Hyundai Elantra Elite S Car Review

Hyundai's 4th generation Elantra is the latest in a string of new releases for the Korean manufacturer, and an example of the marque's continuing climb up the quality ladder. Larger in every direction, the new model's rounded body style provides useful increases to interior space and comfort.

Under the bonnet power output remains the same, while meeting Euro 4 emissions levels, and increased front and rear tracks allied to a longer wheelbase and "Control Blade" rear suspension, aid handling.

Value for money

Pricing

Comprising four models the range starts with the SX - $19,990, SLX - $22,490, Elite $24,990 and Elite S (auto only) at $28,990.
Add $2,000 for automatic.

Standard features

Our Elite S test car came well equipped with cruise control, climate control, MP3 compatible / CD sound system, leather trim, power tilt sunroof, 16" alloy wheels and front foglights.

Design & function

Space & practicality

Larger inside, the cabin has a host of storage bins for looking after your gear. There's a lidded tray on the dashboard, decent size door pockets that will take a drink bottle, plus a double-deck box between the front seats. There's a large boot, and a 60:40 split rear seat (unlocked from the boot) which doesn't fold completely flat.

Comfort

Front seat comfort is better than expected but you couldn't call it plush, even with leather trim. In the rear there's excellent head and legroom, but the short cushion doesn't provide much support.

Ergonomics

The Elantra dashboard has its own unique style. There's the usual instrument cluster facing the driver, while the centre dash is dominated by a collection of white switches surrounding a small blue lit screen. These are the climate control and audio switches. At first it looks a bit busy, and the chrome trimmed screen is very small. It may look a little odd, but the large switches make life easy on the move.

Safety

There's the usual dual front airbags and side airbags, and all Elite versions are equipped with curtain airbags. ABS four wheel discs brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution are enhanced by standard electronic stability and traction control.

Build quality & finish

Consistent with Hyundai's other new releases; the Elantra's build quality should put other manufacturers on notice. Inside the interior's fit and finish was to a very high standard, while outside the body's panel gaps were tight and consistent. Probably better than some luxury car manufacturers could manage ten years ago. The only low point was noticeable "orange peel" in our cars' blue metallic paint.

Security

At the time of our test the Elantra had not been assessed by NRMA Insurance.

On the road

Fuel

The Elantra's ADR average of 7.8l/100km places it between Ford's Focus - 8.0l/100km and the Honda Civic's 7.2l/100km. Our worst on test figure of 11.6l/100km looks thirstier than we would normally expect. Possibly due to the car's newness and a particularly slow week on Sydney roads!

Performance

Even with improvements to the "Beta" engine, power and torque are unchanged. Mid range torque doesn't feel particularly strong, and it wasn't unusual for the four speed auto to shift back a couple of gears to maintain pace.

Ride

Coping well with Sydney's patchwork tarmac, the Elantra rides surprisingly well. Not exactly supple, but certainly well controlled, the suspension coped with the worst of it, helping keep larger bumps at bay.

Handling & steering

For all of its pluses there are some minuses. Even with wider front and rear tracks and an increase in wheelbase, the small sedan's handling is fairly numb. Grip from the Kumhos is good, but understeer sets in early. Add to this a lack of feel from the electrically assisted, and light, steering and the Elantra falters behind the opposition.

Braking

Providing excellent feel through the pedal, the four wheel disc system is easy to modulate. Although our tests achieved braking figures longer than we would normally expect.

Smoothness & quietness

Combining good ride quality with a slick transmission, makes for a comfortable journey, and the Elantra shines in this area. If you prefer to use manual mode, the "zig-zag" transmission gate can be a little awkward at first.