Hyundai Elantra XD GLS Car Review

In its third generation since its release as 'Lantra' in 1991, Hyundai's small car has finally been able to use its overseas name of 'Elantra'.

Hyundai claims the Elantra is larger, more powerful, more efficient, friendlier to the environment and safer than its predecessor, and there is an obvious European influence in its styling.

Hyundai is targeting Mazda 626 and Holden Vectra as its nearest Elantra competitors. Both the sedan and the hatch are available in two trim levels, a GL at $19,990 and a GLS at $21,990 with manual transmission. Automatic variants are an additional $1990.

Standard equipment on all models includes a driver's airbag, tilt-adjustable steering column, front seatbelts with load limiters, height adjusters and pretensioners, impact absorbing bumpers, air conditioning, power operated and heated external mirrors, engine immobiliser, CD player and front electric windows.

Front foglamps, rear electric windows, keyless entry and alarm, driver's seat lumbar and height adjustment, overhead sunglasses compartment and console storage compartment are some of the more noteworthy additional equipment items in the GLS models. An extra safety pack option consisting of ABS, front passenger airbag and rear disc brakes (sedans only) is available on all models for $1590. With a limited options list, the desired equipment level tends to dictate the model to be purchased.

The Elantra is powered by a DOHC, 16 valve, four-cylinder engine of 1.8 litres (GL) or 2.0 litres (GLS) driving through a five-speed manual or a four speed automatic transmission. Both engines have been subjected to substantial re-engineering to achieve an increase in power with lower fuel consumption and emissions. Hyundai claims a considerable reduction in noise, vibration and harshness, and considers these two engines to be class leaders in power output.

Transaxle gear ratios and profiles have been modified on both manual and automatic transmissions to improve operation and to cope with an increase in wheel diameter. Fuzzy logic and adaptive gear shifting have been incorporated in the automatic transmission using Hyundai's Intelligent Vehicle Electronic Control (HIVEC) computer to learn the driver's style and to adopt a relevant shift pattern to suit.

Steering geometry, spring rates and shock absorbers have been upgraded on the front suspension, while greater stability and adjustment have been engineered into the rear suspension. The diameter and width of the tyres and wheels have been increased in size. Sedan models have retained drum brakes on the rear while four wheel discs are standard on all hatches.

Hyundai lists a host of small improvements claimed to provide an overall safer package for Elantra's occupants, while additional space, comfort and convenience items are designed to make their travelling experience more pleasant.

Comfort and space for the driver and front seat passenger are adequate with driver's seat lumbar and height, plus steering column tilt adjustments available. Rear seat outer positions are reasonable, although leg and headroom may be a problem for taller passengers. The centre section features an armrest with inbuilt storage and its comfort level is suited to short trips only.

From the driving seat, all controls and instruments are clearly labelled and within easy reach, in a conventional Australian/Asian layout.

Although there are small increases in engine power and torque compared with the previous 2.0 litre Lantra model, these do not appear to offset the Elantra's extra weight. This, combined with an automatic transmission, has resulted in slower acceleration and overtaking times, plus a slight increase in fuel consumption. In spite of the adaptive transmission there were times when I detected a delay in the downshift response; however, it was not a disconcerting factor.

Braking distance has also increased a little making the ABS and rear disc brake component of the safety package an attractive option. However, the overall braking and handling characteristics of the Elantra are quite acceptable with responsive steering, confident braking and stable cornering. There is nothing outstanding about the Elantra's on-road capabilities, but it copes with every day motoring in a modest manner with a minimum of fuss.