When you have a car that's already well regarded and you make it better, then proceed to undercut the opposition on price, I guess it's reasonable to be bullish about sales prospects.
Hyundai certainly feels that way about its new 1.8 litre Lantra sedan, predicting sales to double this year, and after testing one of the new models, I'm not about to dispute that confidence.
The switch to a more powerful 1.8 litre engine has brought the Lantra into line with the current trend in this market segment and answered one of the few criticisms of the previous model. namely its lack of low down pulling power. Apart from the engine, changes in the latest Lantras are mostly cosmetic, however the Hyundai Motor Company is continually updating and improving its models and things like the quality of interior trim and fittings seem noticeably better than in the first Lantras.
There's still just one body style - a sedan - but buyers can choose between GL and GLS equipment levels, with the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Manual model prices are $18,750 for the GL and $20,750 for the GLS. Add $1500 for automatic and around $1700 for air conditioning. These prices are lower than both local and fully imported 1.8 litre cars with similar equipment levels, in some cases by a considerable margin.
Features and Equipment
Though it retains the twin-cam multi-valve layout of the previous 1.6 litre engine, the 1.8 litre power plant is in fact, a completely new unit with a taller cylinder block and twin balance shafts to reduce noise and harshness. Power has increased by 14 per cent and torque by 13 per cent.
As before, power is transmitted through the front wheels and the automatic transmission features electronic control, a lock-up convertor and power/economy modes. Both the automatic and manual models have safety systems designed to overcome any possibility of unintended acceleration or vehicle runaway. In the manual, the clutch pedal has to be fully depressed before the engine can be started, while in the auto, the engine will only start when the brake pedal is applied. The lever can't be shifted out of Park if the ignition is locked.
Though cheaper than the others (how does $5,240 less than a 1.6 litre Honda Civic SI sedan sound?), the Lantra doesn't skimp on equipment or features. Even the base GL comes with multi point fuel injection, power steering, four-speaker radio/cassette, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, electric boot lid release, variable intermittent wipers and height-adjustable front seat belts. The GLS adds electric windows and mirrors, central locking, a tachometer, tilt steering column, extra driver's seat adjustments, full cloth trim and tinted windows.
One aspect on which the Lantra lags a little behind its competitors is theft security. In the NRMA's Theft Rating evaluation, the 1.8 litre Lantra scored 21 points out of a possible 100. Though this is better than the 1.6 litre model's 15 points, it still leaves plenty of room for improvement. In this class, around forty points or more is considered to represent a desirable level of protection.
Body and Finish
Built in what is reputedly one of the most modern car plants in the world, the Lantra is a good looking sedan with smooth, uncluttered lines and a high standard of finish. Paintwork on the test car was impressive, being free from any unsightly "orange peel" or blemishes. Other impressive aspects of the external finish are the way the doors shut easily and the even gaps between body panels.
In the test of the previous 1.6 litre Lantra, I criticised the quality of some interior fittings and it's pleasing to able to report an improvement this time around. The flimsy drink holder bracket remains but there were no problems with split or broken trims like last time and the whole interior has more of a quality look and feel about it.
Hyundai specifies substantial anti-corrosion measures for the Lantra, including galvanised body panels, anti-corrosion linings inside all the wheel arches and an aluminium coating on the exhaust system. Protector strips along the body sides are a help in avoiding parking lot dings but you need to be a little careful of the full wheel trims when parallel parking next to a kerb as they protrude enough to scrape.
Comfort and Space
Hyundai hasn't specified any changes, but my tape measure verified extra passenger space in the 1.8 litre Lantra, particularly in rear leg room. It's one of the few cars in this class in which you can put the front seats right back and still have enough leg room for adults to sit behind. You certainly can't do that in a Nissan Pulsar and a Toyota Corolla isn't much better. The good rear leg room isn't at the expense of front space; it's also among the best in this class.
Despite its good leg room, the Lantra, like most others in this class, is best looked upon as a four-seater rather than the five it's approved to carry. The rear seat isn't really wide enough for three to be comfortable over anything other than short trips and though the floor hump is small, the centre occupant is perched rather high with only limited seat padding.
As far as ride comfort is concerned, the Lantra rates a little better than average for the class. Buyers shouldn't expect the plush ride of a large car, but you can take the Lantra over all types of road surfaces without jarring or harshness and it isn't a tiring car to drive or ride in over long distances. The front seats are generously proportioned and offer good comfort and support.
The Lantra's ventilation system provides a good flow of air into the cabin, even without assistance from the boost fan. In fact the flow is so strong at times that it creates wind noise as it travels through the fascia vents.
The Lantra is a winner on load space. The area isn't especially deep, but in length and width, it's as good or better than anything in the class. The rear seat backrest folds in a 2:1 arrangement to increase the load length when required although the extended isn't flat because the cushion part of the seat is fixed. The boot compartment is neatly finished off and easy to load because the rear panel is cut almost down to bumper level.
Cabin storage doesn't rate quite so well. Though there are plenty of trays and compartments, neither the glove box or front door pockets are large enough to accommodate a street directory.
Behind the Wheel
The driver's seat is well positioned in relation to the steering wheel and dashtop, meaning that not only is it easier to judge the front extremities of the car when parking but also the driver feels more in control and is able to reach the various switches and controls more easily.
Exceptions are the two radio knobs for on/off, station seek, tone and speaker balance; I found them a stretch for the driver to reach and fiddly to operate. The instrument layout is clear and well shrouded against glare or reflections.
With its power assisted steering, a turning circle that's average for the class and good vision in all directions, the Lantra is an easy car to manoeuvre and park. The steering is fairly "quick" with only three turns lock to lock, so not a lot of wheel twirling is required either.
On the Road
The more powerful 1.8 litre engine has brought clearly measurable reductions in timed acceleration runs compared to the superseded 1.6 litre model, but perhaps even more important are the improvements in driveability and response that anyone who has driven both versions will readily appreciate.
No longer are you waiting for something to happen, the manual GLS test car felt more eager and performed well in all conditions, with particularly good pulling power in the higher gears. In fact there are times when the overall gearing could be "taller", such as cruising at highway speeds as it would reduce engine speeds to a quieter level. With the 1.8 litre engine, the Lantra is now a better proposition for buyers who want an automatic. I haven't tested an auto as yet, but would expect less "hunting" up and down between ratios than the old model exhibited.
The extra power doesn't seem to be at the expense of fuel consumption. Hyundai reports no change to official consumption figures and our tests showed only very marginal differences on overall consumption. The 1.8 litre model used 10.0 litres/100 km overall, compared to 9.8 litres/100 km for the 1.6 litre model. The new 1.8 litre Lantra used a little more fuel in suburban running but proved more economical than the 1.6 in highway conditions.
As with the previous model, engine noise becomes intrusive when accelerating firmly or when running at higher revs, but at a steady 80 km/h, the 1.8 litre Lantra is the equal of anything else in this class on interior noise levels.
Though it's no sports car, the Lantra is well balanced and secure on the road, handling predictably without excessive understeer. There's just a trace of torque steer under hard acceleration that reminds you the Lantra is a front wheel drive car, but it's not a major concern. The high quality Michelin MXV2 tyres fitted no doubt make a significant contribution to the overall handling.
The steering is well weighted to make parking easy enough without being too light out on the open road, but overall I found it rather lifeless and certainly lacking the precise feel of European models.
Whereas some of the opposition offer four wheel disc brakes, the Lantra gets by with front discs and rear drums. Nevertheless, the brakes stood up satisfactorily to the rigours of our standard test procedures, putting in an average performance in both normal and emergency stopping exercises.
The manual test Lantra's gearchange quality rated about the same as last time; easy enough to shift between the various ratios, but not as precise as most Japanese cars in this class. The gearbox ratios are evenly spaced to make good use of the engine performance but as mentioned earlier, I feel that with its increased engine power, the 1.8 litre model could easily handle a higher final drive ratio which would reduce engine speeds when cruising on the highway.
Servicing
Accessibility for servicing is much the same as for the previous 1.6 litre unit; fluid level checks present no problem and the oil filter is readily accessed from under the vehicle. There's the usual crowding around the accessory belts but overall access looks satisfactory.
The handbook lists the first service as being due at 1000 km, thereafter maintenance is scheduled every 15,000 km or twelve months, with 7,500 km/six months oil and filter changes and safety checks for vehicles operating under "severe" conditions.
Towing
I wouldn't expect too many people to buy a Lantra with towing specifically in mind, nevertheless the handbook specifies you can tow a laden trailer mass of up to 1200 kg if the trailer is brake-equipped (the legal limit in NSW would be 1100 kg, equal to the unladen mass of the vehicle) or 800 kg if the trailer doesn't have brakes. Towball down loads are 10 per cent of these figures.
Summary
For a company that's relatively new to the business of building passenger cars (1974 was the first), the Korea-based Hyundai Motor company is doing pretty well. It has quickly gained world-wide recognition for offering high quality vehicles at very competitive prices and is now refining its models to make them even more attractive to buyers.
The Lantra is a good example. With its new 1.8 litre engine providing a welcome boost in performance, plus a host of minor improvements, the Lantra is ready to tackle the opposition head-on. In its latest form, the Lantra stands out as a value-for-money package that's up to date in looks, technology and features, and one that's well-built, generously-equipped, roomy and comfortable.
