Hyundai Lantra GLS 2.0L Car Review

Hyundai, Korea's most successful car maker, has given its Lantra model a facelift for 1999. With its driveaway no more to pay pricing, Hyundai has unsettled many of the older established manufacturers and undermined the used car market in the process.

All 1999 Lantra models have been given a more distinctive look at the front, and now have airconditioning, electric windows, mirrors and doors, remote central locking, engine immobiliser, in-dash CD player, power steering, driver's seat height adjustment and cup holders as standard equipment. The GLS models now have a 2.0 litre engine, plus some additional comfort items.

The base model SE Lantra sedan and wagon come standard with a 1.8 engine and optional automatic transmission. Driveaway prices range from $19,990 for the sedan and $20,990 for the wagon. The GLS is the upmarket model with a 2.0 litre engine, alloy wheels with 195 Michelin tyres, front fog lamps, six speaker stereo, power antenna, velour seat and door trims, chrome window surrounds and side protection moulds.

The GLS is available in a sedan version at a driveaway price of $21,990 and a Sportswagon at $22,990. The optional automatic transmission is an additional $1,862 on all models and a safety pack, including a driver's airbag, ABS and four wheel disc brakes, is available at $2,500. All Sportswagon variants feature standard roof rails, double fold rear seats, cargo blind and cargo floor tie-down hooks.

Although the 1.8 litre engine is basically unchanged, lengthening its piston stroke to increase its capacity has created a 2.0 litre version. This modified version produces more torque in a lower rpm range, making it an ideal power plant for the GLS models. Apart from some ratio changes to suit the 2.0 litre engine and modified synchronisers, the five speed manual gearbox remains the same.

Coil spring suspension with McPherson struts on the front and multi-links on the rear, are controlled by anti-roll stabiliser bars and double acting shock absorbers. Disc brakes have been retained at the front, however, the previously standard rear discs and ABS have been made optional on the 1999 model. A reduction in tyre and wheel size has also been applied to the SE models.

The 1999 Lantra has been given a distinct change in appearance from its predecessor, now featuring a two piece grille opening with a large single intake area underneath. The GLS also has a fog light positioned at each end of the intake opening. Lantra's bulbous body style is a carry-over from the previous model, a shape that is met with varying degrees of acceptance.

The front seats are fairly devoid of shape and colour, however, they do allow a reasonable level of comfort and support, aided by the ability to adjust the height, lumbar support and tilt the steering. Although head and legroom in the front is quite adequate, the rear seat suffers from a lack of comfort in the centre position and while the headroom is limited, the legroom is generous for a car of this size.

Storage space would be adequate for most situations, with a glove box, console compartments and front door pockets. The luggage area is a good size and is enhanced by the 60/40 rear seat split, allowing items to extend fully or partly into the rear passenger compartment.

I was impressed with the improvement in the performance and pulling power of the 2.0 litre engine. However, there is an increase in harshness and noise when accelerating, though not necessarily annoying. Like most Asian built cars, the Lantra is light and easy to drive with all controls well placed and clearly marked, except for the stereo controls, which I found to be quite fiddly. A passive engine immobiliser is fitted to the Lantra, which will activate automatically once the key is removed from the ignition switch. It also means that it will reactivate if you are slow to insert the key and turn on the ignition after re-entering the vehicle.

The lower specification disc/drum brake combination functioned well without excessive heat build-up, requiring only a light pedal pressure to achieve efficient braking. The Lantra's overall comfort and handling characteristics were very acceptable, making it an ideal touring car as well as a convenient suburban commuter vehicle. This was further enhanced by the efficient air conditioning fitted as standard equipment.

The engine compartment is very tidy and easily accessed with servicing set at 15,000 km or 12 month intervals. An attractive five-year/130,000 km manufacturer's warranty applies to all Hyundais.