Hyundai's front-wheel drive, four-door Elantra receives a truckload of improvements in 1996. First introduced in the 1992 model year, this second-generation compact sedan is larger and much quieter inside than before. South Korea's Hyundai Motor Co. first arrived here back in the mid-1980s, and quickly earned a reputation for low-cost vehicles. Hyundai sold its first automobile in the United States, a subcompact Excel, in February 1986. Excel was replaced by the all-new Accent subcompact in 1995. Hyundais didn't arrive in the Chicago area until 1987. Now, approximately 500 dealerships dot the landscape nationwide. Within Hyundai's marketing mix, the compact Elantra situates between the smaller Accent coupe , and larger Sonata sedan. Trim levels include Base and upscale GLS. For the first time in its short history, a station wagon body style is now offered. Wheelbase grows to 100.4, from 98.4 inches, helping improve handling, ride characteristics and interior room. Its overall length is 1.2 inches longer while overall height grows almost three inches. Our base, forest green Elantra test vehicle, with automatic transmission, had a suggested retail price of $11,699. As with most low-cost, entry-level cars, many popular items, like air conditioning, are optional. Still, Base and GLS Elantras include rear window defrosters, intermittent windshield wipers, digital clock, passenger visor vanity mirror, and locking gas tank standard. With options; including stereo cassette, air conditioning, cruise control, our bottom line added up to $13,718, including a $415 destination charge. The least-expensive Elantra, a Base version with manual transmission, starts at $10,899; one of lowest-priced vehicles in its class. Five-speed manual transmission is standard, and four-speed automatic is optional. The 1.8 liter, in-line, four-cylinder, double overhead cam engine with 16 valves provides 130 horsepower, up 13 percent from its predecessor. Temperature-resistant plastics and aluminum mounts reduce engine weight, even though more power is generated. The engine hesitates a bit when pushed from a standing start, but gets livelier in middle gears. Elantra won't win many drag races; but priced around $13,500 nicely equipped, it won't significantly drag down personal savings either. Dual air bags are standard while only GLS editions have optional anti-lock brakes. Upscale GLS models also include power door locks, power outside mirrors, center armrest with coin holder, six-way adjustable driver seat, rear disc brakes and a 60/40 split, fold down rear seat standard. Inside, drivers have excellent road visibility. A slim, rear roof pillar design minimizes blind spots. Headroom and legroom are decent both in front and back. Two adults fit comfortably in back even though Hyundai promotes this as a five-seater. Dual cup holders retract from the dashboard, below the stereo. When in use, the cups or cans block stereo buttons. Rotary dials control air temperature and fan direction. A sliding lever handles fan speed. Stereo preset buttons could be a bit larger. So too, could the circular speedometer. The digital clock is nestled in the instrument cluster; nice for drivers, but inconvenient for other passengers. With the addition of insulation pads in the dashboard, hood and rear parcel shelf, interior noise is greatly reduced, especially when cruising at highway speeds. Exterior wise, Elantra doesn't break new ground. It's rounded, aerodynamic shell looks similar to many compact Japanese models already crowding suburban shopping malls. Fuel mileage estimates check in at 23 miles per gallon city, and 31 mpg highway. Our test car, with 4,500 odometer miles, registered 24 mpg in combined driving. Regular unleaded fuel is recommended for the 14.5-gallon tank. Hyundai assembles Elantra in South Korea. For consumers demanding a new car bigger than a breadbox, but faced with limited financial resources, Elantra is now a viable alternative. Hyundai makes notable quality improvements with this next-generation vehicle. More expensive, more refined compact competitors still dot the roadways, but Hyundai is methodically closing the quality gap; shedding an image some consider flimsy. |