REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

A fresh start

With the Elantra, Hyundai will silence critics who reproached the manufacturer for turning out cheap cars. This time around, the quality is there: with better materials and more detailed finishing, the Elantra seems to have it all. It doesn’t hurt, either, that the car looks good, especially in the 5-door trim.The two-tone interior, with its curved lines and contemporary styling, is eye-catching and the workmanship is good, which from the outset distinguishes the Elantra from Hyundais we’ve known in the past. Access to the front seats is fine, but the back doors are somewhat narrow. Once seated inside, passengers have good head and legroom, and the front seatbacks are adjustable to provide better support.Stable road handling, good visibility, a lively engine, responsive steering and tight turning circle all contribute to the pleasure of driving an Elantra. The manual transmission could be smoother, however, and the stickshift more accurate. The quieter 2.0-litre engine is a good one for buyers who prefer automatic transmission. The suspension absorbs bumps and ruts with perfect assurance; only pot holes shake its poise. Being less expensive than other imports in its category and fun to drive, the Elantra clearly has enormous appeal.

PROS
Engine performance
Choice of models
Stable road handling

CONS
Rough transmissions
Uncomfortable seats
Rear access

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * *