Sending all that juice to the front wheels is either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, the latter including Shiftronic manual control. That's a welcome addition considering the old Elantra made do with a fairly lazy 4-speed autobox.
The upgraded powertrain transforms the Korean compact into the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid sedan on the market according to Hyundai. Automatic models like my Limited tester are rated at 6.9 L/100 km in the city and a meagre 4.9 L/100 km on the highway. Combined numbers for most real-world drivers should hover around 7 to 8 L/100 km, which is really not bad at all.
Diversified lineup
One thing didn't change: the Elantra lineup still comprises four trim levels – L, GL, GLS and Limited. Pricing ranges from $15,849 to $22,699 (not including options, freight and delivery charges).
At $24,699, the top-of-the-line Elantra Limited with Navigation adds a GPS device, a rear-view camera, a premium sound system and proximity entry (intelligent key) with push-button start. Now that's luxury small car buyers aren't used to!
Every Elantra comes standard with power windows and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. To get air conditioning, heated front seats and a telescopic steering wheel, however, you have to move up to the GL model – a sign that the base Elantra L is somewhat rudimentary.
At the other end of the lineup, both the GLS and Limited stand out with not two but four heated seats. That's right: even the rear occupants can keep their butts warm (except for the unlucky fifth passenger who winds up squeezed in the middle). People buying a GLS will love it, but not as much as Limited owners who must face winter with leather seats.
Form and function
The latest redesign of the Hyundai Elantra made the car more convenient and practical than ever. For starters, the front doors open almost 90 degrees to facilitate ingress and egress. Same thing for the ultra-low floor.
The upgraded powertrain transforms the Korean compact into the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid sedan on the market according to Hyundai. Automatic models like my Limited tester are rated at 6.9 L/100 km in the city and a meagre 4.9 L/100 km on the highway. Combined numbers for most real-world drivers should hover around 7 to 8 L/100 km, which is really not bad at all.
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| The front buckets are very comfortable. In Limited trim, they receive leather upholstery. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |
Diversified lineup
One thing didn't change: the Elantra lineup still comprises four trim levels – L, GL, GLS and Limited. Pricing ranges from $15,849 to $22,699 (not including options, freight and delivery charges).
At $24,699, the top-of-the-line Elantra Limited with Navigation adds a GPS device, a rear-view camera, a premium sound system and proximity entry (intelligent key) with push-button start. Now that's luxury small car buyers aren't used to!
Every Elantra comes standard with power windows and a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. To get air conditioning, heated front seats and a telescopic steering wheel, however, you have to move up to the GL model – a sign that the base Elantra L is somewhat rudimentary.
At the other end of the lineup, both the GLS and Limited stand out with not two but four heated seats. That's right: even the rear occupants can keep their butts warm (except for the unlucky fifth passenger who winds up squeezed in the middle). People buying a GLS will love it, but not as much as Limited owners who must face winter with leather seats.
Form and function
The latest redesign of the Hyundai Elantra made the car more convenient and practical than ever. For starters, the front doors open almost 90 degrees to facilitate ingress and egress. Same thing for the ultra-low floor.
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| Cargo capacity is among the largest in the compact segment, although interior clearance is uneven across the entire trunk. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |