Nicely-done ride and handling
Ride and handling are well executed, too. The suspension feels solid, well damped and robust on virtually any surface. Even whacking a pothole or some train tracks at speed, Elantra soaks up the impact with minimal fuss and noise. There’s none of that flimsy, brittle feel to the chassis when striking imperfections in the road, and Elantra typically rides like a pricier car.
It also boasts a quick, light steering rack-- meaning it feels eager to be tossed around a little, but easygoing when parking. Driving enthusiasts will find the steering a little too vague, light and overassisted (it is electric, after all), but it’s relatively well matched to the vehicle’s suspension and handling.
Noisy pep
Under the hood, a smaller and more powerful 1.8 litre four-cylinder replaces the outgoing Elantra’s two-litre unit. Six-speed transmissions are available in manual or automatic. The tester’s powerplant was no pinnacle of smoothness or refinement, but the six-speed automatic quickly found an appropriate gear ratio to hurry things along at any press of the rightmost pedal.
In addition to enhancing performance and responsiveness, the six-speed automatic helps keep gas consumption down, too. Ultimately, most test-drivers will find Elantra plenty zippy, and can expect great mileage. Your writer was happy with observed highway fuel consumption of 7.7L / 100km during sporty, cold-weather driving with snow-tires mounted to the low-mileage tester.
Not perfect, but a must-drive anyhow
So—mainly a glowing review, and it should be. Hyundai is one of several automakers throwing everything they’ve got into this price range, but of course, the Elantra isn’t perfect.
Rearward visibility is poor (use your mirrors) and headroom is at a premium on models with the sunroof equipped. The engine gets noisy and a little rough when opened up, and I wished repeatedly for a pull-down handle to close the trunk without getting dried road salt all over my hands.
End of the day, if you’re considering a car in this market, be sure to include the new Elantra on your list of test-drives. Closest competition includes the Chevrolet Cruze, which may feel roomier and more refined, and the Mazda 3, which is still the segment’s compact sport sedan extraordinaire.
But ultimately, Elantra is a machine of many strengths and few weaknesses. It’s not a bad deal with pricing from under $16,000, either.
Ride and handling are well executed, too. The suspension feels solid, well damped and robust on virtually any surface. Even whacking a pothole or some train tracks at speed, Elantra soaks up the impact with minimal fuss and noise. There’s none of that flimsy, brittle feel to the chassis when striking imperfections in the road, and Elantra typically rides like a pricier car.
 |
| Under the hood, a smaller and more powerful 1.8 litre four-cylinder replaces the outgoing Elantra’s two-litre unit. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
It also boasts a quick, light steering rack-- meaning it feels eager to be tossed around a little, but easygoing when parking. Driving enthusiasts will find the steering a little too vague, light and overassisted (it is electric, after all), but it’s relatively well matched to the vehicle’s suspension and handling.
Noisy pep
Under the hood, a smaller and more powerful 1.8 litre four-cylinder replaces the outgoing Elantra’s two-litre unit. Six-speed transmissions are available in manual or automatic. The tester’s powerplant was no pinnacle of smoothness or refinement, but the six-speed automatic quickly found an appropriate gear ratio to hurry things along at any press of the rightmost pedal.
In addition to enhancing performance and responsiveness, the six-speed automatic helps keep gas consumption down, too. Ultimately, most test-drivers will find Elantra plenty zippy, and can expect great mileage. Your writer was happy with observed highway fuel consumption of 7.7L / 100km during sporty, cold-weather driving with snow-tires mounted to the low-mileage tester.
Not perfect, but a must-drive anyhow
So—mainly a glowing review, and it should be. Hyundai is one of several automakers throwing everything they’ve got into this price range, but of course, the Elantra isn’t perfect.
Rearward visibility is poor (use your mirrors) and headroom is at a premium on models with the sunroof equipped. The engine gets noisy and a little rough when opened up, and I wished repeatedly for a pull-down handle to close the trunk without getting dried road salt all over my hands.
End of the day, if you’re considering a car in this market, be sure to include the new Elantra on your list of test-drives. Closest competition includes the Chevrolet Cruze, which may feel roomier and more refined, and the Mazda 3, which is still the segment’s compact sport sedan extraordinaire.
But ultimately, Elantra is a machine of many strengths and few weaknesses. It’s not a bad deal with pricing from under $16,000, either.
 |
| If you’re considering a car in this market, be sure to include the new Elantra on your list of test-drives. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
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