Car Reviws |
| 2011 Hyundai Elantra, an AW Flash Drive: Posted: 06 Dec 2010 01:30 AM PST    
What is it? The Elantra could do for the compact segment what the Sonata did for the midsize segment: rattle the cages of the big-time stalwarts--the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Civic and the Ford Focus. While the 2010 Elantra sells at half the volume of the class leaders Corolla and Civic, the 2011 model could take incremental bites out of that lead as it enters showrooms starting now. The new car has the same faux-Mercedes-Benz CLS exterior as the Sonata and carries it off quite well, despite the smaller car's dimensions. Hyundai is big on developing its own drivetrains back in Korea, and the new Elantra's 1.8-liter dual CVVT four-cylinder makes 148 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. It adjusts timing on both intake and exhaust cams, but not lift. Transmission choices are also Hyundai-designed and built, a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Expect to be beaten over the head with marketing and advertising touting the car's 40-mpg highway figure (city is 29 mpg).
How's it drive? There is room aplenty inside for six-foot-plus drivers with six-foot-plus passengers in back. While its outside is categorized as a compact, the Elantra's interior dimensions are midsize. Weighing in at 2,661 pounds (62 pounds less than the previous model), the power-to-weight ratio makes for what felt like more-than-adequate acceleration for the class, though Hyundai didn't provide a 0-to-60-mph figure and we didn't track test it. A guess would be 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds, maybe 8.5 seconds, with the manual transmission. MacPherson struts still hold up the front end but a torsion beam replaces the previous model's independent rear. Engineers went for comfort in the setup, but there is little undue roll as a result. The electric power steering is just a tad overzealous but you adjust to it soon enough. The four-wheel disc brakes are also just a bit touchy but stop the car from 60 mph in just 138 feet, leading the class, according to Hyundai's statistics. Inside, the ride is quiet for a compact car. Wind noise is remarkably low, even at triple-digit speeds, and road noise was largely unintrusive on either the 16-inch or 17-inch wheels.
Do I want it? Howlin' enthusiasts might want a more sporty Mazda 3 or a Civic, but the majority of buyers in this segment aren't enthusiasts. For them, Hyundai has offered a solid option to consider in the class, loaded with available features such as a seven-inch navigation screen, 360-watt premium audio and proximity entry key. There are two models, the high-volume GLS and the more-loaded Limited, with seven configurations in all, down from 15 in the old car. Prices start at $14,830 for a GLS with manual and top out at $21,980 for a loaded Limited.
2011 Hyundai Elantra On-Sale: Now Base Price: $14,830 Drivetrain: 1.8-liter, 148-hp, 131-lb-ft I4; FWD, six-speed manual 0-60 MPH: 9.0 sec (AW est) Fuel Economy (EPA): 29 city/40 hwy mpg Curb Weight: 2,661 pounds |
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