Body type |
Sedan |
Number of doors |
4 |
Number of seats |
5 |
Engine position |
Front |
Driven wheels |
Front |
Length |
4 495 mm |
Width |
1 720 mm |
Height |
1 425
mm |
Wheelbase |
2 610
mm |
Ground clearance |
160
mm |
Weight (normal) |
1 293 kg |
Weight (max) |
1 780 kg |
Boot space (min) |
415 l |
Boot space (max) |
415 l |
Fuel capacity |
55 l |
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The Hyundai Elantra of
the third generation was produced
since 2001. It was available as a hatchback or sedan.
Production ceased in 2006.
There are five engines to
choose from. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel is a good choice as it is
strong and flexible enough to keep up with the traffic. If you want
the car to be faster, go for the 2.0-liter petrol unit. However
Hyundai's acceleration and fuel consumption is only average. There
used to be a choice of an automatic or manual gearbox, however an
automatic one is no longer available.
Elantra's ride quality is
rather poor and cannot match it's Japanese or European rivals.
Steering is unresponsive, while the front tyre struggle to grip and
body control is disappointing. Most of the bumps and lumps can be
felt in the cabin.
Noises are poorly
isolated. Especially the diesel engine is audible while the road
noise is unacceptable. Surprisingly the wind noise is well
contained.
If you can accept all the
Elantra's disadvantages, it costs cheaper than most of it's rivals,
while comes a generous equipment list. Resale values are weak
however. Engines were proven already on the previous models.
The Hyundai Elantra is
one of the best built Hyundais up to date. However it is still
behind the class average. Inside the car there are plenty of
cheap-looking materials and fit and finish is not up to scratch. On
the good side there are clear controls, that are well positioned and
easy to read. However stereo has too many fiddly buttons.
Driver's seat and
steering wheel both have either-way adjustments. Overall the driving
position is good enough.
The rear seats offer
enough space for the passengers, but the Elantra is smaller than
most of the big family cars. The boot has a decent space, but it is
smaller than
Ford Mondeo's.
On the security list
there are standard twin front and side airbags, as well as the
anti-lock brakes and traction control. An alarm is fitted across the
range, but there are no deadlocks.
There are two trim levels
for the Hyundai Elantra. A CDX trim comes with a climate control,
leather upholstery, front and rear electric windows, alloy wheels
and a CD player. A GT trim comes with a stiffer suspension, rear
spoiler and some other minor details. The only option for the
Elantra is a satellite navigation.
Advantages: Prices
undercut many rivals and the Elantra comes with loads of standard
equipment.
Disadvantages:
So-so handling is let down by poor steering feel. Gets noisy as
speed rises.
Verdict: Big on
space, low on driving fun.
Also consider:
Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia.
Video of the Hyundai Elantra
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