Teresa’s View
Ah, the perennial conundrum — how, and how much — to improve an already popular car? Hyundai took the road well traveled with the 2007 redesign of its best-selling Elantra. They made it 2.2 inches taller, 2 inches wider and a smidge longer, added a number of luxury features and reworked the body for a thoroughly modern take on the large-compact/small-midsize sedan. The big winners are the passengers. They enjoy a significantly improved cabin.
The folks at Hyundai also focused heavily on safety features. According to them, the Elantra is equipped with best-in-class safety technology. Six airbags are standard, as are anti-lock brakes and front-seat, active head restraints that help to reduce whiplash in a crash.
For 2007, the Elantra gets an all-new chassis. (Chassis is “Geek Speak” for the metal frame and springs that holds the body and innards of a car or truck.) The result is a quieter ride and more solid all-around feel.
Hyundai was careful not to go too far astray with the exterior makeover. The designers and engineers followed an evolving trend that highlights larger side panels and smaller windows, giving the Elantra an aggressive, sporty appearance that’s remarkably similar to one of its chief competitors, the Toyota Corolla.
The new Elantra comes in three flavors: an entry-level GLS, popular SE and upscale Limited. The GLS offers few standard features. However, step up to the SE and you get air conditioning; remote keyless entry; power locks, windows and mirrors; a leather-wrapped, tilt-n-telescoping steering wheel with cruise control and audio switches; a six-speaker audio system with CD player and XM satellite radio; plus larger wheels and tires. The top-of-the-line Limited adds leather upholstery and heated seats and still doesn’t top $18K.
A 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engine that produces 138 horsepower powers all trims. The standard transmission is a competent five-speed manual, although a four-speed automatic is also available. Fuel economy is good — 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with the manual tranny.
Hyundai’s warranty is still one of the best in the business.
And that’s how you do a makeover, people. Make the good stuff, better and leave that warranty alone.
What Is It?: The Hyundai Elantra is a four-door sedan. Prices for the GLS with manual transmission start at less than $14K.
Gadget Rating: 7 out of 10 Audio controls on our SE tester were smallish, although I love the new, blue lighting. The small speedometer that is marked off in 20 mile-per-hour increments, allows drivers to honestly answer, “I have no idea,” when the officer asks, “Do you know how fast you were going?”
Grocery Sack Test: Paper or Plastic? Apparently, the Hyundai designers got tired by the time they got to the trunk as it looks unfinished. The roomy cargo space accepts paper bags with ease, but watch out for those old-style hinges – they can wreak havoc on breakables.
So, Where Are Ya From?: The Elantra is assembled in Ulsan, Korea.