Introduction
The Hyundai Elantra is the Korean automaker’s compact entry and fills a spot in its lineup above the diminutive Accent and below the Sonata family sedan. Completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, the Elantra features a spacious and handsomely designed cabin and an attractive base price. In fact, the Elantra is classified as a mid-size car by the EPA based on its 98 cubic feet of interior space and its capacious 14-cubic-foot trunk. A wagon version of the Elantra, dubbed the Elantra Touring, is new for 2009.
Only one engine is offered in the Elantra, a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder that makes 138 or 132 hp depending on emissions tuning. The engine lacks the refinement and sweetness of the four-cylinder engines in the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Also, most competitors offer more horsepower than the Elantra can muster. Fuel economy is good at 24 mpg in the city for the slick-shifting five-speed manual and 25 mpg in the city with the optional four-speed automatic; both transmissions score 33 mpg on the highway cycle. Fuel economy for the Touring model is about 2 mpg worse than a comparable sedan.
On the road, the Elantra exhibits a comfortable and supple ride that errs on the side of softness. Throw the Elantra into a corner and the body roll gives the Elantra a big, almost Buick-like feel. On the highway, the engine roars a bit louder than those of the competition, but the Elantra does score well when it comes to passenger and driver comfort. The Elantra Touring features sportier suspension tuning that goes a long way toward improving the regular Elantra’s soft and dull handling.
Keep Reading: 2009 Hyundai Elantra / Elantra Touring - Review
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