2011 Hyundai Elantra: a quick look

Hyundai has just presented the new Elantra to the Canadian press. Distinctly more modern than the vintage it is replacing, this new sedan is right in line with the latest trends. In other words, it’s bigger, more powerful and better equipped – and offered at the same price!

Under the hood is a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 148-horsepower and 131 lbs-ft of torque.

According to Hyundai, its fuel consumption is 6.8 L/100km in the city and, wait for it, 4.9 on the highway. The latter figure looks rather optimistic to us, even though the gear ratio on the new six-speed automatic transmission seems well designed for fuel economy. Even the manual gearbox (also with six speeds) sees its last gear with overdrive. The vehicle’s performances are not extraordinary, but I don’t think that’s what Elantra buyers are looking for anyway.

The same assessment holds true for its road handling. The new Elantra offers better handling and comfort than its previous version, but you couldn’t call a sports car.

The steering is more precise than before, as is the feedback, but once again, it’s no Porsche. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the disc brakes on all four wheels, on all trim levels. These brakes are superbly powerful.

Showing some style!

In terms of looks, the new Elantra has taken a page from the Sonata’s book. And that’s a good thing, considering this older sibling’s success! The interior is also all-new.

Other than a few cheap plastics here and there, there isn’t much to criticize. Our test vehicle would have offered an impressively quiet ride were it not for its Continental tires. The front seats were comfortable (both the cloth and leather versions) and there is plenty of room for occupants. The trunk is very spacious and the trunk opening is nice and big – an increasingly rare feature on modern sedans.

The 2011 Elantra is a well put-together sedan that should have no trouble finding fans. It ranges in price from $15,849 (for the base version, the L manual) to $24,699 (for the Limited, complete with navigation system). Between the two extremes are the L automatic at $17,049, the GL manual at $17,999, the GL automatic at $19,199, the GLS manual at $19,799, the GLS automatic at $20,999, and the Limited at $22,699.

Check back on Car Guide Web in the next few days for a more detailed article on this greatly improved vehicle!