A fresh Elantra enters the small-car battlefield. NEIL DOWLING attends its debut. July, 2011
 
LEARNING lessons quickly is just one reason why the Koreans can outpace other car-making nations.
Taking the first corner in the latest Hyundai Elantra small sedan — one of four models due before Christmas — shows that the company is subtly turning to a new direction.
Less than a year since criticism — notably from motoring writers, not customers — about the vague steering and suspension of the i45 flagship sedan, Hyundai has unwrapped a surprise. The result: the Elantra is a taut, predictable and even a fun car to push through winding roads.

VALUE: Prices start at $20,590 for the Active six-speed manual (automatic adds $2000), $25,590 for the mid-spec Elite automatic and $28,990 for the top-shelf Premium automatic.
The only option is mica-metallic paint at $375. It’s priced right against its rivals, the Holden Cruze, Mazda3 and VW Golf . Look closely and it is is line-ball in so many ways with the Mazda3.
Is it as good? Yes.

DESIGN: The shape follows Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” style and this can be hit and miss. It overpowers the wheels in the stablemate ix35 SUV, making them appear too small, but works well in the Elantra.
Where the bigger i45 sedan looks a tad stretched, the flowing lines and creases really suit the Elantra.

TECHNOLOGY: The Elantra appeals to i30 hatch buyers who want a boot. But though the two cars are in the same category, the Elantra’s platform is new and not shared with the i30. There is only one engine, also new.

The 1.8-litre four-cylinder has variable valve timing for inlet and exhaust but misses out on the direct-petrol injection technology of the i45 and coming Veloster.
The steering is electric-assist and, as in most of its rivals, the Elantra gets MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam at the rear.

SAFETY: ANCAP has flung the Elantra into concrete walls and power poles. It earned a five-star crash rating. There are six airbags and an electronic chassis module called VDM that incorporates anti-lock brakes with electric stability control, brakeforce distribution and brake assist.

DRIVING: It’s a small car but the styling makes it look long and low. The cabin is quite accommodating, with enough leg and head room.
Short shifts and a light clutch make the six-speed manual easy to drive. The engine also feels perkier with this transmission and able to draw out more engine response. But the six-speed sequential auto is no slouch and in most cases better suits the car’s likely urban life.
The engine is predictable and linear in its power delivery but will leave some motorists wanting more. But there’s no disputing the Elantra’s ability to hang on through the corners.

VERDICT: The Elantra seats four adults with good rear seat room, has a big boot that includes a full-size spare wheel, a features list that is extensive in comparison with some rivals, and has a great price list and a warranty you can’t ignore.

specs
HYUNDAI ELANTRA
PRICE $20,590-$28,990
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
RESALE not available
SERVICE INTERVAL12 months/15,000km
SAFETY 5-star ANCAP
ENGINE 1.8-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 110kW/178Nm
TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual or auto, front-wheel drive
BODY 4-door sedan
WEIGHT 1277kg
THIRST 6.6L/100km, 91 RON, 158g/km CO2
“Hyundai’s game-changer makes good sense for city and suburbs”

others to consider
VW GOLF 90TSI **** 1/2
ENGINE 1.4-litre, 4-cyl turbo petrol, 90kW/200Nm
TRANS 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
BODY 5-door hatch
THIRST 6.4L/100km, 95 RON, 149g/km CO2
price $24,990

MAZDA3 NEO
ENGINE 2.0-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 108kW/182Nm
TRANS 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
BODY 4-door sedan
THIRST 7.9L/100km, 95 RON, 187g/km CO2
price $21,330

HOLDEN CRUZE CD
ENGINE 1.8-litre, 4-cyl petrol, 104kW/176Nm
TRANS 5-speed manual, front-wheel drive
BODY 4-door sedan
THIRST 7.0L/100km, 95 RON, 166g/km CO2
price $20,990