STRENGTHS:
Roomy interior; cargo space; ride and refinement; fuel efficiency; value for the money; offers a wagon bodystyle
VALUE:
The Elantra is very roomy compared to other small cars, and it has a high-quality interior feel; Hyundai says that the Elantra sedan is larger inside than most other vehicles of comparable exterior size, with more interior and cargo space than the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Hyundai also says that the Touring wagon also has more interior volume than any 5-door in its class. Ride quality and refinement are also better than most rivals.
WHAT'S NEW:
A new base Elantra Blue model joins the Elantra sedan lineup for 2010, offering a 2-mpg improvement in both city and highway driving. The rest of the lineup gets a 1-mpg improvement in fuel economy. All models now get USB, iPod and auxiliary audio inputs. The formerly base GLS model has been moved upscale somewhat and the former elements of the Popular Equipment Package have been made standard. All models now get the rear chrome garnish trim that was only seen on the SE model last year, the grille has been redesigned, and thoughout the line Elantra models with cloth seats get a new upholstery and a chrome finish for inside door handles. The former black and dark-gray 2-tone interior is replaced with a black-on-black theme. On the Elantra Touring wagon, a new lower-priced GLS model has been added alongside the SE; 15-inch steel wheels are newly standard and roof rails are now available. New colors include Carbon Gray Mist, Space Black and Polar White, replacing Carbon Gray, Black Pearl and Captiva White.