Faced with having to give the aesthetically pleasing Elantra a facelift, Hyundai’s designers extended its wind-swept curves into a new front bumper, grille and rear end that enhance its shark-like appearance.
The sweeping lines continue inside along the door trims and dashboard, leading the eye to the central touchscreen which controls the stereo, phone and MP3 and connects by cable, USB or Bluetooth without fuss.
In the top-of-the-range Premium model I tested, the touchscreen also displays the reversing camera and navigation system with live traffic information.
Below that is the dual-zone climate control system, which has separate settings for driver and front passenger. You can also channel cool air into the glovebox, which is a nice innovation for keeping your lunch fresh. Just a tip: if you put some meat in there for the trip from the market, don’t forget it when you get home.
Other Elantra Premium bells and whistles include rain-sensing wipers, leather-appointed seats and steering wheel, electric sunroof and driver seat settings and heated front seats.
It also has a host of safety features including six airbags, traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, and a sophisticated stability management system. Outside you’ll find alloy wheels, Xenon headlights with LED positioning and electric side mirrors.
The push-button start and stop is a nice touch, though one time (OK, twice) I got out of the car and locked it, not realising the whisper-quiet engine was still running. Luckily, it has an alarm for that.
Hyundai calls the Elantra the big small car, which is a fair claim. This can be the main ride for the average-sized family. There’s plenty of legroom, though the curve of the roof does compromise headroom for anyone on the tallish side.
Essentially the sedan version of the i30, the Elantra has heaps of boot space – its 485 litres is just 11 shy of the VF Commodore.
Not so big is the 1.8-litre engine. It’s adequate, but I reckon the 2.0-litre power plant used in the bigger i40 would better suit it when loaded. It cruises smoothly and efficiently but makes a bit of a fuss when you put the foot down.
This is a lot of car, and not just in size. It has the looks, features and safety of cars far exceeding its price range and attracts its fair share of envious looks in the car park. For more details, visit hyundai.com.au.
HYUNDAI ELANTRA PREMIUM SERIES II
Recommended Price: $32,000 on road
Techy stuff: 1.8-litre 16-valve
4-cylinder engine
Power: 110kW
Fuel consumption: I averaged about 6.5 litres/100km on open roads and 8.9 litres/100kms around town
Ancap safety rating ★★★★★
>> The Hyundai Elantra Permium is available at Werribee Hyundai 37-43 Cherry Street, Werribee.
