Picture Gallery: 2007 Hyundai Elantra GL
Day 1:
 Click Image to Enlarge |
My first impression of the Elantra was interesting. I acquired the Elantra in the evening and stepped into a halo of blue interior lighting: a little bright in my opinion, but I’ll get to that a little later. My tester is the GL model with the Comfort package and automatic transmission, potentially a big seller for Hyundai as it does provide a good number of features in an affordable package.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The Comfort package on the GL adds a few goodies that ensure that it competes with the likes of the Mazda 3 in terms of features. Included are cruise control, AM/FM/CD/MP3 with six speakers, heated front seats and remote keyless entry with alarm are some of the extra features found on the GL Comfort.
Unfortunately, to acquire such things as anti-lock brakes and side airbags, a move up to the Comfort Plus package is required (for an extra $1300), bumping the price up to an almost identical level to the Mazda Mazda3 GS sedan as well as the Honda Civic LX, both of which have similar levels of equipment to the GL Comfort Plus.
I believe I know the compact car segment fairly well, especially after having personally shopped for a car in this segment just a few short months ago. It should be interesting to see how many new tricks Hyundai has learned since it designed the previous Elantra.
2007 Hyundai Elantra GL Comfort with Auto
MSRP as tested: $20,440
For more information on Hyundai and the Elantra visit Hyundai Canada
Updated December 13th 2006
Day 2:
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Hyundai typically competes on price, coming in with more features than the competition at a price comparable to those of its competitors, or slightly below. However, the Elantra GL Comfort does not have a huge price or feature advantage as far as I can tell, especially against the well priced and well equipped Mazda3. Both the Mazda and Honda have base models that come with ABS brakes, side airbags and side curtain airbags. Therefore, for those looking for safety the Hyundai is a tough sell.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
The Elantra puts up a good fight, and as many others have said over and over again, Hyundai’s quality improves by leaps and bounds with every new generation of vehicle. Let’s get to the Elantra’s features and focus on its good and not so good points.
The interior quality is fairly high, although the completely plastic door panels are a little bit of a downer; most of the vehicles in this segment have some cloth on the doors.
I try to bring a little something different in these day-by-day reviews - something you may not get from a typical review - and today I got something juicy. Ok, not really juicy, but significant and a recommendation to you, the reader. If you are interested in the Elantra, take it out on a night-time test drive in a dark location. The interior lights do not dim sufficiently for my liking.
The major issue is the radio display: it does not dim at all, and as a result, when traveling down a dark country road, it glares into your eyes. As a result, I was forced to drive home this evening with no radio.
Updated December 14th 2006
Day 3:
 Click Image to Enlarge |
So how does the Elantra drive? That is what everyone is interested in knowing and I don’t blame them, so let’s get to it. There certainly is nothing spectacular about the Elantra’s driving dynamics, but there certainly is nothing poor about them either.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
In terms of acceleration, I am a little disappointed in the grumbly noises that come from the engine. It is fairly loud and sounds unrefined. Once up to the speed though, the Elantra is extremely quiet, with a comfortable ride that isn’t mushy-feeling. This is the greatest improvement Hyundai has made with the new Elantra, besides the interior styling and fit and finish.
The interior of the Elantra is roomy. Headroom is good and the seats provide good support. The interior colour scheme is a little on the boring side and the grey/beige carpets certainly aren’t the best colour for Canadian winters.
I do have concerns over the durability and longevity of the seats, though. They are comfortable now but do not seem to have a dense enough foam to last the test of time. They already feel a little on the soft side and I would be afraid these seats may become overly soft in a short amount of time.
Updated December 17th 2006
Day 4:
 Click Image to Enlarge |
It turns out the speedometer on my test model is reading 10-15km/h more than the actual speed. Today I headed out on the highway and was cruising at 120km/h. Still, it seemed so slow and cars were passing me left and right; I found this odd. I also found it odd that going 80km/h in a 60 zone I was barely keeping up with traffic.
 Click Image to Enlarge |
Out comes the GPS and the realization that when I was traveling 120km/h I was really traveling closer to 108km/h. I finally hit 120km/h on my GPS and the engine was turning just over 2500rpm, while the Elantra’s speedometer displayed 131km/h. It was still quiet although understandably a little less so.
The gas gauge on the Elantra is a little wonky as well. The top of the tank must be larger than the bottom. After travelling over 200km, I still had over 3/4 of a tank full of fuel. I was marveling at the fuel economy of the Elantra. But only 60km later and the gauge dove down to the half-way marking. Turns out I averaged 7.7L/100km over the week with mostly city driving: impressive actually!
Overall I was impressed with the Elantra. It is not the sportiest or the most exciting vehicle in this class, and Hyundai’s price advantage is slowly disappearing when you begin to add features such as ABS, side airbags and alloy wheels, which come standard on the Mazda3 as well as the Civic. It seems that Hyundai is going after Toyota with similar packaging styles and driving feel. They are getting close in that regard - now they have to work on public perception.
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Hyundai Elantra GL Comfort Auto | |
| Acceleration |  |
| Handling |
|
| Comfort | |
| Interior | 
|
| Audio System | |
| Gas Mileage |
|
*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Hyundai Elantra GL Comfort with Auto
MSRP as tested: $20,440
For more information on Hyundai and the Elantra visit Hyundai Canada
December 13, 2006, 11:46:52 am I too think this is going after the Corolla buyer.
I'm a Hyundai fan, but not really enthusiastic about the new Elantra. Just doesn't grab me. My parents have the outgoing one. I'll miss the hatch... hope one is coming.
The interior does look like a giant leap forward. The seats look large and very comfy. I like the blue backlighting, materials, and layout. Tho Hyundai claims large interior space, don't think it feels more spacious than the competitors.
The exterior is a bit odd. The elegant lines on the side are different and kinda neat, and I really like the front... and back... but altogether it just doesn't work for me for whatever reason. I dislike the C-pillar treatment and find the body really fat between the C-pillar and rear wheel wells. The wheels and tires also look dinky on the body. Bigger wheels may work wonders on it.
Price wise, it's competitive but not knockout. If this car were $18,5 would be a lot better than $20. The GLS with leather et all looks to be a decent value, better than the mid-ranger. Why the GL Sport doesn't have side curtain airbags or telescopic wheel is beyond me, as it's likely the model I'd go with to get the fogs, roof, heated seats, 16" alloys without leather.
The previous Elantra is among the quietest at speed. Read reports the new one gets a little gruff and noisy at higher highway speeds. What do you think?
December 13, 2006, 04:20:19 pm SAM, The new Elantra is way quieter than the previous, and feels much more substantial behind the wheel. Speaking from a perspective of an '02 GT owner. Styling is objective. I wasn't to crazy about the wave, but it's less offensive now than then, and looks better in the flesh than the pics.
Weakest link is the old Beta engine. Why o why they haven't bolted in the Theta I'll never understand. The world engine they invested the most in and they aren't using yet, while minority partner DCX is truely puzzles me. The Theta is world class and would make this a real heads up winner in a crowded segment.
Interesting side note, next time you look at new Hyundai's Notice the tail lights are the same shape as the headlights. True on Azera, Sonata, SantaFe, and Elantra!
December 13, 2006, 04:26:03 pm
So, does this mean that Hyundai doesn't know whether it is coming or going?
December 13, 2006, 06:11:50 pm It's a pushmepullyou Dr DooLittle.
December 13, 2006, 06:55:48 pm wing you said you shopped for a car in this segment a few months ago... what did you end up with?
December 13, 2006, 08:38:22 pm
Interesting side note, next time you look at new Hyundai's Notice the tail lights are the same shape as the headlights. True on Azera, Sonata, SantaFe, and Elantra!
I've been noticing that. Glad I wasn't the only one.
The exterior design is quite off looking. I've seen the new Elantra in person and it just seems too "bubbly" and that "S" line going down the side is a little too much. Interior is great though.
December 13, 2006, 11:33:31 pm I have an '04 GT and personally I love the styling. I thought it was Saab-esque too until I was in Europe last summer and saw where they really got their inspiration from...
I'm sad to hear that they're not planning on a new hatch anytime soon... maybe that'll change if enough people complain. I'm actually very surprised seeing as the hatch market has been quite hot recently. Anyway, the new Elantra looks ok on the outside, not my cup of tea. Inside is pretty sweet though... looks to be vastly improved over the previous gen.
December 14, 2006, 09:03:58 am Way too much money for an Elantra. It's nice that Hyundai is doing well,
December 14, 2006, 10:46:21 am
Have tried a pieces really thick sellotape. cut neatly. I brought a clock with a blue light, so know what you mean, This even on dim at night still lights up the whole room. Just like you've got the light on. I think Its use of the blue lights are the problem, but they do make things look modern. but I don't think they should be used on cars.
apart from that how does it drive?
.
December 14, 2006, 11:19:27 am AS Neilly Boy said...this was Hyundai's chance ta leap into the lead with the Theta engine....a GT hatch Variant and maybe throw in anti skid,5 speed auto or somesuch amongst the pigeons..but they are barely matching Mazda..and the look doesn't do it (subjective I know but I bet 8 outta 10 agree). only one Variant sheesh......a nice middle of the road commuter and grocery getter......that coulda been betta ......sigh
December 14, 2006, 07:20:56 pm Boy you guys really don't know what you're talking about.
Head to elantraxd.com or elantraclub.com
December 14, 2006, 07:38:18 pm
Head to elantraxd.com or elantraclub.com
Thank you. We really appreciate the erudite and constructive criticism.
December 14, 2006, 10:05:02 pm
Head to elantraxd.com or elantraclub.com
I was going to say something nice about the Elantra, but oh right I don't know what I'm talking about.
December 15, 2006, 10:38:24 am
Head to elantraxd.com or elantraclub.com
Care to blah-on and elaborate? What is there to know?
And what's your position that gives you such a correct perspective on the Elantra?
December 15, 2006, 10:43:47 am I'm sure a model specific forum/club will provide non-biased opinions.
December 15, 2006, 10:49:08 am BEER & EGGNOG Wingie..
December 15, 2006, 11:01:42 am Not mixed!
December 15, 2006, 12:05:32 pm U have 2 STOMACHS.....
December 15, 2006, 12:13:34 pm
December 15, 2006, 12:56:54 pm Meet me atta waterfront Leviathan I'll knock yer small block off !!!!
December 16, 2006, 12:52:08 am
December 16, 2006, 01:27:15 am
This is starting to turn in to a trend. First the Accent, now this is the same.
.
December 18, 2006, 08:37:28 am Erratic speedo, non-linear gas gauge and melt-with-the-months seat padding...my personnal opinion of Hyundai hasn't changed. Another major dislike with Korean cars : nasty new-car smell, for some reason.
December 18, 2006, 02:21:01 pm Wing: I tell ya, after reading your blog all week, this car doesn't sound that great, I really had high hopes for the Elantra but now my peception has not change its a budget car, with a not so budget price and its really not that great. Nobody can beat the Japanese.
.
December 18, 2006, 07:01:19 pm It seems that they're a generation behind the Corolla (the car that they're targeting).