grosse pointe - Local History Archives

GROSSE POINTE NEWS. SEPTEMBER 10. 2009
AUTO MOTS V
TEST DRIVE ByGregZyla
The Hyundai Elantra sedan received a total redesign in 2007, and is
still a staunch competitor in the compact to mid-size class. It's
recognized as one of the top fivegreenest vehicles in its class.
All-new 2009 Hyundai Elantra SE
This week, we're driving
the 2009
Hyundai Elantra
SE, a roomy sedan
that delivers 24-
mpg city and 33 miles per gallon
highway—base price:
$17,020; price as tested:
$17,790.
When it comes to Korean
built automobiles, Hyundai has
improved since arriving on
American shores in 1992.
Major competition comes
from Ford Focus, Honda Civic,
Chevy Cobalt, Pontiac G5,
Nissan Sentra and Toyota
Corolla. Thanks to Hyundai's
much better build quality, owner
satisfaction and industry first
100,000-mile limited powertrain
warranty, Hyundai is now
a respected and award-winning
manufacturer.
Unlike the previous generation
which ended in 2006,
Elantra's fourth generation offers
a longer exterior design,
roomy interior and much better
suspension components. Its
rounded outer blueprint fits
better with today's styles, as the
front end features integrated
fog la|j|j>s, Halogen headlamps,
strai^»rward hood design,
and auirome accent grille.
It may not be a head turning
pattern, but Elantra's traditional
format fits in nicely with
most of the competition.
Under the hood sits a 138
horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder
engine hooked to a five
speed manual transmission.
With 136 pound-feet of torque,
you won't win any drag races,
but you can travel 378 miles on
a tank of regular grade fuel.
Still, thanks to the vehicle's
lighter weight to power ratio,
acceleration and passing are
acceptable.
Underneath, the wheelbase
stretches from a first generation
98.4-inch to its present
104.3, and is 1.6-inches longer
than 2006's third generation
model. I always feel more is
better when it comes to wheelbase,
as the expansion opens
up everything from a better
ride to more interior and cargo
room.
Because of this growth, EPA
now classifies Elantra as a midsize
car, although it is still a
"small car" in my book, and
mimics competing models that
have experienced similar compact
car growth.
Inside, we like what Elantra
offers, albeit in a non fancy
mode. An adjustable driver's
seat, all the powers, air, cruise,
tilt/telescopic steering with audio
controls, comfortable seating,
nice gauges, the modern
MP3, USB and 12 volt plug ins,
numerous compartments, four
cup holders, remote keyless entry
and trunk release, XM
Satellite with three months free
service, 6-speaker stereo CD
player, and even a B&M Sport
shifter highlight the offerings.
Elantra also offers very good
rear passenger room, although
three adults sitting side by side
on the 60/40 split bench will be
tight for sure.
Safety is one of Elantra SE's
paramount features and worthy
of special note. Elantra SE
earned 5-Star government
crash ratings for front and 4-
Star for side and rollover tests.
Included as standard equipment
are dual front, front
side and side
curtain
air bags, 4-channel ABS, 4-
wheel disc brakes, traction control,
electronic brake force and
electronic stability control. Add
all this up and you arrive at a
very safe automobile.
On the road, Hyundai's gas
shock equipped fully independent
suspension features
MacPherson struts up front
and a rear multi-link setup out
back. Stabilizer bars not only
result in better handling, owners
may notice a 50 percent increase
in body stiffness over
the previous generation.
These advancements, combined
with SE's 16-inch tires
and alloy wheels, result in better
handling in every driving
situation.
Important numbers include a
curb weight of 2,723 pounds,
14.0 cubic-feet of cargo space,
14-gallon fuel tank, 33.9-foot
turning circle, and 1500-pound
towing capacity. The only option
consisted of $95 floormats
and $675 for inland freightand
handling. Abase GLS starts at
just $ 14,120 for those looking
for en entry level model.
Hyundai's Elantra still receives
good marks fromthis
scribe, as a strong 8.5 on a scale
of one to 10 is worthy.
likes: Design, safety items,
warranty, suspension, value for
dollar spent.
Dislikes: May be time for an
exterior tweak, more horsepower
would be nice.
Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto
columnist
2009 Hyundai Elantra SE
2OO9
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