2010 Hyundai Elantra
Expert Review

Slicker styling, a larger size and lots of airbags should help the revamped 2007 Elantra remain Hyundai's top-selling car.

Few predicted only a few years ago that any Hyundai would be a viable rival to such favorites as the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, but the new compact Elantra is such a car.

Hyundai has progressed remarkably since it sold marginal models in America and offers one of the longest warranties in the business, along with value and quality—not cheapness.

The Civic and Corolla still have better resale prices, but Hyundai makes a lot of good stuff standard. And more folks are accepting it as a solid mainstream model.

Larger Dimensions
The 2007 Elantra is 2.2 inches taller than its predecessor, which allows a raised driving position that is trendy with small cars. It's also 2 inches wider, with a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase. It had more interior volume (passenger volume plus trunk space) than a Civic, Corolla or even the upscale Acura TL.

But moving the driver position up nearly 2 inches may cause taller people to want more legroom. Despite that, there is good room for four tall adults, and the center of the back seat has a nice fold-down armrest with cupholders. Large outside door handles are easily grasped, even if you're wearing work gloves, and all doors open wide so there is no need for body contortions to slide in or out.

While long for a compact car, the large trunk has space-eating old-style sickle-type hinges. Its lid has no interior liner, which gives it an unfinished look, and allows a tinny sound when closed. Couldn't Hyundai, which did a generally fine job redoing the Elantra, install some sort of covering on the interior lid? At least the driver-side interior trunk release is handy.

Small Pass-Through
Rear seatbacks sit flat when moved forward for more cargo space, but the pass-through area from the trunk to the rear seat is too small to accommodate several larger objects.

However, the Elanta has lower list prices than many competitors, if you take into account its standard features. It begins at $13,395 for the base GLS trim level with a slick 5-speed manual transmission. Add $1,000 for a 4-speed automatic.

Disc brakes are at all wheels, whereas key rivals have inferior rear drum brakes. The Hyundai's brakes have an anti-lock system with electronic brake force distribution for surer stops.

Airbags Galore
Many consider airbags to be an important safety feature, especially for smaller cars. The Elantra has more standard airbags than major rivals, with no less than six of them—front, curtain and side-impact. Side-impact airbags aren't available on the Chevrolet Cobalt. And side-curtain bags are optional on the Corolla and Cobalt and not available on the Ford Focus.

The GLS has a moderate amount of standard equipment, but you pay extra for air conditioning, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, power door locks and power heated outside mirrors.

Standard GLS items include a tilt wheel, front bucket seats with a manual driver-seat height adjustment, intermittent wipers, tachometer, split-folding rear seat, rear defogger and power windows.

Major Midrange Upgrade
Upgrade to the midrange ($15,845-$16,845) SE trim level and you get a lot more standard features: air conditioning, power door locks with remote keyless entry, tilt/telescopic wheel with handy audio controls, cruise control, AM/FM/CD player, XM satellite radio and larger 16-inch (vs. 15-inch) wheels and tires.

The top-line $17,695 Limited has heated front seats offered for the first time in an Elantra and leather upholstery, which isn't available for other Elantras.

Other Elantra "firsts" are the steering-wheel audio controls, besides wheel-mounted cruise control and telescoping adjustment. New blue back-lighting provides what Hyundai calls a "refined ambience at night."

Expanding Audio Features
Among options is the ever-popular power sunroof. And you can get a GLS Premium Package with a 172-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers and Hyundai's first auxiliary jack, which allows iPod and other portable MP3 players to be connected to the car's audio system.

With greater structural rigidity, the new Elantra has a more solid feel. A fully independent suspension with gas shock absorbers provides a comfortable ride and better handling, and front/rear anti-sway bars limit body lean in curves taken sharply. But the electric power steering feels artificial and overly light at lower speeds.

The Elantra is no thrill machine, but it's composed when driven moderately hard during those times when motorists are in a hurry. The ride is comfortable, and the brake pedal has a linear action.

Lively Performance
The smooth 2.0-liter 138-horsepower 4-cylinder engine is sophisticated, sporting dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves and continuously variable valve timing. Acceleration is lively, but the manual transmission calls for a downshift from overdrive fifth gear to fourth or third gear for the best passing times on highways.

Only regular-grade fuel is needed, and fuel economy is good: an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 on highways with both transmissions.

Upscale Interior Look
The interior has an upscale look and feel, thanks partly to soft-touch materials. Front seats provide moderate side support in curves, but the tachometer is too small and awkwardly positioned to the left of the speedometer for a quick read. But climate controls are large and well-marked.

Audio controls are handily positioned above the climate controls and acceptable for safe driver use. There are plenty of decent-sized interior storage areas, and cupholders are positioned to avoid spills.

The Elantra is in a market where buyers demand practicality, safety and economical operation—and often a little flair. It should do well.