It’s a relatively new trend, but Korean automaker Hyundai is trying their hardest to become a giant pain in the ass to the most well-established and best-selling automakers on the continent.
On some levels, that’s not much of a surprise. In recent years, Korea’s proven they can build and sell some of the most striking models on the Canadian market-- and their latest work, the 2011 Elantra, might be the most important one yet.
With the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 square in its eyelash-batting sights, the updated Elantra is now on sale. Apparently, Hyundai can’t build them fast enough.
Coupe-like character
The looks are one reason why. It’s unlikely that anyone ever bought an Elantra because of its appearance, but the latest iteration of the compact sedan should change that. Curvaceous, sculpted and almost exaggerated looking, the new Elantra features more than a few body lines lifted from the striking Genesis Coupe. The low-profile window line and dramatic sculpting nod towards several of the market’s four-door coupe models, and ultimately, it’s like Elantra’s designers didn’t just give up when handed a small, inexpensive car to draw.
Top-notch cabin
Same deal inside.
All of the right materials are in all of the right places, control layouts are mainly logical and simple, and plenty of contrasting colours and textures dress things up.
Features on the $21,000 tester included cruise, air, power everything, heated mirrors, full multimedia connectivity, and a sunroof. Bluetooth was also on board to save drivers a chat-related accident, and both the front and rear seats were heated, too. Incidentally, those heated rear seats will make owners the hero of the office morning carpool in winter months. Forget buying the coffee ever again.
Heaps of at-hand storage, proper cupholders, and a thoughtful, well laid-out overall execution round out the package. In all, Elantra’s cabin hits above the mark for its pricetag.
On some levels, that’s not much of a surprise. In recent years, Korea’s proven they can build and sell some of the most striking models on the Canadian market-- and their latest work, the 2011 Elantra, might be the most important one yet.
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| Curvaceous, sculpted and almost exaggerated looking, the new Elantra features more than a few body lines lifted from the striking Genesis Coupe. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
With the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 square in its eyelash-batting sights, the updated Elantra is now on sale. Apparently, Hyundai can’t build them fast enough.
Coupe-like character
The looks are one reason why. It’s unlikely that anyone ever bought an Elantra because of its appearance, but the latest iteration of the compact sedan should change that. Curvaceous, sculpted and almost exaggerated looking, the new Elantra features more than a few body lines lifted from the striking Genesis Coupe. The low-profile window line and dramatic sculpting nod towards several of the market’s four-door coupe models, and ultimately, it’s like Elantra’s designers didn’t just give up when handed a small, inexpensive car to draw.
Top-notch cabin
Same deal inside.
All of the right materials are in all of the right places, control layouts are mainly logical and simple, and plenty of contrasting colours and textures dress things up.
Features on the $21,000 tester included cruise, air, power everything, heated mirrors, full multimedia connectivity, and a sunroof. Bluetooth was also on board to save drivers a chat-related accident, and both the front and rear seats were heated, too. Incidentally, those heated rear seats will make owners the hero of the office morning carpool in winter months. Forget buying the coffee ever again.
Heaps of at-hand storage, proper cupholders, and a thoughtful, well laid-out overall execution round out the package. In all, Elantra’s cabin hits above the mark for its pricetag.
 |
| All of the right materials are in all of the right places, control layouts are mainly logical and simple, and plenty of contrasting colours and textures dress things up. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |