You Auto Know	Seoul Power by Jim Corbran

The 2007 Hyundai Elantra

Okay, so Hyundai, the Korean auto manufacturer, doesn’t build its new Elantra in Seoul, but it makes for a much better sounding headline than “Ulsan Power!” (Ulsan being the city the plant is located in.)

For those of you who remember Hyundai only as the manufacturer of throwaway cars (such as the dreadful Excel) with which Hyundai made its American debut back in the 1980s, it’s time you took another look. The South Korean company is one of the fastest-growing nameplates in North America, due to both feature-filled products and its industry-leading warranty. Just as an aside, and to be totally upfront here, my wife and I purchased one of the previous generation Elantras in 2001. We made our choice based on both the design and price of the car, as well as the generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In our six-plus years of ownership, we’ve found it to be a reliable—if rather plain-looking—car. The warranty only came into play in the last month or so. So far, so good.

Now Hyundai has redesigned the Elantra, from “headlight to taillight,” as they say in their press guide. It’s definitely a better-looking car than the one in our garage. And the price hasn’t changed all that much in six years. As a matter of fact, prices for the base GLS model are downright cheap. How does a starting price of $13,395 sound to you? Okay, now how does it sound to you when I throw in the fact that at that price you get a car without air-conditioning or radio? Or power door locks, cruise control or rear cupholders? Or lighted vanity mirrors, keyless entry or that dark tinted band which goes across the top of the windshield? Fear not, these items are all available as part of the Preferred Option package ($900 for the a/c, $1,500 for the other stuff) which still leaves you at under 16 grand.

Elantras come in three different trim levels: the base GLS, and the upper level SE and Limited models, each with few more goodies than the other. All come with a 2.0-liter, DOHC, in-line, four-cylinder engine. In New York that engine is certified as an SULEV powerplant (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) when mated to the four-speed automatic transmission, and it’s rated at 132 horsepower (add six more horsepower with the manual transmission, the Elantra’s other choice). EPS gas mileage estimates? A respectable 28/36 miles per gallon city/highway with either powertrain.

Some other quick facts: All Elantras have four-wheel independent suspensions; six airbags; four-wheel ABS; tilt wheel; and—yes, even in the lowly GLS—a glove compartment. (Does anyone ever really put gloves in their glove compartment? Just wondering.) Options are quite limited; adding the Premium Package to the GLS pretty much makes it an SE. To the Limited you can add the Sun & Sound Package, which consists of a power sunroof and a premium sound system. The Limited also comes standard with leather seating surfaces, and the front seats are heated.

Overall, I guess the biggest change for 2007 is in the Elantra’s looks. Hyundai’s press people, who get paid much more than I do, naturally came up with more descriptive phrases for this restyling than I ever could. So here’s their take on it: an “assertive front appearance, rising beltline, sculpted body side and an overall lively appearance…” and a “cohesive look [which] continues with a bodycolored rear license plate garnish and integrated bumper fascia.” Wow. It’s also wider and taller than the previous model, which is reflected in increased interior dimensions.

After taking all of this into consideration, I think I can go on recommending the Elantra to those of you looking for reliable yet unflashy transportation—all with a killer warranty. Which hopefully, you too will hardly ever need.

More info: hyundaiusa.com.