Hyundai ELANTRA 2.0-LITRE CRTD CDX
Normally when car manufacturers facelift a model range, they go to great lengths to underline the differences by bringing out an expanded product line up, in effect getting the biggest bang for their buck from the changes. Hyundai, a company known to plough an occasionally eccentric furrow, have gone to the polar opposite. The latest Elantra range consists of just one model. In a triumph of minimalism, its either the 2.
0-litre CRTD CDX way or the highway.
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As well as twin front and side airbags theres anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, a traction control system, electronic climate control and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors. To this add alloy wheels, a CD system with six speakers, a rear spoiler, metallic paint and the leather treatment for the seats, steering wheel and gear knob and its obvious that somewhere in the factory this car was coated with glue and taken for a leisurely cruise through the Hyundai options list. All for around £1,500 less than the price of the cheapest 1.7-litre Vauxhall Corsa diesel.
You probably dont need reminding that the Elantra is not only a good deal bigger than a Corsa but also a fair bit more sizeable than the next car up, the Astra. Although Hyundai likes to bill the Elantra an upper medium class car in other words, a Vauxhall Vectra competitor in truth its a tad more compact but still usefully bigger than a Focus or Astra-sized family hatch. Plus its still around £6,000 less than a diesel Skoda Octavia.
"Should you expect this modest outlay to land you a car about as well equipped as your average squash court, think again."
A full-sized family car for the price of a supermini suddenly makes those looking for a prestigious badge on the bonnet look a little insecure. How much is that brand equity worth? Yes, youll probably score a superior residual percentage but thats not going to come close to offsetting the Elantras all-conquering price advantage. In the early days of Korean manufacturing you could have justified the decision by pointing out the fact that such imports were about as sophisticated as an audience with Victoria Beckham but certainly not any more. Take the Elantras 2.
0-litre turbodiesel engine. Developing 111bhp, it even manages to outmuscle the equivalent 2.0-litre Peugeot diesel, an engine from a company renowned as diesel experts. Itll also leave something like an old Peugeot 406 fitted with just such an engine standing as you accelerate onto a busy motorway.
Youre comparing the Peugeots 151lb/ft of torque with the Hyundais 173. True, the Peugeot will post slightly better fuel consumption figures, but at a conservative estimate youd need to drive to the moon and back to justify the price difference in fuel consumption terms. Given that the Elantra diesel will return an average of 44.1mpg it can hardly be deemed profligate and the reduced emissions figure of 160g/km, whilst not class leading for a diesel, isnt going to punish those looking for a well equipped but inexpensive company car.
The shape is certainly a lot more distinctive than the old Lantra, especially around the revised front end, where it has a bit of gravitas. The back is rather more generic, especially on the five-door model which has a very Toyota look to its admittedly tidy posterior. Its not particularly adventurous, but it is a great deal more interesting than the old Lantra model range that this car replaced. Aerodynamics have been improved, as proved by the fact that with equivalent petrol engines the Elantra is 4-5% more economical than its predecessor.
In fact its one of the slipperiest cars in its class. The interior, whilst full of gear, isnt the most inspiring aspect of the Elantra CDX. Yes, theres a fair amount of space front and rear but the design of the dashboard is badly dates and materials quality isnt what many would expect from a new car. Still, Hyundai are satisfying a small but identifiable market sector with the Elantra and its sheer value dictates that corners need to be cut somewhere.
If the interior is a little low rent, the same cant be said of the diesel powerplant. Hyundai are investing heavily in diesel. This two-litre engine is also found in the Santa Fe 4x4 and the Trajet MPV and a three-cylinder 1.5-litre common-rail unit has impressed in the Matrix mini-MPV.
The Koreans have high hopes for this particular powerplant and logic dictates that it will eventually find its way under the bonnets of all their smaller cars. What the Elantra diesel lacks is a notable something that will bring it to the attention of British buyers. Its a car that makes a sound case for itself once youve acknowledged its existence. Unfortunately it hasnt registered too well on many prospective purchasers radars.
Either Hyundai need to be a little more proactive in pushing the cars qualities to the fore or a less palatable possibility emerges namely that we are a nation of unreconstructed badge snobs. One suspects the answer is a bit of both.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Hyundai Elantra 2.0-litre CRTD CDX Diesel
PRICES: £10,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 10
CO2 EMISSIONS: 160g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60 mph 11.7s / Max Speed 118 mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (Urban) 32.9mpg / (Extra Urban) 55.4mpg / (Combined) 44.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin and side airbags, ABS with EBD. traction control WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE: Length/Width/Heightmm 4495/1720/1425 [4dr]
