Hyundai Elantra (2001 to 2006)
BY ANDY ENRIGHT
Perhaps Hyundai were stretching the gulf between perception and reality when they billed the Elantra as a rival to the Ford Mondeo and Vauxhall Vectra. Although it almost measured up in terms of feet and inches, the pricing for the Elantra had been more aligned to cars like the Rover 45, the Fiat Marea and the Mitsubishi Carisma. As long as youre prepared to forgo a more traditional badge, theres little reason why a used Elantra cant forge a place onto your shortlist. Relatively inexpensive, well specified and decently screwed together, the Elantra may not be the last word in elegant design but its well thought through and makes a lot of sense especially when compared to higher mileage Mondeos and Vectras.
The shape is certainly a lot more distinctive than the old Lantra, especially around the front end, where it has an almost Cadillac-like 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 were improved, as evidenced by the fact that with equivalent engines the Elantra is 4-5% more economical than its predecessor.
| Build |  |
| Comfort | |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy |  |
| Equipment | |
| Handling |  |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling | |
| Value | |
All this from a company that as recently as 1994 was trying to sell us the X2, a car whose idea of a luxury accoutrement was intermittent windscreen wiping. The GSi model adds a trip computer, electric rear windows, keyless entry and alarm, two more speakers for the stereo and body coloured door mirrors and handles in order to assert a bit of good old hierarchy over its more humble sibling. The range-topping CDX gets all of this as well as a two-litre engine, traction control, leather trim, fifteen-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and electronic climate control.
Whats good news for used car buyers tends to herald tears from the original owners, but sometimes things are a little more complicated. Elantras depreciate rather steeply, a mid range model is destined to be worth 32% of its original value over a period of three years. Given that the car was introduced in June 2001, the maths arent too difficult to work out. An Elantra 1.
6GSi which retailed for just over £12,000 new on an 01 X plate is now worth just under £4,200. A 2.0-litre CDX, again on an 01 X plate will be worth around £4,600. Diesel versions are still rather thin on the ground.
Its important to consider the depreciation costs not only to the new buyer but also to yourself and then measure them against the other running costs. Insurance, for example, is reasonable ranging from Group 8 to Group 13.
Although great strides have been made in recent years, Hyundai interiors are unlikely to worry Volkswagens designers and some parts feel quite flimsy. Unlike the Lantra though, even the base Si is well equipped, but the standard fit alarm fitted to the next model up may well prove tempting, especially if the car is not garaged. Theres very little to finger mechanically, and Hyundais reputation for reliability and customer service has seen been reflected in a number of customer satisfaction surveys.
(Approx - based on a 2001 Elantra 2.0CDX) Clutch assemblies are about £135, brake pads around £40 and a starter motor about £85. You'll pay around £145 for a headlamp, around £175 for a radiator, and about £105 for an alternator.
On the road, the driving experience is safe and stolid. The 1.6-litre models use their 106bhp engines to reach sixty in 11 seconds on the way to a theoretical maximum of 113mph. The 139bhp 2.
0-litre model meanwhile, manages 9.0s and 128mph respectively. Refinement was always a Lantra strongpoint and has been further improved in the Elantra, which was one of the quietest cars in its class. As Hyundai has learnt, however, quietly spoken virtues dont always provide the necessary sales rewards in such a competitive market.
Unlike their counterparts in Korea, European drivers don't look on their cars as domestic appliances differentiated only by buttons and switches. Many hours on the Ulsan test track were spent trying to produce a car that's more than just a means of transport. Go for the diesel version mind you and a simple means of transport is probably all you want. And a frugal one of course. Here, the Elantras 111bhp 2.
0-litre unit wont disappoint, returning 32.9mpg on the urban cycle, 55.4mpg on an extra-urban run and 44.1mpg combined.
Its not too slothful either, making sixty in 11.7s on the way to 118mph.
Although its not a car many will enthuse over, the Elantra offers a mature blend of affordability, practicality and reliability. Unfortunately, its lack of personality and profile may see it overlooked by many. If you need transport that will last and wont dent the wallet too badly the Elantra is well worth consideration.
