Topic: 2011 Hyundai Elantra

[Serniter]

Exactly, any real gearhead gets plopped into a shiny brand new model for a few hours while being shown all of its best features, you can't help to come away excited.

Now, drive that same car a few weeks later for seveal days away from the PR reps and its true colours will show through.....good and bad

It is often amusing to read what is said about a model once its successor rolls in.  For example, check out the Autoblog review of the 2011 Forester and what it has to say about the previous generation:

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/10/2011-subaru-forester-quick-spin-review-road-test/

"The engine is significantly quieter and a galaxy smoother than the last generation boxer four-cylinder. Whereas the 2010 Forester was saddled with the company's characteristically tractor-esque rumble from under the rounded hood, the 2011 hums along with a fraction of the racket. To us, the improvement would have been worth building five factories to accomplish."

These are the kinds of things you rarely see in an article on a new release.  They do complain about the transmission, although it'll probably be replaced with a praise once a CVT comes in:

"Unfortunately, the new engine is still bolted to the same four-speed automatic transmission that Moses brought down from Mount Fuji."

[Ontariodriver]

Hyundais, the electric power steering feels elastic and artificial, like a high-end video game

That would kill the sale right there for me. Thats sucks. 

[Ice]

Hyundais, the electric power steering feels elastic and artificial, like a high-end video game

That would kill the sale right there for me. Thats sucks. 

Haven't driven the new Sonata or Elantra but my family did do a Tucson test drive with their new EPS unit and it feels like the Toyota one... for better or worse. Not quite as weighted as my Corolla's steering and not quite as light as the CE model Corolla. The Ford EPS on the Fiesta feels a little better although it's fairly light.

[EV Dan]

So I'm at the dealer today, and they roll in a new Sonata, still all wrapped in plastic. The window sticker reads 4.9/ 6.9 L/100km, so puzzled, Im starting to look for a "hybrid" label on the trunk lid. No such thing, it just says "limited" and "Elantra"  Crap, they got me. It was almost the size of the Sonata and looked very much the same too. Waaay hotter than the previous gen. 

[rrocket]

So I'm at the dealer today, and they roll in a new Sonata, still all wrapped in plastic. The window sticker reads 4.9/ 6.9 L/100km, so puzzled, Im starting to look for a "hybrid" label on the trunk lid. No such thing, it just says "limited" and "Elantra"  Crap, they got me. It was almost the size of the Sonata and looked very much the same too. Waaay hotter than the previous gen. 

It looks as big as a Sonata??

[EV Dan]

So I'm at the dealer today, and they roll in a new Sonata, still all wrapped in plastic. The window sticker reads 4.9/ 6.9 L/100km, so puzzled, Im starting to look for a "hybrid" label on the trunk lid. No such thing, it just says "limited" and "Elantra"  Crap, they got me. It was almost the size of the Sonata and looked very much the same too. Waaay hotter than the previous gen. 

It looks as big as a Sonata??

It was indoors, but I still think it is bigger than the previous. It's the styling that got me confused.

p.s. I also got inside a new Gen Coupe. No more silvery plastic on the dash, it feels now more "Genesis" rather than my current Sonata. I wish they blowed the 2.0 to just under 300 hp. It would really be hard not to take it for a spin then

[moontune]

Smaller than the Sonata. Rates have just been announced 3.35% up to 72 Months

[Dante]

Smaller than the Sonata. Rates have just been announced 3.35% up to 72 Months

Pretty good for a new model, especially with the MSRP being already very reasonable. What's the financing rate for 36/48?

[moontune]

Same rate 24,36,48,60,72 and the 60/84 all 3.35% and they are actually here now. I am just about to drive one although I drove one Months ago now.

[ironwood]

Moontune...what are the lease rates?

[moontune]

No leasing yet. Will post if I find out if we do get rates.

[Ice]

So I'm at the dealer today, and they roll in a new Sonata, still all wrapped in plastic. The window sticker reads 4.9/ 6.9 L/100km, so puzzled, Im starting to look for a "hybrid" label on the trunk lid. No such thing, it just says "limited" and "Elantra"  Crap, they got me. It was almost the size of the Sonata and looked very much the same too. Waaay hotter than the previous gen. 

It looks as big as a Sonata??

It was indoors, but I still think it is bigger than the previous. It's the styling that got me confused.

p.s. I also got inside a new Gen Coupe. No more silvery plastic on the dash, it feels now more "Genesis" rather than my current Sonata. I wish they blowed the 2.0 to just under 300 hp. It would really be hard not to take it for a spin then

The reviews say it's within an inch of the previous generation Elantra so it hasn't really grown that much. The different proportions probably play tricks and make it look more substantial.

[EV Dan]

It feels bigger inside too, not quite the same as a Sonata, but not claustrophobic either. The only one negative I noticed were the seats which were shorter and narrower (vs Sonata), so most of M-Donalds crowd needn't apply IMO.

[G0dspd]

"By pushing the Elantra's wheels to each corner and pulling a few clever packaging tricks, Hyundai has managed to provide an impressive amount of space inside. The company's efforts netted the new compact a mid-size designation from the minds at the EPA, and there's room for full-grown adults both front and rear with plenty of space for knees and elbows. "

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/first-drive-2011-hyundai-elantra/

Any other compact's interior considered mid-size?  Cruze?

[Ice]

"By pushing the Elantra's wheels to each corner and pulling a few clever packaging tricks, Hyundai has managed to provide an impressive amount of space inside. The company's efforts netted the new compact a mid-size designation from the minds at the EPA, and there's room for full-grown adults both front and rear with plenty of space for knees and elbows. "

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/06/first-drive-2011-hyundai-elantra/

Any other compact's interior considered mid-size?  Cruze?

If I remember right... Cruze and Jetta are both considered part of the mid-size car line ups due to interior volume.

[ironwood]

Pricing range on the new Elantra

http://www.canadiandriver.com/2010/12/16/hyundai-announces-pricing-on-all-new-elantra.htm

[Ice]

Wow... if I'm reading that right then the Elantra is a pretty killer compact car. Good for Hyundai... really heats up the competition!

[conwelpic]

I don't think this review from Car and Driver has been posted

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q4/2011_hyundai_elantra_limited-short_take_road_test

[safristi]

..so Cart&Drover just cashed tha CHEQUE from GM et al....just jokin'......me likey......and the noise issue may be with MICHIGANS notorious roads (C&D is located in ANNE's ARBOUR   Aaaaawwwww/'cos Detroit woz TOO EXPENSIVE !!!!! )...if not then a $100 sound quilting and better tyres could FIX the PROBLEM (Ed)

[Ontariodriver]

I sore my first 2011 Elantra today. I didn't think it look all that bad. Reminds me of what Pontiac was doing way back when. Lots of body clad styling. I didn't think it look all that big from the outside a lot smaller than Sonata. Styling cues from the back look very Sonata however.