Hyundai Elantra bigger, better in new shape for sedan, wagon
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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Check out those unusual curves: From the muscular rounded chin with a distinct absence of flashy grille to the scooped and rolled side bulges and crisp door notches followed by the oval back window and a tail treatment with corner cat-eye red taillights.
Although this car carries four doors in sedan format, the roof supports have been pared with thin C pillars and, due to blackout treatment, almost transparent B pillars.
The effect makes this one look like a sleek coupe.
And the station wagon, typically an uninspired style, looks even more radical.
The oval badge on the nose of both sedan and wagon bears the distinct mark of Hyundai, Korea's most prolific automaker, but these cars look like no past Asian imports.
Obviously, Hyundai has beefed up its offerings with the introduction of a second-generational design for the compact sedan, Elantra, then taken the extra step of spinning off a station wagon variation.
A look beneath the hood and a peak beyond that curvaceous skin reveals that Hyundai's 1996 Elantra does a lot more than show off sensuously shaped sheetmetal.
It also stocks an impressive new engine, along with new engineering innovations which combine to make Elantra more quiet, easier to handle and safer to drive.
Hyundai's new compact sedan and 5-door wagon tote dual airbags and the Hyundai-built 130 hp Beta engine. With its front-wheel-drive format, Elantra adds sophisticated subframes for the independent front and rear suspension designs, then provides a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed electronic automatic transmission and on upgraded GLS editions the option of anti-lock brakes.
A recent test in the revised sedan became a telling experience forcing me to dismiss any past images.
For Hyundai, Elantra serves as a second bright light that joins with last year's new subcompact Accent to point away from previous unpleasant issues like Excel.
As Hyundai's first label for our country, Excel charged into the mid-1980s market to bust all sales charts. After two years, though, sales sagged as consumer dissatisfaction spread because Excel proved to be what it proclaimed -- real cheap wheels.
Eventually, Hyundai's marketeers realized that to compete in the United States, the company must not only provide price-sensitive products but dependable ones too. Subsequent models like the original compact Elantra sedan and sporty little Scoupe coupe addressed quality issues as the Hyundai brand earned new consumer confidence.
Then Accent arrived last year to eradicate Excel, and now the appearance of this upgraded Elantra with its numerous strong points indicates that Hyundai has rebounded with a strong intent to compete with other Asian importers.
Elantra stands out due to its distinct features.
The new Beta engine, for instance, represents a marked improvement over the previous Elantra motor, which was built for Hyundai by Mitsubishi of Japan.
This 1.8-liter in-line-4 plant, with pentroof combustion chamber and tumble port apparatus, was designed and manufactured in Korea by Hyundai. It sports four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cam, generating 130 hp with 90 percent of peak torque produced at the relatively low engine speed of 2300 rpm.
Direct acting components -- like the distributorless ignition system, toothed timing belt and chain or self-adjusting hydraulic valve lash adjusters -- trim the number of valvetrain parts and set up maintenance-free operation.
To stem engine vibrations and noise from intruding on Elantra's passengers, the powerplant rides in a special cast aluminum support web which resists torsional movement.
Even a quick spin around the block will let you know that Elantra does a superior job of controlling noise and vibration -- which is a hallmark of luxury vehicles. New high-tech insulation materials surround the passenger compartment, while a new 2-piece instrument panel resists squeaks and rattles.
That new suspension system also isolates noises.
What's unusual about Elantra's suspension design rests with the use of flexible steel subframes fore and aft upon which components for suspension, steering and transmission have been attached. Such a sophisticated design, rarely found in price-conscious products, further blocks noises when traveling over bumps and rough road irregularities, then evens the ride quality by absorbing energy.
Suspension particulars include front MacPherson struts with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and in the rear a multi-link design with stabilizer bar.
Most noteworthy effects of the suspension subframes show up when you stomp on accelerator or brake pedal because Elantra checks the typical compact sedan's annoying habits of squat and dive with hard braking or rapid take-off.
Elantra's new speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering system also contributes to the car's improved handling. Mounting the steering gear box directly on the front suspension's subframe dampens tendencies to shimmy and shake, and ultimately produces a better feel of the road surface for the driver.
The power-assisted brake system utilizes big 14-inch ventilated discs in front, with rear drums on base models and solid discs added to the GLS upgrade. Anti-lock brakes coupled with a 4-channel design becomes an important safety option on GLS.
Yet all Elantras now provide a long list of safety equipment, beginning with dual airbags for front seat riders. Integrated structural components encompass front and rear crumple zones, steel bracing in side doors, and reinforced roof and engine bulkhead.
Elantra's interior, with room for five due to the twin front bucket seats and 3-person bench in back, measures larger than its predecessor, reflecting increases in wheelbase, overall length and track.
The station wagon also seats five and contains a generous cargo bay behind the second seatback, which splits and folds twice in both base and GLS versions.
Overall interior volume of the wagon exceeds 126 cubic feet, ranking Elantra at the top of its class.
Despite all of these improvements, Hyundai has held the line on pricing to make Elantra a significant value.
1996 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
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| 1996 HYUNDAI ELANTRA VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact sedan, wagon |
| Model Options: |
Compact sedan, wagon |
| Wheelbase: |
100.4 inches |
| Overall Length: |
Sedan: 174.0 inches
Wagon: 175.2 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 1.8-L I4 16v
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/drum,
GLS: Power 4-disc/opt. ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
24/32 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 11,500 to $ 16,000 |
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