Hyundai Elantra 4 doors 2003 - 2006 sedan

We will evaluate without discounts

Two and a half hours of the flight to Hungary, where the test drive of the updated Hyunde Elantra had to be thought, allowed to reflect a little. The Asian crisis of 1997 led to radical changes in the economy and industry of Korea, including the automotive industry. Huge financial groups - Cheboles divided into separate production. Hyunde Motor, who has come out of the Hyunde holding, is perhaps the most successful. At the end of 1998, she acquired a bankrupt kia. The activity of the alliance of former competitors in cooperation with a long -standing ally of Mitsubishi (she has 9% of Hyunde Motor shares) and the new strategic partner of the Daimler -Coisler (10% of the shares) turned out to be very effective: two -thirds of the cars produced in Korea - this is Hyunde and Kia. The local market is close to saturation, which makes you actively seek export paths. But to win the sympathies and trust of the sophisticated Western consumer is a very difficult task. What about the Russian market?
To some extent, a test drive was supposed to answer this.
The new Elantra with two types of bodies - a four -door sedan and a five -door hatchback -, as it were, in contrast to modern avant -garde forms, retained classic proportions, usually characteristic of large cars. It is not surprising - the machine is addressed to customers from 30 to 50. Having abandoned the fashionable in the past, but faceless bio -design and adding characteristic lines and design elements, the stylists managed to give the appearance of the machine expressiveness and individuality. However, not only the appearance - the frontal resistance coefficient was reduced from 0.333 to 0.313. Almost impeccable fitting and coloring of external panels is already a good application for a worthy place among competitors. It's nice that they did not save on rubber moldings in a circle - in the city this is an absolutely necessary thing. To match the appearance and decoration of the salon. The color scheme of the solid soft plastic of the instrument panel, upholstery of seats and doors is carefully selected. External dimensions increased slightly due to new bumper, but the internal size of the cabin has not changed. But comfort was added in the GLS top configuration, where leather seats with perforation and a fashionable combination of instruments with blue backlight and the flight comprehensive compliance are installed.
The dimensions are not harsh, but quite comfortable seats are designed for tall people, and the driver's pillow has additional adjustments in both the angle of inclination and in height. Against this background, as for granted, the adjustment of the steering wheel is perceived, but the spacious and comfortable pedal node caused a pleasant surprise. Few cars from the country of morning freshness are convenient for owners of 45-sized boots. A full electric package, air conditioning, an audio system, armrests with cup holders, boxes and pockets for small things - only a brief list of comfort elements.
The test elanters were equipped with a gasoline 140-horsepower 2-liter engine with adjustable gas distribution phases and a 110-horsepower turbodiesel. Gearboxes - five -speed mechanical or four -speed machines. Possible equipment and less powerful engines. So, it is planned to supply an elapse to Russia with a 103-horsepower 1.6-liter power unit.
The dynamics of acceleration even a 2-liter gasoline version is not the most outstanding, but it is enough to safely maneuver in a dense traffic flow, and for overtaking on loaded routes. The diesel Hyunde is calmer and significantly more economical than gasoline. In general, with both engine, the Elantra power supply is sufficient. This feeling is confirmed by the fact that it is necessary to press the pedal on the floor with intense movement, and on autobahns at speeds of 160-180 km/h/h
In terms of stability and controllability, pleasant changes have occurred. Re-tuned pendants, McEferson in front and multi-link behind, along with improving the characteristics of the steering brought positive results. The rolls and wagons decreased, the delay in the reaction of the car to rotate the steering wheel decreased. The accuracy of control in corners increased due to a more natural increase in force on the steering wheel.
All -season dimensions of the dimension 185/65R15 (standard equipment) are quite confidently holding the road both on dry and wet coating. But temperamental fans of fast driving will rather like lower -sized dimensions of 195/60R15. An increased level of management security is supported by the anti -wings system and ABS included in the serial equipment.
The creators of Enntra worked on a decrease in internal noise. A tin-flashing sound disappeared when closing the doors. The noise of the engine begins to clearly listen only at speeds above the average, without becoming tedious and annoying, which is important with prolonged movement on high -speed routes. By the way, additional convenience in this situation will provide cruise control. But this is already additional equipment for gasoline versions.
Hyunde specialists paid special attention to passive safety. Work on it is carried out constantly. It is no coincidence that both the previous Elantra and the Santa Fe all-terrain vehicle received the highest assessment based on the results of the Crash test conducted by the American Road Security Institute among all Japanese and American models. In the updated Elanter, not only frontal, but also side pillows for the driver and the front passenger are provided.
I must admit that the image of Korean cars over the past few years has changed significantly - thanks to new technological achievements and another approach to creating and improving the produced models. This is also confirmed by acquaintance with the new version of Elantra. We are no longer about cheap and not very reliable machines for an unpretentious consumer. The quality, comfort, safety and reliability of Koreans allow them to successfully compete in the American market: in 2002, Hyunde sales in the United States grew by 37%! The share of exports to EU countries is also significant: it reaches 30% of cars produced in Korea.
How the updated Elantra will be accepted in the Russian market will tell time. The start of sales is scheduled for the fall of this year. The estimated price of the basic, quite rich configuration, which includes air conditioning, ABS, pillow for the driver and an audio system, the central lock and electric windows - from 13 thousand dollars - a significant argument in favor of the Korean.

Convenient layout of the driver's seat.

Original design of the instrument panel.

A spacious interior of a compact car. There is enough half -pea - there is an encouraging supply under his foot.

 
Anatoly Karpenkov. Photo Hyundai

A source: The magazine "Driving"