Overview

What's New
A redesigned 2007 Elantra will hit showrooms toward the end of 2006. Meanwhile, the 2006 Elantra lineup gains a new upscale Limited sedan. A new Premium Package consisting of a power sunroof, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, is optional on all models.

Overview
The Elantra is Hyundai's value-oriented entry in the popular compact car segment. All Elantras come with a long list of standard equipment including air conditioning, cruise control, power windows/locks, body-colored door handles and side mirrors (which are heated and have power adjustment), remote keyless entry with panic alarm, height-adjustable driver seat, and a 6-speaker, 100-watt stereo with CD player.

The Elantra is available in two body styles and three trim levels. The four-door sedan is available in GLS and Limited versions, while the 5-door hatchback comes in GLS or sporty GT trim. The Elantra 5-door hatchback features four-wheel disc brakes in place of the sedan's front disc/rear drum setup. All Elantras have four-wheel independent suspension; hatchbacks get a firmer setup with stiffer anti-roll bars (front and rear) to increase handling capabilities. The GT hatch is differentiated from the GLS by alloy wheels, fog lights, body-colored rear spoiler, and a black grille. GLS sedans and hatchbacks have a chrome grille, while the Limited gets a unique vertical-bar design. The Limited sedan includes fog lights, leather seats, and wood-grain interior trim. The aforementioned Premium Package, consisting of a power sunroof, anti-lock brakes, and traction control, is the sole option across the board.

Power for all Elantras comes from a 2.0L, four-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts, 16 valves, and continuously variable intake valve timing. Output is 138 hp and 136 lb.-ft. of torque, and the engine meets ULEV (Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) standards. States that conform to California emissions standards get a SULEV (Super Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle) version with an output of 132 hp and 133 lb.-ft. of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, a 4-speed automatic is optional on GLS and GT, and the automatic is standard on Limited and SULEV versions. EPA fuel economy ratings are 27 mpg city/34 highway for the 5-speed manual, and 24 mpg city/32 highway for the automatic. The Elantra, like all models from Hyundai, is covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain coverage.

The Competition
Rising gas prices have brought sweeping changes to the Compact Conventional segment where Elantra competes. Though once seen as entry-level transportation, cars in this segment are becoming increasingly sophisticated and well-equipped.

According to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM 2005 calendar-year sales in this segment were led by the Honda Civic (308,415 units), followed by the Toyota Corolla (244,032) and Chevrolet Cobalt (212,667). The Elantra's 116,336 sales put it just behind the Ford Focus and Nissan Sentra. Other competitors include the Toyota Prius and Matrix, Volkswagen Golf (Rabbit), Jetta and New Beetle, Saturn ION, Mazda 3, Pontiac Vibe, Kia Spectra, MINI Cooper, Suzuki Forenza, and Honda Insight.