Vehicle: 2007 Hyundai Elantra Comfort Plus Auto
Price as tested: CDN$21740

Performance: The Elantra is powered by a single powertrain. This DOHC 16-valve 2.0 liter mill is good for 138 horses and 136 lb/ft of torque. While its not the best-in-class horsepower and torque, this engine certainly get its job done nicely. Hyundai’s latest engine technologies already able to rivalled the bests from Japan, namely Honda and Toyota. The same goes for this 2 liter motor. Both the refinement and NVH are simply top-notch consider how much you are paying for this Elantra. Just like every Hyundai motors, however, its the top-end that is slowly breathless even with the advanced variable valve timing. The 4-speed automatic is a willing partner to this motor. The shifts are smooth and refined, however, it tends to be too easily to slip from 4th to 3rd even with the gated shifter. Although that is a minor pet peeve, it remains a criticism because this flawed design has been incorporated into Hyundai for last 2 generations already.

Handling: Even with new Elantra’s strong and sound chassis, its suspension setting remains more focus on comfort than handling. Fortunately, Hyundai engineers are able to infuse the European suppleness into its suspension and rebound damping. As we have experienced in many Hyundais, the European-influenced is very obvious when it comes to supple riding quality and bump absorption. Dynamically speaking, Elantra remains a capable car despite its comfort-oriented tuning. Yes, there are safe understeer and body rolls are quite obvious. But its a capable little car through twisties. Unfortunately, there is a major drawback and that has to do with its steering. The electic power steering’s low-speed feedback is weird. Its not only does it feels lousy at low-speed, its quirkness is something that is very hard to explain. When the speed increases, steering feels more natural to the feedback. I found it oddball when Hyundai engineers used engine rpm instead of engine speed to determine electric power steering’s feel and weight.

Brakes: Another major drawback to Elantra’s rather attractive package is the ABS. Instead of offering it standard across the line, its only available on top trim levels. Only GL Comfort Plus, GL Sport and GLS are able to get ABS as standard. Base trims, GL and GL Comfort, aren’t able to get it even as an option. Criticism of the package aside, Elantra’s pedal feels solid and ABS’s kicks-in absolutely necessary.

Interior: Its not only Elantra’s interior layout is excellent, its use of materials are also top-notch. The execution of fit-and-finish and materials have to be consider as one of the better ones in econocar segment. However, its the seating material that left me wondering. While the velour materials are as comfortable and supportive as anything else out there, its the texture that left a sign of quirkness that is not easily accepted by anyone else. Maybe the weird steering has something to do with the even more interesting velour, or vise versa?!

Conclusion: Without a doubt, this has to be the best Elantra ever made. It got a luxurious ride, rich interior, handles decently and a silky-smooth engine. Its gonna be another homerun from Hyundai.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
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Performance: 3.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5