A SCULPTED SEDAN
The compact four-door’s swoopy lines cloaked a spacious interior
Safe bets make up a mighty proportion of Australian new car purchases. For evidence, look at Hyundai and Kia and their march up the sales charts courtesy of value, long warranties and growing reputations for reliability.
When the fifth generation MD Hyundai Elantra compact sedan arrived in June 2011 it filled the safe bet bill and looked pretty sharp too thanks to its “Fluidic Sculpture” styling from California.
The four-door with a decent family-sized boot was good value when new and today holds up as a sound used buy with few faults reported, decent equipment levels and good fuel economy.
There was a pleasing engine and chassis package, too, thanks to an Australia-specific ride and handling tune by Hyundai’s talented local engineering team.
Basic Elantras cost a smidgen over $20,000 before on-road charges when new, and today these can be had for less than $10K, although early cars are now out of warranty.
It’s worth paying a few grand extra to score a higher grade Elantra with some manufacturer warranty remaining. The real targets, if dearer, are the 2014 and later Series II cars with improved style, technology and driveability.
Most have reasonably low kilometres on the clock, showing the Elantra’s popularity with town drivers, especially from the more mature demographic.
From 2011 the three grades were the base Active, mid-spec Elite or more luxe Premium, all powered by the same 1.8-litre four-cylinder (110kW/178Nm).
The Active was six-speed manual, with a sixspeed auto a $2000 option. Auto was standard on the Elite and Premium.
Key specification for the Active included USB/iPod connectivity, Bluetooth hands-free, steering wheel audio controls and cruise control. It looked a bit plain Jane on 15-inch steel wheels.
The Elite had 16-inch alloys, premium steering wheel, piano black finish for the centre console, auto climate control aircon, auto headlights and wipers, push button start, smart key, front fog lamps and rear park assist.
To that impressive list, the Premium added leather/leatherette trim, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, sunroof, reverse camera (displayed in the rear view mirror), dark chrome grille and 17-inch alloys.
All grades came with six airbags and fivestar safety. The spare was full-size and fuel economy was up there with the best in class.
The Series II from January 2014 brought a new chrome grille, fog lights for all and new alloy wheel designs.
Actives now had a five-inch touchscreen, rear parking sensors and chilled glovebox. The Elite and Premium package included seveninch touchscreen, satnav and rear-view camera, the Premium also scoring rear air vents and brighter headlights with surrounding LEDs.
The local suspension tune was recalibrated and there was sharper steering response thanks to the Aussie-specific Flex Steer, making these Elantras surprisingly talented things to drive.
From launch the model was praised for its five-year warranty, 420L boot, decent cabin space and equipment levels.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The Elantra’s cabin still looks modern enough (especially if you get a Series II model) but some owners have said they aren’t wearing too well with age: hard plastics scratch easily and floor carpets wear away if mats haven’t been used.
On the plus side, there have been no major common faults reported by owners (such as engines or gearboxes failing) although poor Bluetooth connectivity is well-documented.
Overall most Elantra owners are pleased with their purchase, citing fuel economy, value for money and reliability as key positives. The subtext is that buyers seeking performance and fun should look elsewhere.
There are plenty on the used market, so target one with impeccable service records, low kilometres and, ideally, a careful older driver.
The Elantra was popular as a rental. You can avoid these by checking ownership records. For extra peace of mind, pay that bit extra to buy one with some of the five-year warranty remaining.
IAIN SAYS
Reliable, economical and spacious, the Elantra is one for the head over the heart. Aim for Elite or Premium grade with warranty remaining and you should score a bargain sedan with impressive equipment.