HYUNDAI’S climb up the quality latter scales another significant rung with the Korean maker’s fourth-generation Elantra, the latest sedan to join the melting pot of Australia’s overcrowded small-car market. A sharp $19,990 price-point, a strong standard feature list, pleasingly unique styling, impressive refinement and Hyundai’s five-year/130,000km warranty give the new Elantra plenty of ammunition in its quest to emulate the aged Toyota Corolla’s enduring popularity. And the availability of stability control across the small-car range is commendably significant. But with hatch, wagon and – eventually – coupe-convertible bodystyles still at least a year away, there’s plenty riding on Hyundai’s small-medium sedan prize-fighter.

Hyundai XD Elantra
Released: October 00
Ended: September 06
Family Tree: ElantraHyundai’s previous (XD-series) Elantra was available in five-door hatch and four-door sedan bodystyles from its Australian launch here in October 2000. Powered by a 94kW/165Nm 1.8-litre four, the range comprised GL and GLS variants, priced either side of $20,000. The XD was facelifted three years later in October 2003, when a new 105kW/186Nm 2.0-litre engine came as standard in a line-up that comprised base, HVT and Elite sedan and hatch variants, which continued to be available with either five-speed manual or four-speed auto transmissions.
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