Pathological test drives a Hyundai Elantra (Used)

The compact sedan segment is flooded with options to choose from. Which kind of sucks considering that hatchbacks and wagons are far superior in both style and versatility. But for those who prefer the three-box design, the Hyundai Elantra maybe one of those options worth looking further into. If a Toyota Corolla doesn’t tickle your fancy.

The Elantra offers three engine options; the standard 2-liter four-cylinder offers decent flexibility and will be the engine that mainstream Elantras come equipped with. Eco models get a 1.4 turbocharged four-cylinder. It doesn’t have as much horsepower as the 2-liter but it makes up for that with 156lb-ft torque available at a low 1400rpm for more flexibility around town and on the highway. Plus this engine running costs are much lower than the 2-liter. Those who want a bit more sport will find the 1.6 turbo engine offers plenty of get up and go punch. It’s odd that this engine isn’t offered in the Limited trim as well, considering that the Limited trim is the most expensive of the range.

The Elantra we had as a tester for majority of the review was the Eco model which was the most impressive of the range. It didn’t feel sluggish at all and the engine’s high torque means that acceleration is pretty peppy considering a 128hp vs 147hp deficit. Handling is more on the neutral side and steering is almost as if it just lost all communication from the front wheels. There’s almost no feedback when desired and doesn’t really encourage you to drive enthusiastically, which sucks even more because the Sport trim begs for a firmer suspension and better steering.  Refinement is actually quite good, there’s almost no wind and road noise to complain of. The seven-speed automatic in our tester car isn’t all that great but it really isn’t a deal breaker either.

One thing that I loathe about sedans is that they are very awkwardly designed and it makes parking such a chore. The Elantra however isn’t really the case here. It’s compact size makes parking pretty easy, with visibility being quite good. The front seats aren’t all that comfortable though and the infotainment system can be a little fussy at times, but it’s not all bad news. The rear seat does offer decent space for three and the boot space is generous too, but the old fashioned trunk hinges does eat into cargo space. Interior materials used are good and overall feel of the plastics used aren’t completely rubbish, but they aren’t the best either.

SE trim comes standard with Driver’s Blind spot mirror, remote keyless entry with alarm and driver’s knee airbag. Value Edition adds dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and hands-free smart trunk. Eco trim adds a 7-speed automatic, automatic headlight control, rearview parking camera and push button ignition switch. Sport adds LED taillights, sport front seats with leather seating surfaces and sporty exterior styling. Limited trim gets LED daytime running lamps, dual charging USB ports, Android/Apple CarPlay integration, blind spot detection and 7-inch infotainment display.

The Elantra does offer good value for the money. It may not be as sharp to drive as the Mazda 3 or as roomy as a Volkswagen Jetta. But for the money you are getting a pretty good vehicle overall, we just wish the Sport trim had better steering feedback and the Limited Trim came with the 1.6 turbo also. The Elantra however is worthy of your short list if a small sedan is a must.

Likes: Great value for the money, Eco trim has lowest running costs. It’s hard to fault it.

Dislikes: Resale value is still iffy. Limited trim hard to justify with no turbo engine, and when you compare it to the Value Edition it makes even less sense. Steering feedback could be better.

Devon’s Pick: We’d choose the Eco model because it’s decently priced, offers low running costs and seems like the better deal. However, the Value Edition is also worth considering too if you can’t justify the Limited trim. 

(Remember) Helping Ms. Indecisive: Hyundai Elantra Variants

Picking a car can be quite challenging. The first thing you always want to keep in mind is your needs vs your wants. You always want to pick a car that will meet your demands. Never pick a car that you know down the road will be too impractical or won't fit your daily livestyle. I am here to help Ms Decisive pick which vehicle will suit her best. 

Photo provided by

Raul Gonzalez

Hyundai Elantra Sedan 

There's no getting around the alluring style of the newest generation Elantra. Long gone are the days in which you'd buy a Hyundai because they were cheap and that was it. The new Elantra is stylish, and still offers tons of value for money. In sedan form, the Elantra offers tons of room and practicality. It's not as spacious or versatile as the hatchback form, but it does have a more spacious rear seat if you want to carry extra passengers. In standard form you get air-con, power windows, keyless entry and cd-player standard. You'll have to step up to the top of the range to get keyless start, 17inch alloy wheels and navigation system. These features however you'll have to pay extra for. 

Compared to the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla the Elantra sedan is a better choice. You get more power and extra luxury bits that both vehicles don't offer. Plus it's not as bland and dull to drive. 

Likes: Spacious interior for four, stylish exterior looks with plenty of value for money. 

Dislikes: Feels like it trades style for substance, road noise at highway speeds. 

Photo provided by

Raul Gonzalez

Hyundai Elantra Coupe 

The Elantra Coupe is the sleek and stylish offering in the Elantra range. Compared to the Honda Civic Coupe and Volkswagen Golf. The Elantra Coupe has a sleeker profile and the overall image gives the impression that this is sportier than a GTI. However, you'll be surprised that the level of excitement doesn't really match the sporty looks. The engine is geared more towards fuel economy rather than sport. So your trade off is that you get great gas mileage but no excitement behind the wheel which is disappointing. 

Picking the Elantra Coupe is a no brainer here. If you want a sleeker version of the Elantra and don't really care too much about passengers, than this is obviously the better choice. It's just disappointing that it isn't fun to drive like the looks suggest. 

Likes: Much more sleeker looking than the sedan form, still carries the value for money factor well. 

Dislikes: Looks sporty but feels like it's aimed towards fuel efficiency. A turbo version would broaden it's appeal even more. 

The Hyundai Elantra GT isn't shaped like the funky fastback of the previous generation. Instead it switches to a more conventional hatchback that is similar to the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit. All three versions come with the 1.8-liter four-cylinder 148hp which is pretty zippy for what it is. In hatchback form the Elantra GT offers a roomier interior for extra luggage. Compared to the coupe and the sedan it costs more than both. If you need the extra practicality and space the Elantra GT is the perfect choice. 

Likes: Extra space for utility and practicality. Fuel efficient and stylish. 

Dislikes: Extra premium over the coupe and sedan. 

Devon M 

Options to consider when looking at the 320i sedan

Better than a 3-series (320i) sedan.
Here are our top five picks for vehicles we think are better than the 320i.



Mazda 3 Grand Touring ($27,561*)
We love the Mazda 3 as it’s fun to drive, has an excellent interior and refined powertrain. The Grand Touring trim offers all the bells and whistles and still comes in at a price well below $40k. It’s pretty hard to fault the Mazda 3 here considering that it has a more potent 2.5 four-cylinder and the 3-series has a 2-liter turbo making 5hp shy of the Mazda 3. Also, the fact that it gets lower running costs and is cheaper to own. You can choose between a sedan and hatchback for added versatility.



Subaru Impreza Limited ($30,619*)
The Mazda 3 doesn’t offer all-wheel-drive and well for those who might want all-wheel-drive will love the Impreza. It may not have the flexible four-cylinder that the Mazda 3 comes with but it surely does have low running costs for a car equipped with all-wheel-drive, and the top of the range Limited Trim is very well equipped. Subaru is known for excellent build quality which should help deter you away from the 320i.



Honda Civic Touring ($27,475*)
Full-LED headlights, navigation system, heated front seats and a turbo engine that’s actually quite good. The Civic Touring offers great value for the money and should be another option worth considering if you are looking at a 320i. You may not get the all-wheel-drive like the Subaru Impreza but for many it isn’t a deal breaker. However, our only gripe is that the infotainment system is fiddly to operate.



Volkswagen GTI SE ($34,840*)
The GTI seems like the most expensive of the bunch so far but you get a thumping turbo engine that’s more powerful than the 320i (220hp vs 180hp) and also you get more standard kit than you would with the 320i. Plus, it’s one of the best hot hatches money can buy. Sure you can buy a Focus St but the Focus ST isn’t as refined as the GTI and isn’t as comfortable to drive as a daily vehicle. We love how the interior is so much more refined and also the fact that you get hatchback practicality. How could you say no to this?



Hyundai Elantra Sport ($24,330*)
This maybe the cheapest on the list but it surely isn’t short on standard kit and fun. The 1.6 turbo found in this is the same one from the Soul which pumps out 201hp and you can have it with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed auto gearbox. Flexibility with this turbo engine is far better than the Impreza and even the Civic but handling is more on the neutral side along with the steering feedback which is almost lifeless. We surely do recommend this on the list of vehicles that you can buy other than a 320i simply because it has the features to back up the price and the performance as well. How can anyone say no to 201hp?

BMW 320i (2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 180hp)
Mazda 3 (2.5-liter four-cylinder, 185hp)
Subaru Impreza (2-liter four-cylinder, 152hp)
Honda Civic (1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 174hp)
Hyundai Elantra (1.6-turbocharged four-cylinder, 201hp)