Wheels Magazine 
June, 2004
Hyundai Elantra Elite
If the Elantra Elite came from a fast-food joint, it would be a burger with the lot. Its variable-valve-timed engine claims the most power and torque, plus there's leather, MP3 audio, and an occupant-sensing passenger airbag, all garnished with a sick-boy rear wing. Pity the driving experience nowhere near matches the equipment level.
The Elantra shows that drivetrain, chassis, and interior refinements don't come cheap.
Pitch it into corners and Elantra's front end pushes as its nose kneels, with excessive body roll, tyres wailing like sirens. It's difficult to derive any real driving pleasure from such an unresponsive chassis and steering that's inconsistently weighted and suffering from a feel of general woodenness.
You're also left wondering where the Elantra's healthy power output went. It's grumbly and lacking in urge down low, and while it hauls above 5000rpm, it makes plenty of noise doing it. Driven hard, it guzzles fuel.
Ride quality and brakes are second rate, and details are poor. Levers clash if you grab reverse when the handbrake's engaged, and interior finish is amateur.
Elantra has its good points, like room (except for rear head space) and a big boot, but not enough to avoid a wooden spoon.
* Read more about the Hyundai Elantra here.
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