Revamped Elantra set to join small-car stampede

Small cars achieved a victory of David-versus-Goliath proportions by comprehensively outselling their formerly omnipotent large-car counterparts in 2005, but a bigger drubbing is in store this year.

Why? It’s all about product. An all-new Honda Civic has already fortified the small-car ranks, as has Nissan’s Pulsar-replacing Tiida. And the next combatant limbering up to enter the arena is the revamped Hyundai Elantra, revealed at the recent New York Auto Show.

The compact Korean is due to land in Oz in the third quarter of this year, following in the wheeltracks of a horde of Hyundai newcomers -- the Sonata (launched last year), Grandeur (recently introduced) and imminent new Accent and Santa Fe.

Going on the form of the accomplished Sonata, it’s reasonable to expect greatly improved levels of refinement and safety from the new Elantra, which replaces a car that’s been around since 2001 (albeit with a few subsequent upgrades).

The safety story will be headlined by a raft of six airbags -- front, side and curtain -- as well as active front head restraints that are designed to minimise whiplash injuries in rear-enders. Active safety (the ability to avoid an accident in the first place) will benefit from four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce distribution).

Hyundai boasts the new model has a 49 per cent stiffer body than its predecessor, which should translate to tauter handling and greater refinement. As is the case with the existing car, the new Elantra features all-independent suspension and rack-and-pinion steering.

Propulsion is provided by a carryover 2.0-litre four with variable valve timing, and this unit is good for 103kW and 186Nm. Drive is relayed to the front wheels by a five-speed manual or optional four-speed auto.

Expect pricing to start just under the $20K mark.