Hyundai Elantra GLS PZEV
Complaints: There is discernible engine straining and wheezing at speeds in the 60-mph range on low-altitude, straight roads. The car also encounters some breathing difficulties in the mountains.
Ride, acceleration and handling: There is generally good performance in all categories — a bit better than what many of us have come to expect from economy cars.
Head-turning quotient: Easily lost in a crowded parking lot. Attach a brightly colored balloon to the antenna.
Body style/layout: The Elantra is a front-engine, front-wheel-drive economy sedan with four doors and a traditional notchback trunk. There essentially are two trim levels, the tested base GLS and the spiffed-up SE. The PZEV designation is in compliance with the clean-air laws of California, which attempt to be stricter and more effective than the federal government.
Engine/transmission: Standard equipment includes a two-liter, in-line, four-cylinder engine that develops 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 foot-pounds at 4,600 rpm. The engine can be mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
Capacities: There are seats for five. Maximum luggage capacity is 14.2 cubic feet. The Elantra can be equipped to tow up to 1,500 pounds (for those who are willing to pull a load at the expense of slow going, especially on elevated roads). Fuel capacity is 14 gallons of recommended regular unleaded gasoline.
Mileage: The federal government, using 2008 testing procedures, gives it 25 miles per gallon in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which seems to be right on target at this point of the California drive.
Safety: Electronic stability control is standard on the Elantra SE; but it is not available at this writing on the GLS. Standard GLS equipment includes antilock brakes, side and head air bags. This column recommends the SE.
Price: Base price on the 2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS PZEV with automatic transmission is $14,625. Dealer’s invoice price on that model is $14,217. Price as tested is $16,995, including $1,750 in options and a $620 destination charge. A $1,000 rebate to consumers is available at this writing.
