2012 hyundai elantra manual review


















Hyundai intended to take the Elantra in a "sporty and modern" design direction this time, and we think it succeeded—this new compact sedan looks, from some side angles, like it's about to leap forward. The level of detailing for the Elantra's exterior is particularly noteworthy. Up close, the front marker lights extend to a point almost directly over the front wheel center—and to the front of the cowl—and the windshield that looks like it might possibly be the steepest of any small car. Take another step back and there's an entirely new dimension—as the deep crease from beside the headlamps softens as it continues all the way to the C-pillar and that prominent, rising shoulder line emerges from smooth sheetmetal just inches behind the lipped wheelwells.

The new, all-aluminum 'Nu' engine is a major advance in itself. Its idle quality is glassy-smooth, and it never reaches that coarse, buzzy range that makes so many small fours unbearable in their peak powerband. And it's right at home in the 2, to 4, range—where it'll be pretty much whenever you're increasing speed with the six-speed automatic transmission, which will be far more popular than the perfectly fine six-speed manual. On the other hand, ride quality is great, and the Elantra comes with standard four-wheel disc brakes and a firm pedal feel--better than the cost-cut rear-drum setup that's now so common in this class.

Inside, the Elantra is generously sized, though its front seats in particular could be better for long-distance comfort.

In front, there's enough headroom and legroom even with the sunroof , but the seats could use more bolstering and support, as well as longer lower cushions. The front seats of some models have slightly elevated sides, as if there's some support, but it's just a tease. To be fair, it's about par for this class, with only the Jetta providing more headroom. While rear-seat heaters are on the options list—kudos for being first ever in this class—there are no true backseat heater vents also like most vehicles in this class.

The leather that's available is perforated in a wave pattern and won't be mistaken for luxury hide, but it feels supple enough.

Throughout the interior, you'll find plastics that are about par for the class--a mix of hard, scuff-resistant and soft-touch surfaces--and there are lots of useful cubbies and storage bins, including a covered one that sits ahead of the shift lever: it also contains the aux jack, a power point, and the USB port in an easy to reach module, perfect for connecting smartphones..

The Elantra soaks up road noise better than most small cars in part because of its soft suspension calibration , and at 70 mph it's not much different than in a four-cylinder mid-size sedan. In IIHS testing, the Elantra lands the Top Safety Pick accolade, including top 'good' ratings in all categories of testing--including the new roof-strength test.

But in the federal tests, the Elantra only managed three stars in frontal impact despite top five-star results in both side impact and the rigorous side-pole test. Among budget-priced compact cars, not all safety equipment is always standard stability control, for instance is sometimes optional in this class. But it's all here and standard across the model line: stability control; anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist; a new Steering Effort Assist system that helps steer you back toward stability and control in a skid; front seat-mounted side airbags; and front and rear side-curtain bags.

A rearview camera system is also available, although outward visibility is quite good. All Elantras come with a feature set that makes it one of the best-equipped base vehicles in the segment.

The Limited model adds a sunroof, leather seats and trim, heated front and rear seats, fog lamps, mirror-mounted turn signals, and inch alloy wheels with Continental tires. Top options on the Elantra Limited, all part of a Premium Package, bring the nav system, premium audio, and proximity key entry and push-button start.

Bluetooth and audio streaming are standard, too, and a rearview camera comes with the navigation system. Hyundai boasts that the nav system has the largest screen size in this class.

For the price, its beautiful. To help make the whole ordeal of supply and demand a little easier for all involved, the new Elantra is being offered in just seven build combinations. The down side of this strategy is that there are still holes; you can't, for instance, get the navigation system if you want a manual transmission. Also, oddly, Hyundai makes the telescopic adjustment optional on manual-transmission cars, however, as as part of a Popular Equipment Package.

If fuel economy matters, and you're considering the Hyundai Elantra, there's no reason to go hunting around the dealership for the one vehicle that has a special package. All Elantras come with official EPA fuel economy ratings of 28 mpg city, 38 mpg highway. Considering that most of a vehicles lifetime carbon footprint is related to fuel use—and Hyundai is including things like aerodynamic tweaks and tall gearing on all cars, it makes the Elantra a very green model line.

There has been controversy and complaint over the Elantra's fuel-economy ratings. Many owners are finding they're unable to meet the mpg highway numbers. In ordinary driving, we've noticed numbers that are in the same range as those of other vehicles in this class--about 34 mpg combined in an extended drive, exceeding the EPA Combined rating by 1 mpg. And we've seen close to the EPA highway rating in a real-world Interstate cruise.

The one major tradeoff for the diet that the Elantra was placed on, to optimize mileage, is that there's no spare tire--not even a porta-spare. Electronic brakeforce distribution, a tire pressure monitoring system and an antitheft system also come standard. Owners note that the Elantra has a number of positive selling points, including its overall value, styling, performance and safety features.

They especially like the car's interior and exterior styling, smooth-shifting transmission, firmly planted ride and easy-to-use technology features.

The seats, especially when wrapped in leather, are comfortable for longer trips, and owners like the overall upscale feel of the cabin. However, the Elantra's fuel economy numbers get mixed reviews from owners. While some report that gas mileage for their Elantras averages in the mid to high 30s, and some even say they have achieved mileage numbers of over 40 mpg, many report the opposite and express some frustration with the fuel economy numbers of their vehicles, which they say hover around 30 mpg during daily driving.

In fact, the fuel economy rating for the Elantra remains its most controversial feature for On the positive side, many owners compare their vehicles in a positive way to competitors from such manufacturers as BMW, Honda and Toyota, and overall owners are happy with their purchase. He currently resides in California. Each ranking was based on 9 categories. Here is the summary of top rankings. A couple times this and last week I would start my car started fine , but when I would drive it there was a few times i would stop at a stop sign or light and the oil, battery and check engine lig A couple times last and this week, I would start my car started fine , once I start driving and stop at a stop sign or red light and the oil, battery and check engine lights would come on.

The ca Dealer Signup. Prequalify for Financing How does it work? Loan Calculator. General Questions. Review The Good With its stylish exterior lines, class-leading list of standard and optional features, impressive fuel-economy numbers and overall good value, the Hyundai Elantra compact sedan remains firmly entrenched near the top of its automotive class.

The Bad The Elantra's few blemishes include the quality of its interior materials, which don't quite live up to class standards, and its sometimes-noisy cabin, as well as limited visibility out the back, due to the triangular shape of the rear windows.

The CarGurus View Although it remains essentially the same car as the version, the Elantra continues to draw overwhelming positive comments from reviewers and owners alike. At a Glance After receiving a full redesign in , the Hyundai Elantra gains only a few minor updates for Updated Jun 20, What's your take on the Hyundai Elantra? Have you driven a Hyundai Elantra? Rank This Car. Cars compared to Hyundai Elantra. Have questions? Ask a question. Browse questions. Favorite Favorite.

Hyundai Elantra Experts. There's plenty of headroom and legroom for tall drivers. Once inside, the back seat is tolerable for tall passengers, making this a great car for college students, though the sedan's fastback roof doesn't offer the rear-seat headroom of a hatchback. All models behave the same, so choosing a model comes down to deciding which features you want.

We think the lower-level models offer the best value. The Hyundai Elantra comes in two trim levels, all powered by a 1. Note: The Elantra Touring hatchback is based on the previous-generation version and is not related to the current Elantra sedan.

Safety features that come standard include front, front-side and side-curtain airbags, and electronic stability control with Vehicle Stability Control, antilock brakes, brake assist, and traction control. The optional rearview camera improves safety by helping the driver spot children and pedestrians when backing up.

Note: Elantra Touring is a hatchback wagon based on the previous-generation Elantra. For impressions of the Touring model, see our review of the Hyundai Elantra; the wagon hasn't changed since then. All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices, which do not include destination charge and may change at any time without notice.

We get it. Ads can be annoying. But ads are also how we keep the garage doors open and the lights on here at Autoblog - and keep our stories free for you and for everyone. And free is good, right? If you'd be so kind as to allow our site, we promise to keep bringing you great content.

Thanks for that.



0コメント

  • 1000 / 1000