Hyundai Elantra Elite

Australians have long had a love affair with hatchback vehicles.
However most manufacturers make sedan versions as well, and that's a good thing. Many buyers prefer the separate boot that sedans provide.
This is Hyundai's offering in the small car segment, the Elantra, and it is a standout.
Swooping, sleek, clean styling, aided by an upgrade to the headlights, ensure that the car shines above the more mundane. In short, I like the look of the thing very much. Build quality is excellent.
Korean engineers have worked hard to adapt the Elantra's suspension to local conditions and they've done an impressive job.
The Elantra Elite on test here has one of the most comfortable rides of any car I've driven regardless of price. It soaks up road irregularities with amazing compliance. It's not floaty nor too hard, unlike some of its popular rivals.
 It really hits the comfort and handling sweet spot.
You will be as impressed as I was with this development, if you take one on an extended test drive.
The Elantra handles corners with a verve you wouldn't expect from such a car. It's flat and neutral with just a hint of understeer.
Fire up the 1.8 litre petrol engine and you will be hard pressed to know it's running unless you glance at the tachometer. It's that smooth and silent.
The refinement of the 110kw,178 nm engine is evident even when accelerating hard. There's no mechanical thrashing from under the bonnet even at the upper revs.On the open road the engine will impress you with its sophistication. You'll think you're in something much more expensive.  
It's one of the best engines in the segment for performance and near silent operation. 
The Elite model is fitted with a six speed automatic gearbox with "manual override" for selecting gears.      
The only minor issue I found with it, was when using cruise control on the highway and also around town, which I often do,the gearbox will hunt between gears a little too often. Other than that it works a treat.   

The headlights are much better than most. Bright on low and high beam, with good spread and penetration.

                                                               

Small cars are not that small anymore as most of you will have noticed.

The Elantra has plenty of room inside, almost nudging the next segment up in this respect. 

Head room, even in the rear seat for my 6'3" frame, was fine and with the driver's seat adjusted for me, there was still plenty of leg room behind it for a rear seat passenger. 
The overall driving position is very good.. A tilt and telescoping steering wheel and height adjustable seat make finding the right spot easy.
The seats are very comfortable,with just the right amount of side bolstering when pressing on through tight corners.

The dashboard layout is good, and there are plenty of soft touch surfaces.
The Elantra Elite comes standard with a few goodies.They include folding wing mirrors, sun visor vanity lights. reversing camera, (and sensors) cruise control, auto lights and wipers, sat-nav , keyless entry and start and bluetooth connectivity, 
There's also adjustable steering feel, via a button on the wheel. Comfort, Normal  and Sport.
You choose which you like best.
You will notice a real but subtle difference in each setting, to the amount of effort you need to turn the tiller. 
The only minor flaw in the whole package, is there are no air vents for rear seat passengers. 

The boot is large and there's a full sized spare in there as well. A cargo net helps secure the load.
The Elantra is Hyundai's biggest seller worldwide, and it's easy to see why.
It's smart looking, comfortable,capable, economical, well equipped and roomy.
Don't overlook the Elantra if you're in the market for a small sedan.
If you want comfort, refinement and features, well above what you'd expect in a car of this price, the Elantra should be on your list.
The Elite model retails for just under 27K.
It ticks all the right boxes for me.
Peter Sellen