2007 Hyundai Elantra

shado4

What about traction control? Maybe I missed it, but I didn't see any reference to traction control on the 2007 Elantra. My '02 Elantra GT has traction control and it has come in handy on snow covered roads.

Other questions...does anybody know if there are courtesy lights on the doors of the 2007 Elantra? Are all the power window switches still lit at night? I assume the side mirrors will still be heated.

I hope that Hyundai doesn't resort to decontenting the little (but much appreciated) items found on older Elantras in order to keep the price low.

backy

I agree it will hurt the Civic, if it is priced right and scores as well on crash tests as Hyundai implies it will. As for the Mazda3, that depends on how well the new Elantra handles. Crisp handling was not the old Elantra's forte--a smooth ride was.

If the '07 Elantra is 4 mpg overall better, that would put the automatic Elantra at 32 mpg overall, compared to 35 for the Civic. Enough to be competitive. But since we don't know yet what the Hyundai marketeers mean by "4 mpg more", let's wait until the EPA numbers come out before we beat this to death. Also keep in mind what happened to Nissan recently. They announced the new Versa would do 38 mpg combined, but then had to backtrack to 33.

I already mentioned a few posts ago that the torque of the Elantra's engine was one of its better features. Remember, I own two of them and have driven Elantras for almost 6 years. It's not like I hate these cars.

backy

Good catch. One thing I have learned about marketing over the years: if a feature that would make a product stand out amongst its competition (like traction control and heated mirrors) isn't mentioned in a detailed product brief, more likely than not the feature isn't there. But we'll know for sure soon enough.

Unfortunately, Hyundai has already decontent the Elantra: no side strips, much less equipment on the base model etc. Everyone else is doing it, so I'm not too surprised.

shado4

It would be a real shame if Hyundai no longer offers some of the "little" things. It was Hyundai's attention to detail that attracted me to the Elantra in the first place. Heated mirrors, traction control, door courtesy lights, a lighted ignition key cylinder ring, trip computer, fade-to-off interior lights...heck there were lights for every single power door window switch in the cabin, not just the driver's door.

Some of these may be trivial, but the overall effect was one of quality and upscale attributes that were usually only found on cars costing thousands more.

I know decontenting seems to be "normal" for any car company these days, but I am holding out hope that Hyundai will surprise us when the new Elantra finally hits the roads.

jimbeaumi

I've already read reports that everything *except* engines and transmissions are new on this car.

I have to say I am very disappointed with the Corolla styling and the high beltline on the new Elantra. Guess I will save my pennies for the Sonata, and enjoy my '01 Elantra in the meantime.

smith20

It would be a real shame if Hyundai no longer offers some of the "little" things. It was Hyundai's attention to detail that attracted me to the Elantra in the first place. Heated mirrors, traction control, door courtesy lights, a lighted ignition key cylinder ring, trip computer, fade-to-off interior lights...heck there were lights for every single power door window switch in the cabin, not just the driver's door.

I totally agree with you. It would be a real shame if those smaller features you mentioned don't carry over to the new Elantra. I agree that the overall effect of them is actually quite significant, for the same reasons you mention. I don't want to be looking at the new generation of Elantra and be thinking, "what features does this not have compared to my 2004?"

choe13

I'll break it down how hyundai has want to design its cars in my opinion. The accent and sonata were meant to suit more of the north american crowed since hyundai knows those are the biggest markets they need to reach. The azeras and Santa Fe designs are more designed for the korean market, where normal style wont' sell, needing something more dramatic. The elantra falls somewhere in between that, and since everyone accuses hyundai of copying etc, now that can certainly be put to rest. The next tiburon as well will look like the elantra and azeras side profile but equus more like the sonatas conservative style(they know equus won't sell as well compared to the us since its going to be pretty expensive).

Just coming back to topic, i think the elantra looks great, and the overall design especially the side part of the car prob took endless amount of time to perfect. Honestly the civic, mazda 3 look rather bland compare to this cars exterior.

Lastly hyundais engine i believe will churn out 28-29 for city that will be a good improvement of the spectras 25-26. Sounds like then it is quite comparble to the calibres 30mpg 1.8 dual vvt engine that has 140 horses and 120 something torque (dual vvt may not be something hyundai may want to pursure and already have their own cvvt)

snakeweasel

Also, if that new engine, or even the old engine, were tuned for 4 mpg more fuel economy, I would think they would have mentioned that too, if not with numbers then in some other way. Not a word on that.

No manufacturer will make those claims until the EPA comes out with their figures. When The EPA releases its numbers then, and only then, will Hyundai start talking about mileage. Seeing that legally they can only publish EPA estimates.

shado4

I don't want to be looking at the new generation of Elantra and be thinking, "what features does this not have compared to my 2004?"

Exactly! Sure, we'll be getting some new stuff (standard disc brakes, ABS, side curtains), but what will the current Elantra owner lose in the process?

smith20

Nice. I think the rendering would look even better without the gaudy spoiler . . . but I know that's very popular with tuners.

The Elantra in the photo looks great. I look forward to seeing the car in person!

backy

No manufacturer will make those claims until the EPA comes out with their figures.

Nissan did, on the Versa. Really backfired for them, too. Maybe Hyundai learned from their mistake.

Re the photos above, the side scuplting seems to look a lot more pronounced in a lighter color like silver, making the car look more avant-garde than the red car in the publicity photos. I suppose they used red since it is more exciting a color than silver.

backy

make it hard to get around on the page.

Sure doesn't look like a Corolla, does it?

smith20

Corolla:


Elantra:


You're free to draw your own conclusion, but I really have to disagree that the Elantra is some kind of Corolla clone. IMO, it's in a different league, in terms of styling. When I look at these pictures side-by-side, the Corolla looks very antiquated.

smith20

Sure doesn't look like a Corolla, does it?

It's funny that you commented on that at the same time while I was putting those two pictures together for msg #523.

backy

In car terms the Corolla is antiquated. But it will be all-new next year. Maybe Toyota will copy the styling of the Elantra.

smith20

In car terms the Corolla is antiquated. But it will be all-new next year.

I know . . . and I think a side-by-side comparison rubs that fact in. I think it's kind of offensive to the Elantra to say it looks only as good as the old Corolla.

I think the bright red was a poor choice of color at the auto show. I think a light and very reflective color would have really shown off the greatly improved contours.

gogogodzilla

I can't really see how you would think that the Golf wouldn't compete with the Elantra. Even more so since you stated that the Elantra competes with the Jetta.

The VW Golf (or Rabbit, now) is simply the hatchback version of the Jetta. Everything is the same except for the trunk/hatch.

Interior, engine, suspension, front end, etc, etc, etc. - all the same.

But the Elantra competes with the Jetta/Golf, but not the Golf/Jetta???

:confuse:

wolverinejoe80

hatch doesn't do well in america. especially a overpriced hatch with unreliable track record.

shado4

The only real similarities I see between the cars is the grille and, to a lesser extent, the alloy wheels. Other than that, the Elantra looks much more modern and upscale.

Seeing it in a lighter, metallic color makes the Elantra look much better. The bright red color seen at the auto show doesn't do this car justice.

germancarfan1

Yeah, the new golf/rabbit at $14,900 certainly is overpriced

The golf V has been available in Europe for the past 2-3 years and has received very high marks for reliability.

Even so, it has any better reliability than my 2004 Elantra (damn front end shimmy, rotors bad at 18K, accessory belt problems, rattles and squeaks, etc.) I will be happy.

joe97

In my opinion, comparing Golf and Elantra is apples to oranges. I understand where you are coming from but it's more of a market each serves. A sedan buyer wouldn't necessarily cross-shop with a hatch; and vice versa. But, it comes down to your preference.

If I was in the market for a Elantra or equivalent, I would defn. cross-shop with Civic, Corolla, Jetta, Mazda3, Spectra, and other sedans in the class. That said, I like what I see with the Elantra, who knows, I might strike a deal down next year, it seems like a GREAT deal

acronis

I find the argument that the Elantra resembles Corolla both ludicrous and laughable at the same time. A similar argument was made regarding the new Sonata's rear tail light resemblance to the Accord. That's why Accord recently re-designed it. Yeah right.

What we have here is competition envy. The new Elantra looks sophisticated and upscale compared to the current Corolla. No doubt Toyota's re-designed Corolla will be in the current flavor of the new '07 Camry.

The Elantra's interior appears very upmarket and modern. I have to say that I would much prefer to see more consistentcy in Hyundai's interiors. For example the Sonata should have a more upscale looking interior to mirror its upscale exterior.

Hyundai is making strides and delivering on quality and this new Elantra shows it through and through.

smith20

I don't know why the Elantra pictures aren't loading any more on this forum because they were just fine last night. The links are still good and if you copy and load the link directly into your browser you'll see the images properly. For all of you just reading this thread, or haven't visited it in a couple days, I strongly urge you to check out the last few pictures that were posted of the car before making up your mind about its style. It looks very different from the bright red colored one that was unveiled at the NY auto show because you can really see the details of its contour lines.

wolverinejoe80

golf always was overpriced. it's another ford focus, but it was always 2-3 grand more than focus

they really should sell it for under 15k otherwise no one will buy it in america

wolverinejoe80

i've never seen a reliable VW. especially jettas and passat. and there were tons of them at univ. of michigan because it was very popular among students. and seriously, all my friends who owned VW think their cars were piece of junks.

VW needs to prove themselves they can make a reliable cars to have success in america. i think new models are much better though. time will tell.

choe13

I know everyone is talking about this car reminding them of the corolla. I think though this car actually reminds me more of the 2005 + toyota solara but designed better.

craigmri

Does anyone know when the '07 Elantra will be officially released in the USA? We will be in the market for a new car in about one month and the Civic topped our list. At least until I saw the pics of the '07 Elantra. Now I'm wondering if I can hold out for this new release. If they are priced around $15 grand for a loaded GLS I'll be on board with that!

Craig

tenpin288

Fall 06 is the published release date. Unfortunately, that can mean anywhere from September to as late as November/December.

Kirstie_H

Folks, posting large photos distorts the Forums pages and makes it hard for members to read any of the other messages. There are several options:

1. If you own the photos, please re-size them first.
2. Post a link to the photos instead of using the "img src" tag
3. Upload the photos to your CarSpace album, then post a link here to your CarSpace page. CarSpace does the re-sizing for you.

I've had to remove several posts because the photos were just too wide - sorry!

backy

If by "loaded" you mean automatic and moonroof, don't look for around $15k anytime soon after launch. If it's just a GLS package with 5-speed, then maybe.

mike_belknap

The Entourage will be rated Good in all IIHS categories, thereby achieving "Top Safety Pick - Gold" status. [Source.]
Mike

doohickie

Yeah, the new golf/rabbit at $14,900 certainly is overpriced

The golf V has been available in Europe for the past 2-3 years and has received very high marks for reliability.

Even so, it has any better reliability than my 2004 Elantra (damn front end shimmy, rotors bad at 18K, accessory belt problems, rattles and squeaks, etc.) I will be happy.

Are you still posting on this thread?

There will be a comparison thread soon enough. I did look the Golf when I bought my Elantra last year, and the last-gen Golf was too expensive relative to the last-gen Elantra. I don't expect that to change for the next gen.

Now please, take your sales pitch for VW elsewhere.

doohickie

Folks, posting large photos distorts the Forums pages and makes it hard for members to read any of the other messages. There are several options:

1. If you own the photos, please re-size them first.
2. Post a link to the photos instead of using the "img src" tag
3. Upload the photos to your CarSpace album, then post a link here to your CarSpace page. CarSpace does the re-sizing for you.

I've had to remove several posts because the photos were just too wide - sorry!

4. In the img src tag, RESIZE the photo from another forum. The best width for the forum is about 480 pixels. If you change the width to 480, the height needs to be (OldHeight) x 480/(OldWidth). For example, if the new height turns out to be 360 pixels, the image tag should look like this:

<img src="http://www.webpage.com/image.jpg" height="360" width ="480">

snakeweasel

Yeah, the new golf/rabbit at $14,900 certainly is overpriced

Just two problems, first is that they are going for slightly over $16K and thats the basic with a manual (a fully loaded Elantra GT with auto can be had for less), so good luck getting one at under $15K. Secondly the one thing I keep hearing about VW is that they are unreliable. So why go there?

splx81

from BOBAEDREAM.CO.KR

backy

Anyone want to bet the white/black leather interior will NOT be offered in the U.S.? But it looks like a black leather interior might be, based on the press release.

snakeweasel

About that interior - - Yuck!!!

smith20

Sorry about the large pictures . . . I don't normally post pictures and it obviously shows. I tried reducing the sizes to 480 width, but they had pretty bad aliasing in the preview. Here are the links instead. I'm trying to only post unmodified pictures of the car.

Elantra on the road:
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr//national/national1145277845.jpg
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr/national/national1145277845_2.jpg

Elantra in a reflective silver color, front (repost of the message that was deleted):
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr//national/national1145207460.jpg

Overall interior shot, two tone:
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr/national/national1145227861.jpg

Elantra in a dark red, front:
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr/national/national1145084262.jpg

Elantra in silver, side profile:
http://file1.bobaedream.co.kr//national/national1145108583.jpg

moparbad

Really appreciate the "flow" of the lines. Nice.
And I do not think it looks like a Corolla.

wolverinejoe80

somebody photochopped it. it's not real.

doohickie

Ya think?

njdevil1

the hyundai motor company website has the information on the 2007 elantra. they say it is due out in the fall. they also said the azera would be out in the fall but that was delayed. i not overly impressed with the pitures of it but maybe it will look different when i see the real thing.

backy

The Azera was available before December 22 so technically it was out "in the fall." That goes back to a previous post that noted "in the fall" can mean anytime from September to late December.

inajoong

wolverinejoe80 is correct. i'm a korean and i go to bobaedream.com often. that sight is full of people doctoring pictures for fun, it's their way of saying certain design elements suck. that specific picture of elantra IS retouched with a graphics tool, so as backy said, i don't think US will be getting that interior. if i remember correctly, i believe that specific elantra picture recieved some applauses, too.

doohickie

Yeah, there's a lot of photo-chopping going on over at ElantraClub.com too (with the same implication... that the car as designed could be better).

choe13

this is a nice picture of this car

http://www.hyundainews.com/presskit2007/photos/07Elantra_11.jpg

hyundai is following their new design philosophy , good for them for trying to be different but not too radically.

This is the prototype they are using for all their cars now and in the future

http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/hyundai_hcd8.html

see the resemblence to the azera, santa fe and elantra? This was the hyundai 2004 concept and will be how most hyundai cars will be designed like and will be very similiar to the next 2008 tiburon

backy

For that last one, I had to hit PgDn about four times just to get past it--and I never did actually see an Elantra in the photo, just a lot of out-of-focus background.

doohickie

choe13: If you don't know how to resize a picture, DON'T POST IN THIS THREAD!

And for anyone who missed my directions on how to resize that I made a few posts back,

4. In the img src tag, RESIZE the photo from another forum. The best width for the forum is about 480 pixels. If you change the width to 480, the height needs to be (OldHeight) x 480/(OldWidth). For example, if the new height turns out to be 360 pixels, the image tag should look like this:

<img src="http://www.webpage.com/image.jpg" height="360" width ="480">

choe13

see any resemblence? hyundai has used the hdc8 to create all their styling for their models in some ways or form. The sonata took the front and back, azera and santa fe have alot of cues of it, and lastly the car we are discussing looks like the sedan version of the hdc8 just take a look at the middle lines and especially window and back shape. Now i'm understanding what hyundai is trying to do , trying to follow this gorgeous prototype design lines for their future. (anyone still think this looks liek a corolla?)

doohickie

The original Elantra pic was 2024 high by 3024 pixels; scaled down to a 480 pixel width means that the height should be 2024 x 480 / 3024 = 321. So, scaling the pic proportionally makes it look a little sleeker: