[Elantra GT] The all new 2007 Elantra

[Brian Nystrom]

Wayne Moses wrote:

>http://www.thenewelantra.com/
>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/13/new-york-auto-show-hyundai-displays-its-n
>ew-elantra/
> 
>What do you think of the redesigned Elantra?
> 
>Very smooth and flowy lines .... sor of like the Tiburon in the back from
>around the thin C-pillar. The engine is the same it would appear. Top line
>now seems to come with 16" wheels.
>
The exterior changes seem to be mainly cosmetic and they smoothed it to 
the point of bland anonymity. It has no character and too much of that 
"used soap bar" look. Perhaps it will get better gas mileage, but the 
new exterior leaves me cold. Inside, the center console is just plain 
ugly and the radio is now completely proprietary. While the wheel 
mounted controls are nice, I would rather have to reach for them if it 
means having a choice of what electronics I want in the car.

Mechanically, they made 4-wheel discs standard, but you're forced to 
have ABS, which is something I wouldn't want. Hopefully, there's a kill 
switch.

It appears that they "upgraded" the steering, but I'd want to try it 
before buying it. The fact that it's "motor driven" concerns me, if that 
means "drive-by-wire" or an electric assist instead of hydraulic. Again, 
this may be a nod toward improved fuel efficiency. The wheel telescopes 
now, Which might be nice for some people.

Having 16" wheels available is nice, but it's no big deal.

There's no GT...definitely a step backward in that regard.

Overall, I'm not impressed. It appears that they've simply made the car 
excruciatingly mainstream. I certainly wouldn't get rid of my '04 to buy 
an '07.

-- 
Regards

Brian