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The Hyundai Elantra (sold in South Korea as the Avante) is a compact car from Hyundai of South Korea launched in 1991. This vehicle was known as the Lantra in some markets. Between 1996 and 1998, the Elantra was called the Bimantara Cakra (1.5 L) and the Bimantara Nenggala (1.8 L) in Indonesia.
The Elantra was sold as the Lantra and Avante in some Australian and European markets until the 2001 model year, when the name was renamed and brought into line worldwide. Mitsubishi Motors of Australia complained that Elantra was too close to its Elante trim level, and Lotus in the UK and Europe suggested it was too close to its Elan name. By 2001, both the Elan and the Elante had ceased to exist. The Avante's renaming was necessary as Audi owns the Avant name in Europe.
First generation (1991–1995)
Launched in 1991 as a replacement for the rear wheel drive Hyundai Stellar, the Elantra (codename J1) received a mid-term facelift in 1993.
The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L (1596 cc) straight-4 engine. This DOHC 16-valve unit produced 113 hp (84 kW) at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.5 seconds. The quarter-mile (0.4 km) run took 17.1 seconds and produced 80 mph (129 km/h). Top speed was 116 mph (187 km/h). The Elantra got 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) in the city cycle.
Second generation (1996–2000)
Launched in 1995, the second generation (codename J2) was offered as a sedan and station wagon. A mid-life facelift arrived for 1998.
Third generation (2001–2006)
An all-new model (codename XD) was launched in 2001. The wagon was dropped in favor of a five-door hatchback. Both were facelifted in 2004. Starting in 2001, all American models came with standard front and front side airbags, air conditioning, power locks, power windows and power steering. This simplified dealer inventories and repairs and also sought to improve Hyundai's image of 'value' cars. A GT trim with a stiffer suspension, leather seats, fog lights, alloy wheels, lip spoiler and blue-lit instrument cluster has been offered as a hatchback since 2001, leaving the only options an automatic transmission, power moonroof and anti-lock brakes with traction control. The GT trim sedan was introduced in 2003 and discontinued in 2005.
The Elantra is available with 1.6 and 2.0 L gasoline engines and a 2.0 L turbodiesel. North American models are only available with the 2.0L gasoline engine.
While compact on the outside, it is listed by the EPA as a midsize car because of a spacious interior. The four-cylinder engine is known to be powerful and economical, and in the US, Hyundai offers a powertrain warranty of ten years. Although the basic powertrain design has changed little since the second generation, successive improvements have improved fuel economy from an EPA rating of 24/33 to 25/33 and the current 27/34 for manual transmissions, with automatic producing 2-3mpg fewer. Horsepower also improved from 135hp to 138hp and torque from 132 to 136 mainly thanks to the addition of continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) in 2004. Originally, the horsepower rating was misrepresented as 140hp.
Fourth generation (2007–)
In 2006, a redesigned Elantra (codename HD) debuted at the New York Auto Show.
The all new Elantra (code name 'HD') will be redesigned for the model year 2007 and available in the Fall of 2006. The hatchback GT trim is expected to be redesigned and available for the model year 2008. The Elantra features 4-wheel 4-channel ABS disk brakes with 4-sensor Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) standard on all trims. Expected features, specifications, and information about this new model can be seen at TheNewElantra.com.
"Hyundai gives the Elantra more standard features than its competitors get, prices it lower and throws in the market's most generous warranty to boot. Trim levels include the GLS, sporty SE and premium Limited." Cars.com
For more details, visit the Hyundai 2007 Models page at HyundaiNews.com
External links
Front wheel drive vehicles | Compact cars | Hyundai vehicles
"Hyundai Elantra"