ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: What makes the Elantra Blue so green compared with the rest of the lineup? Well, it's the ability to get a five-speed manual transmission with revised gear ratios, different engine calibrations, a shift indicator and special Blue badges. Things that are new for the entire Elantra range are the addition of lower-friction engine components and a smart alternator system, which both go toward maximizing fuel efficiency.
Basically, the new Blue trim is marketing speak for the entry-level Elantra--and there's nothing wrong with that. I would much rather say I own the special, fuel-efficient Blue model than say I own the most basic one.
And for basic Point-A-to-Point-B transportation, this Elantra is really good. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while a little raspy, has enough power to make day-to-day matters easy enough when you can select gears yourself with the manual transmission. Merging onto expressways and passing maneuvers are nonissues. Shift action from the five-speed manual is direct and smooth. Brakes are OK.
I do have to take issue with the Hankook tires that this car rides on regarding winter-weather performance. Snow and ice traction is horrendous, making turning and braking even at painfully slow speeds an interesting affair. Dry performance is fine, and the soft sidewalls combined with the suspension return a well-cushioned ride. That's not to say the suspension is overly soft because it's not. It soaks up frost heaves and pesky potholes well, but still keeps the Elantra nicely planted in turns.
During my two nights, there were lots of highway miles covered, and the Elantra's cabin was a nice enough place to be. It's simple, built with good-looking materials, well isolated from wind noise and had all the basic niceties you could ask for in basic transportation. The satellite radio was a bonus. Personally, I found the seats too flat, but comfortable and perfect for a car like this.
Overall, this is a good car at a good price with a great warranty. The only problem I see with it is the newer car for sale over at Hyundai's sister company, the Kia Forte. It's more stylish, is priced in the same neighborhood and has a slightly sharper drive personality.
SENIOR WEB REPORTER GREG MIGLIORE: I agree with Jon, this is a nice entry-level ride, and the “Blue” marketing ploy is pretty smart, I think. The spotlight feature for me was the nifty five-speed manual transmission. It really livened up what has the potential to be a very bland car. Downshifting on the expressway made for crisp passing; the pull was better than expected. Plus, the shift indicator was a nice guidepost for maximizing fuel economy.
The steering was firm, which I liked, but not so intense that you couldn't one-hand it while rowing through the gears. This is a good chassis in my book; tight but able to absorb some pretty potent potholes.
The cabin is a pleasant place, very basic, but user-friendly. I like the blue colors Hyundai seems to use in its cars, as it does in the radio display. It adds an icy cool vibe. The drive experience was also helped by the XM satellite radio, and the heater worked well in the chilly Michigan winter.
Like Jon, I agree that the Forte Koup is a more stylish option. The Elantra is pretty pedestrian in the sheetmetal department, but for basic wheels, it's a serviceable package. Oh, and the fuel economy is impressive.
2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue
Base Price: $14,145
As-Tested Price: $16,300
Drivetrain: 2.0-liter I4; FWD, five-speed manual
Output: 138 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 136 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
Curb Weight: 2,751 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 29/26.4 mpg
Options: Comfort package including air conditioning, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system, iPod/USB/Aux input, cruise control ($1,700); Bluetooth hands-free phone system ($325); carpeted floor mats ($95); iPod cable ($35)
No comments:
Post a Comment