Hyundai Elantra Hatchback 2001-2004

The Elantra comes as either a Hatchback or Saloon, but neither is a good looking car. However, as a budget family vehicle it’s good option mainly due to the affordability. There is enough space inside for four adults to sit comfortably and on motorways it handles pretty well. It’s as soon as you take it anywhere else that the handling limitations show themselves. The steering feels vague, there is too much body roll in the corners and the front end lacks grip especially in the wet. The engines aren’t too bad though although they are a little rough around the edges.

Pros and Cons:

• Affordably price
  It comes well equipped even the basic models

• Poor handling
  It doesn’t match up to European standards

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Exterior and Interior

The Elantra is never going to wow you with its looks, but the chances are you not going to be buying it because you think its good looking. The interior is fairly simple, but does a good job seating four adults in relative comfort. However, the lack of a lumbar support can make longer journeys uncomfortable. The boot is a good size in both models, but we’ go for the hatchback as it gives more practicality than the saloon. The dash is easy to see and use although some of the controls on the central console can prove tricky to use whilst driving.

There are only three trim levels to choose from; the Si, GSi and CDX. Even the entry level Si trim comes with plenty of luxuries such as air-con, a CD player, remote central locking, ABS and front electric windows. The GSi trim adds electric mirrors, an electric sunroof, heated mirrors and electric windows all round whilst the CDX adds alloy wheels, climate and cruise control, leather trim and traction control.

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Engines

There are just three engines available in the hatchback model that include a 1.6-litre 106bhp and a 2.0-litre 140bhp petrol along with a 2.0-litre CRTD diesel unit producing 111bhp. The saloon model was only available with the two petro engines.

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Performance and Economy

The entry level 1.6-litre petrol should be more than adequate for most people’s everyday needs reaching 60mph in 10.6 seconds and returns a fairly decent 38mpg. The more powerful 2.0-litre engine adds a little extra performance that makes motorway driving more enjoyable. It’s just under two seconds quicker and isn’t far behind the smaller engines fuel efficiency achieving 34mpg. Both units aren’t very refined though.

The diesel engine is the engine to go for if you’re more interested in fuel efficiency than performance as it manages an economical 46mpg, however, it is the slowest in the range at 11.3 seconds from 0-60mph, as well as being noisy, especially at higher speeds.

Insurance costs are reasonable with the 1.6-litre in group 8 and the two 2.0-litre units fitting into group 13.

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What it's like to Drive

The Elantra performs well on the motorway, but take it anywhere else and the limitations start to show. The steering lacks feeling, there is too much body roll in the corners and there is very little grip, especially in wet weather. The ride is also very uncomfortable at slower speeds, around town and over rougher road surfaces.

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Faults and Repairs

There are very few faults to report with the Elantra with most of them only occurring if the car hasn’t been cared for, so only settle for a car that has a full service history. The main things to look out for is damaged trim from rough abuse, wheels that are out of alignment, and air-con that doesn’t blow cold air, as this can prove costly to fix. Low mileage cars are also more likely to suffer from engine, brake and clutch problems as they will have been used mainly around town, so be sure to check them thoroughly.

Servicing costs won’t be cheap costing more than the likes of the Ford Mondeo so it would be worth looking for an independent garage that can do the work. Repairs aren’t too costly and with the Elantra proving to be fairly reliable hopefully you should need to do many.

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