Base price: 4-door GLS, $12,994; GT, $14,644; 5-door GT, $14,644
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-drive; 4- or 5-door 5-passenger sedan
Interior volume, F/R/cargo (cu ft) 54/41/13
Wheelbase 102.7 in
Length/width/height 177.1/67.7/56.1 in
Turning circle 37.5 ft
Curb weight 2650–2700 lb
EPA city/hwy mpg 24–25/33
Fuel-tank capacity/range 14.5 gal/348–363 mi
Passive restraints driver and passenger front and side airbags
POWERTRAIN
2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-in-line, 140 hp; 5-sp man, 4-sp auto
SUSPENSION
F ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
R ind, struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
F/R vented disc/drum or disc
ABS optional
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HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Recently, in an eleven-car comparison test, this Hyundai finished a surprising second, ahead of both Honda and Toyota. The Elantra is all grown up and no longer forced to sit at the kid’s table. Three Elantras are available for 2003: the base GLS, the five-door GT and the new GT four-door. The semi-sporty GTs get Michelins on 15-inch alloys and a firmer suspension. All Elantras are powered by a strong 2.0-liter DOHC four that is rated at 140 hp, enough power to pull a GLS sedan to 60 mph in just 8.5 seconds. The quiet interior is nicely equipped with standard air conditioning, power windows, and side airbags. As always, Hyundai is tops in the warranty department: 10 years or 100,000 miles on the powertrain and 5 years or 60,000 miles on the rest of the car. The Elantra scores high on the smart buyer’s list of requirements and slam-dunks with a winning price.
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