Fourth generation (2006–2011)
Also called | Hyundai Avante |
Production | 2006–present |
Model year(s) | 2007–present |
Assembly | Beijing, China |
Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
Engine(s) | 1.6 L Gamma I4 |
Transmission(s) | 5-speed manual |
Wheelbase | 2,650 mm (104.3 in) |
Length | 4,505 mm (177.4 in) |
Width | 1,775 mm (69.9 in) |
Height | 1,480 mm (58.3 in) |
Related | Hyundai
i30 |
A redesigned Elantra sedan (codename HD) debuted at the 2006 New York Auto Show for model year 2007. The engine lineup includes 1.6 L Gamma and 2.0 L I4 Beta II gasoline engines, and a 1.6 L turbo diesel I4 engine. Only the 2.0 L engine is offered in North America. All engines feature improved fuel economy over previous versions. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. In North America, the base GLS trim, unlike the previous year's, does not include air conditioning as standard equipment, but adds side curtain airbags (previously front and side only), active head restraints and all-disc brakes with 4-channel ABS. The Elantra also offers the most interior room in its class, leading the US EPA to classify it as a mid-size car.
Model year changes
2008
For 2008, the Limited trim level was dropped, leaving GLS and SE trim choices in the U.S. The SE trim includes features not available on the GLS, such as telescopic steering wheel and electronic stability control, with sunroof and leather as options. According to Consumer Reports testing, the SE trim has significantly better handling and braking, moving it to the top of their small car ratings, while the GLS trim was closer to the middle of the pack.
2009
For 2009, iPod and USB interface system became standard equipment. On the central instrumentation, the gear shift indicator has been moved to the trip computer display, and the coolant temperature gauge has been removed. GLS models receive new wheel cover designs, and SE models have a rear garnish on the rear license plate border.
2010
For 2010, a new Blue trim is added, a basic model modified for increased fuel economy. The grille receives a slightly modified design, and Blue and GLS models also receive chrome rear garnish. The interior receives chrome door handles, new metallic interior finish, cup holders, and a chrome-trimmed gear selector for SE models. GLS and SE models now have a standard automatic transmission. The GLS is available with sunroof or LG navigation system; SE is available with a choice of two packages, sunroof with heated seats, or sunroof, heated seats, LG Navigation and Bluetooth.
Canadian Models
Canadian trim levels are different from the U.S. models and are as follows.
The base model L offers a base package with a four speaker CD/MP3/Aux stereo and front airbags. This trim also includes power windows in the front with manual windows in the rear. Moving up to the GL will get you heated mirrors, AC, power windows all around, heated seats, a six speaker CD/MP3/Aux stereo, wheel mounted cruise control and keyless entry with alarm. The GLS trim adds wheel mounted audio controls, ABS, disc brakes, and front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. The sporty GLS with Sport Package adds a rear spoiler, power tilt/sliding moonroof, 16” alloy wheels, fog lights, trip computer and a leather wrapped steering wheel and leather shifter. The final trim level, the Limited, adds leather seats, a telescopic steering wheel and automatic climate control.
Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the Elantra received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and an Marginal overall score in the side impact test, but all Hyundai Elantras manufactured after November 2009 earned a Good overall score in the side impact test. Standard side airbags include front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags.
Awards
The 2009 Elantra was the highest quality compact car by J.D. Power's quality study. The study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners.
The 2008, 2009, and 2010 Elantra SE has been consistently chosen as a Top Pick for Small Sedans under Consumer Reports magazine.
Hyundai Elantra Yue Dong (Elantra HDC)
Beijing Hyundai launched a redesigned Elantra called the Yue Dong for the Chinese market with an updated exterior.
Hybrid electric
Main article: Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid
Hyundai began producing the Elantra LPI Hybrid (called Avante in the local market) and it was launched in the South Korean domestic market in July 2009. The Elantra LPI (Liquefied Petroleum Injected) is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by an internal combustion engine built to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel. The Hyundai Elantra LPI is a mild hybrid and the first hybrid to adopt advanced lithium polymer (Li–Poly) batteries.
Elantra Touring
For more details on this topic, see Hyundai i30.
Hyundai offers a Hyundai i30 wagon in the U.S. and Canada marketed as the Elantra Touring. Elsewhere, the same vehicle is marketed as the Hyundai i30 cw.
