Hyundai Elantra
Sunday, September 6, 2009
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 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.
The Elantra has what many believe to be the best interior in its class. With two-tone elements, available leather trim, and tasteful use of aluminum
throughout the cabin, it resembles a plausible attempt at economical luxury. Conveniences include available heated seats, a rear center arm rest with cup holders, and standard XM satellite radio on most models. Nice touches you'll find include a dampered glovebox, gate-style automatic transmission lever, blue gauge illumination, and a multitude of storage options. All buttons feel rich, and knobs seem better assembled than in comparable Toyotas. The dashboard features a seamless passenger airbag cover, meaning you cannot see where the passenger airbag comes out. This touch is indicative of the overall approach to design throughout the cabin.
The Elantra's design is all about balance, almost in a daoistic way. For example, front headlamps mimic the shape of the rear taillamps. A chrome accented grille reflects a chrome strip across the back on Limited models. A distinctive side character line allows for originality within the segment without looking distasteful. The Elantra utilizes modern windshield wipers that reflect the quality of the rest of the vehicle. The satellite radio receiver on the top of the rear windshield adds a modern touch.
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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 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.The Elantra has what many believe to be the best interior in its class. With two-tone elements, available leather trim, and tasteful use of aluminum
throughout the cabin, it resembles a plausible attempt at economical luxury. Conveniences include available heated seats, a rear center arm rest with cup holders, and standard XM satellite radio on most models. Nice touches you'll find include a dampered glovebox, gate-style automatic transmission lever, blue gauge illumination, and a multitude of storage options. All buttons feel rich, and knobs seem better assembled than in comparable Toyotas. The dashboard features a seamless passenger airbag cover, meaning you cannot see where the passenger airbag comes out. This touch is indicative of the overall approach to design throughout the cabin.
The Elantra's design is all about balance, almost in a daoistic way. For example, front headlamps mimic the shape of the rear taillamps. A chrome accented grille reflects a chrome strip across the back on Limited models. A distinctive side character line allows for originality within the segment without looking distasteful. The Elantra utilizes modern windshield wipers that reflect the quality of the rest of the vehicle. The satellite radio receiver on the top of the rear windshield adds a modern touch. 
