SMALL sedans are big business in Australia, as private and fleet buyers alike make the switch from large and thirsty six-cylinder models like the Holden Commodore, into something that is more frugal, manoeuvrable and socially respectable. It is in this environment that Hyundai launches its fourth-generation Elantra small-car. As the generous specifications list reveals, going compact doesn’t have to mean missing out on life’s little luxuries. But no matter how jam-packed full of features the Elantra gets, can it take on ferociously capable competition as diverse as the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Jetta and Mitsubishi 380?
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XD Elantra Series II
Released: October 2003
Ended: October 2006
Family Tree: ElantraNot Hyundai’s finest hour, the previous-generation Series II Elantra received a heavy-handed nose job, and a number of cabin trim alterations, but the car still felt as old, noisy and unrefined as the original XD Elantra (which replaced the Lantra in October 2000) - especially against its mostly newer competition. At least the essential five-door hatchback model was offered (that’s coming in late 2007 for the HD series). Engines were rationalised down to a single 105kW/186Nm 2.0-litre HVT twin-cam unit, mated to a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox.
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