2007 Hyundai Elantra Limited - Just Driven

2007 Hyundai Elantra
No one will accuse Hyundai of gunning for the Evo, STI, or 350Z any time soon, but the company is definitely no stranger to price-conscious shoppers. Since its introduction in 1992, the Elantra has sold over one million units in the US-the first of any Hyundai model. Now Hyundai is poised to go head-to-head with venerable competitors like the Corolla, Civic, Sentra, and Mazda 3. And this time around, price is not the only weapon-Hyundai is now throwing in more space and safety features.

At 112.1 cubic feet of interior volume, the 2007 Elantra actually meets the EPA's mid-size classification and Hyundai claims it has more interior space than the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic or the Acura TL. The car comes equipped with a standard ABS system that incorporates four-sensor/four-channel Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system and disc brakes all round.Features like six airbags and active front head restraints are also included as standard.

Similar to the all-new Sentra we tested last month, the new Elantra comes with a bevy of storage areas. We've counted no less than eleven storage trays, pockets, boxes, drawers, and holders throughout the cabin. Other creature comforts include leather seats (heated front seats), power sunroof and a 172-watt audio system with six speakers. The Elantra is available in three trims, the GLS, SE (sport version), and the Limited (SE with leather and heated seats).

With peak power of just 138bhp, passing takes planning. The Elantra won't be winning any drag races, but that's not what it was meant for. With stingy 28/36mpg city/highway gas mileage figures and a base price of $13,995, this car's performance credentials are strictly wallet-based.