2009 Hyundai Elantra GLS 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Good and reliable so far

Faults:

Nothing. Everything works OK.

Fuel consumption is excellent, providing an impressive 13 km/L in city commuting, but being the 1.6 engine, 123 HP, it could use more power.

General Comments:

This is a very roomy and comfortable car.

I had the chance to test drive one and fell in love with it. Noise isolation is quite good, and even though the interior panels are almost all plastic, it does not look cheap.

Anyway, over 120 km/h it gets a little noisier, but nothing that would avoid having a conversation without shouting.

Got the chance to take it to the highway, and it's quite strange that it goes fast, but one does not notice.

Interior lighting is in a cool nice blue tone that goes easy with the eyes.

Car comes with a button to open the trunk at driver's door, gas cap remote opening, 6 speakers CD / MP3 / USB stereo, AC, electronic assisted steering, tilting/telescope steering wheel, instrument light dimmer, central lock, alarm, fog lights, all from the factory.

Only thing I miss is that windows do not close themselves when activating the alarm, but that can be installed as aftermarket product.

Ride is soft but firm.

I do miss a temperature gauge, as this model has a light that will turn on at "some" temperature. Would like to know if the car's is overheating in advance.

Use of space is quite intelligent and car is roomy even at the back for tall people. Trunk is huge and can hold a decent amount of luggage and bags.

Brakes are a little "touchy", but I have to get used to them. The car is only a month old.

If anyone has a comment, please share your experiences.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 17th August, 2009

8th Mar 2010, 13:30

All right.

I had the car for some time now, and after 10K kilometers I still love it.

Got the chance to drive 840 km south for vacations, and the car is very very comfortable. Fuel consumption is good, and is very stable at high speeds.

Trunk space is huge, and was able to fit in 2 large suitcases, plus a lot of bags and packpacks with no issues.

Also, performance was not affected by the load of people and cargo.

Would most definitively buy another one if Hyundai's quality is improving this way. (previous car was an 1999 Accent LS)

1st Mar 2017, 17:38

Fast forward to 2017 and I sold the car.

Yup.

Mainly because of age and selling value.

I still love the car. I miss it. I almost regret selling it. Nothing ever failed. Nothing. It left me with the original battery... it lasted 8 years... and was still working when sold.

I kept changing oil every 5000 km, changing sparks once a year and brake pads every 2 years, regardless of mileage. No smoke, no noises, always started with no fuss.

The car was fast. It was a delight to use in the highway. Engine having a timing chain instead of a belt, I was confident to rev it up when needed.

I would have bought the same model but new if it wasn't for the insane prices that Hyundai Chile put to the entry model... which didn't even get A/C.

If money was not an issue, I would have bought it with my eyes closed.