2000 Hyundai Elantra Review (continued)
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Walkaround

The Elantra may not be the most distinctive small sedan on the road, but it's pleasant enough to look at. Its rounded fenders, sloping hood and large greenhouse afford good outward visibility in all directions, and the optional rear spoiler indeed adds a hint of sportiness. The restyled front end features improved halogen headlights that spill more lumens onto the road ahead.

The Elantra's doors open wide for easy access to both front and rear seats, and its trunk provides 11 cubic feet of cargo space--above average in this class. Unfortunately, the trunk opening is rather small, making it difficult to load larger items that should easily fit.

Interior Features

Hyundai's effort to project a higher level of quality is apparent in Elantra's passenger cabin. The improvement isn't measured by bells and whistles, but by clean, efficient design, better finish and switches that are easier to live with.

The cloth upholstery and door trim feel sturdy, yet comfortable, and the vinyl, particularly that covering the dashboard, is soft and pliable. In all, materials feel quite rich for a car of Elantra's price. Interior volume, including available headroom, compares favorably with other cars in the class.

Remote trunk and fuel release and a carpeted cargo compartment are standard.

The heater, ventilation and air conditioning are now controlled with rotary switches, rather than the sliding type. They're much easier to locate and adjust while driving. Unfortunately, Hyundai didn't extend these improvements to the radio controls, and that's our primary gripe. The buttons are so small that adjusting them distracts from the task of driving.