You can't help smiling at the marketing spin motor companies come up with - like Hyundai's media release for the latest Elantra that crows about the conservative previous model being transformed into "what can only be described as a striking and invigorating vehicle".
I can only describe the above statement as strikingly reality-challenged marketing-speak. Do yourself a favour, ignore it; don't go into a Hyundai dealership expecting palm-moistening excitement.
Do expect, however, a very capable car that again proves how far this Korean brand has come in terms of build quality and refinement.
The el cheapo Hyundai of yesteryear is a distant memory when you sit in the new Elantra and take in its fine finishes and solid feel; on a quality level, it seems a match for anything in the class from Japan or even Germany.
Yes, the interior design is bland, seemingly created with an obsessive need to avoid offending (or exciting) anyone, but there are one or two touches that show Hyundai letting its well-groomed hair down ever so slightly, such as the blue backlighting on fascia buttons and information screens that gives the cockpit a funkier edge at night.
A similar design philosophy is reflected in the exterior styling; the car looks more modern and easy on the eye than its anonymous predecessor but still has no discernible character or "look" to set it apart in a sea of bland-mobiles.
It falls back on the paint-by-numbers formula of curved edges and flush-fitted bumpers, with none of the adventurous design flair of a Honda Civic or Renault Megane - but it's no different in this regard to the Toyota Corolla, whose conservative design has never prevented it being a best seller.
The Elantra's all-round efficiency is what's important in the daily grind of commuting and dispensing kiddies at school. The old cliché about all the controls falling easily to hand applies ; it takes about 15 seconds to master the clearly-marked radio and ventilation controls on the neat, uncluttered fascia.
The cloth-covered seats are comfortable and schlepping the family around presents no problems as even taller-than-average adults enjoy good rear head and leg-room.
Luggage space is generous, too, despite the presence of a full-sized spare wheel.
The rear seats fold to accommodate one's more extravagant shopping expeditions, although the aperture between cabin and boot is unusually small so bulky household appliances are probably off the shopping list. There are also storage bins and cup holders all over the cabin.
The fourth-generation Elantra seems every bit a match for its class rivals in terms of refinement and practicality, while beating some of them in terms of equipment levels at the price.
Higher spec level
The Elantra 1.6-litre CVVT model reviewed here retails for R159 990, the same or a few rands less than most rivals but with a higher spec that includes power windows all round, steering-wheel audio controls and automatic aircon where most competitors have normal aircon.
The steering wheel adjusts for height only, however, so doesn't cater too well for longer-legged drivers.
The Elantra achieved a five-star NCAP rating in the US for a head-on impact on the driver and passenger sides; all models come with two front crash bags, seat-belt pre-tensioners and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake pressure distribution but no traction control.
It claims the most powerful 1600cc petrol engine in its class, quoted at 89kW and 153Nm, and is also available with the same 105kW/186Nm two-litre petrol engine as the previous model.
Each version comes with a five-speed manual transmission; the 1600cc is also offered with a four-speed auto. There's no diesel in the range for now.
New engine
The 1.6-litre engine is new, a high-tech unit with 16 valves and continuously variable valve timing for the best torque delivery across the rev range.
Even so, packing the most power in its class doesn't endow the Elantra 1600 with hotshot performance; it's quietly capable, cruising effortlessly on the open road and darting around town without feeling too lazy.
It's a refined engine that can be revved hard without any unpleasant vocal protest and the car is generally easy to drive with a light clutch and gearshift and good all-round visibility, making car-park manoeuvres hassle-free.
The steering also takes very little effort - in fact it's a bit too light in my opinion. It may be great for the emaciated arms of little old grannies making five-point turns, but it has no feel at all.
There's no driver appeal through the corners - it feels like driving an XBox, even though the car's actual road-holding and grip are quite satisfactory.
The car is quite softly sprung so the accent is on ride quality rather than pinpoint handling; it glides along serenely and bumpy tar fails to upset its composure or provoke any cabin rattles - another indicator of solid build quality.
Verdict
The new Elantra is efficient without delivering anything approaching excitement - despite its marketing claims. It does all that is asked of a 1.6-litre family sedan, with refinement, space, safety, and good spec level for the price, including a maintenance plan. - Star Motoring