Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai's best-selling car, the Hyundai Elantra, adds a new model for 2005. It is the GLS 5-door sedan which features sport suspension and rear disc brakes as standard equipment. In 2004, the Elantra received sheet metal styling revisions and interior enhancements. For the 2005 model year, the popular Hyundai Elantra is available in four configurations and two trim levels. The Elantra lineup for 2005 includes: the new Elantra GLS 5-door, the Elantra GLS 4-door, the Elantra GT 4-door and the Elantra GT 5-door.

Last year's styling changes (new hood, front bumper, revised grille design, new headlamp assembly and new fog lamp design) gave the Elantra a more refined, more European look. The new grille design features a V-shaped grille with bold, horizontal bars. The grille is integrated with the bumper cover and does not lift up with the hood as in the previous design. The front bumper design features wide slats and there is a small, precise opening for the fog lamps.

Last year the Elantra received a revised tail light design, and a new rear decklid with a sharper accent line. The trunk key cylinder was relocated from the center to the right side. The handsome body color rear lip spoiler on the Elantra GT 4-door was also redesigned and is lower than the previous version. On the Elantra GT 5-door, the rear lip spoiler is body-colored for a more attractive appearance.

2005 Hyundai Elantra Front Angle

INTERIOR UPGRADES

Last year, the Hyundai Elantra received many interior upgrades including: a new instrument cluster with separate faces for the speedometer (on the right) and tachometer (on the left), new vents and vent controls, new seat fabrics and a new center console stack. In addition, the HVAC controls were revised and new moonroof controls and power door lock controls were added.

Other attention-to-detail changes included new seat fabrics and the addition of a second 12-volt power source in addition to the lighter. Even the ashtray got some attention; a push-type dampened ashtray replaced the older pullout style and now has a removable liner for easy cleaning and service. The upper child seat anchors have been recessed and covered with plastic snap-up covers with easy-to-read icons embossed into the covers.

The driver's door switch panel was upgraded and controls the power window operation, side mirror controls and central locking function.

The dome lamp was moved to the overhead position in the center of the cabin. Previously it was located in the overhead console just above the rear view mirror. The hazard switch panel is located in a freestanding position in the middle of the center stack that makes it easier to find quickly.

Controls for the available moonroof were also changed. The operation is now more intuitive and uses easy-to-read icons for easy operation. Elantra GT models are now equipped with an AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers.

Remote keyless entry with alarm is standard on all Elantra models and includes a feature that allows unlocking the trunk without having to disarm the security system. The system will temporarily by-pass security (with the key) to provide quick access to the trunk and rear cargo area.

A feature designed to make things easier for do-it-yourself maintenance is the use of two thumbscrews to attach the panel that provides access to the rear combination lamps.

ENGINE UPGRADES

All 2005 Elantra models are powered by Hyundai's high-tech 2.0-liter, four-cylinder DOHC engine. Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) was added last year for even more precise control of engine emissions. The CVVT unit is mounted on the exhaust camshaft and controls the intake valve timing by advancing and retarding the intake cam in relation to the exhaust cam.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controls the amount of timing advance up to 40 degrees of crank angle (20 degrees of camshaft angle). The CVVT system delivers improved performance at high RPM and increased torque at low RPM through increased volumetric and thermodynamic efficiencies. In addition, fuel economy is increased due to better cylinder charge achieved through increased valve overlap. By optimizing valve overlap, the NOx emissions are reduced due to the EGR effect. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy rated the Hyundai Elantra with manual transmission a fuel economy leader in its 2004 Fuel Economy Guide.

When tuned to SULEV specifications in the GLS model with automatic transmission, the 2.0-liter engine is rated at 132 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and delivers 133 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM. In ULEV trim the engine is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 136 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 RPM.

SIDE AIRBAGS STANDARD

The Hyundai Elantra has a long history of providing the driver and passengers both active and passive safety features. In addition to the driver and passenger front air bags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard as well. They were added as standard equipment with the 2001 model year.

Additional safety features include a seatbelt system containing pretensioners with force limiters. The pretensioners automatically limit slack in the front seatbelts at the onset of a collision, preventing the occupants from moving too far forward when impact occurs. The Elantra's anti-submarining front seat design works with the seatbelt system to help keep occupant's bodies in the seats, reducing the chances of slipping out from under the belts.

Other safety features include child safety door locks, a child seat anchor system and automatic locking retractors (ALR) and energy absorbing steering column. Energy absorbing crumple zones in the front and rear help protect the passenger compartment.

Source: Hyundai

Gallery: Hyundai Elantra (2005)