Despite the SUV boom, news of compact cars’ demise have been have been greatly exaggerated. They’re affordable, comfortable and loaded with a lot of tech that used to be available only in more expensive models a decade ago.
Hyundai’s entry in the segment is the facelifted Elantra. The 2019MY has received a styling update on the outside, with some triangle-shaped elements, and several changes in the cabin, including the redesigned instrument cluster, air vents, new audio and climate control switchgear and a new center console.
Every trim level, apart from the base one, comes with a 7-inch infotainment system. The 8-inch unit is optional and brings a faster processor, smartphone integration and other features. Also, space at the back is relatively good, and so is the boot capacity, yet some of its rivals overpass it in these chapters.
See The Hyundai Elantra Owner Who Drove 1 Million Miles In Five Years With Original Powertrain
All in all, there’s nothing major to complain about. Quite the contrary, actually, because the fully-loaded model comes with a lot of gear, including heated leather seats, sunroof, wireless smartphone charging and LED headlights, to name a few.
This was the version tested by RoadShow, and it came with the 2.0-liter engine that produces 147 horsepower (149 PS / 110 kW) and is mated to a smooth-shifting 6-speed auto. It costs about $27,000, or roughly $9,000 more than the entry-level spec, yet the added equipment makes it worth spending the extra buck.
But is the 2019 Elantra Sedan a good choice in the compact sedan segment, or should one opt for the usual Volkswagen Jetta or Toyota Corolla? The reviewer said it’s actually “an excellent choice” – and you can watch the video below to find out why.