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.

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.

ELANTRA GLS

The Elantra GLS is the smart choice for family sedan buyers. This handsome front-drive, four-door or five-door sedan is backed with an impressive list of standard equipment which includes driver and passenger front-and seat-mounted side-impact airbags, fully independent suspension, air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, AM/FM stereo with cassette, 15-inch wheels with full wheel covers, center console with armrest, 60/40 split folding rear seat, body-color mirrors, door handles and bodyside moldings, tilt steering column and rear window defroster.

ELANTRA GT

The impressive standard equipment list for the Elantra GT 4-door and Elantra GT 5-door models includes all of the class-leading standard equipment found on the Elantra GLS 4-door and adds: four-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin P195/60R-15 tires, sport-tuned suspension, sport-tuned steering, leather seating surfaces, power steering, power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control, black bodyside moldings, AM/FM/CD stereo system, leather wrapped steering wheel and transmission shift lever knob, fog lamps, purple instrument cluster lighting and a rear deck spoiler.

"All the Elantra models with their extensive list of standard equipment continue to enhance the Hyundai brand in the U.S. " said Hyundai Motor America's President and CEO Robert Cosmai. "Elantra offers buyers a rare combination of features - value and performance with a 'fun-to-drive' factor."

The Elantra GT 5-door is a front-drive, 5-door hatchback design that offers consumers the versatility of a wagon combined with the ride and handling of a European sedan. The Elantra GT 4-door takes performance and handling up a notch for the Elantra sedan. In addition to their stylish good looks, the Elantra GT models are loaded with value.

This third-generation Elantra platform, introduced in 2001, is slightly larger than the previous version and offers more headroom and more rear seat leg and hip room. The wheelbase at 102.7-inches is 2.3-inches longer than the wheelbase of the previous Elantra.

For this generation the Hyundai engineers added refinement to an already impressive package. The Elantra is smooth and quiet thanks to a front subframe, hydraulic engine mounts, an eight-counterweight crankshaft, a ribbed engine block, cast-aluminum oil sump and integrated intake resonator.

In addition to being practical and roomy, the Elantra is also comfortable. The luxurious seats (cloth in GLS, standard perforated leather-seating surfaces in GT) are larger and more comfortable than the seats in the previous version of the Elantra.

The six-way adjustable driver's seat has a dual-height adjustment and both front seats offer lumbar support to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue on long trips.

Front headrests and front seat belt anchors are adjustable and all seats feature advanced design cushions that adapt to the size and shape of the passenger.

The controls are easy to access and easy to operate. The precise acting rotary knobs make operating the standard air conditioning system a breeze. The option list is very short: available options for the Elantra GLS include anti-lock brakes with electronic traction control and a power tilt/slide moonroof.

The Elantra features fully independent suspension, front and rear. In front the Elantra is fitted with MacPherson struts with gas-filled shock absorbers, offset coil springs and an anti-roll bar. In the GT models the gas-filled shock absorbers are sport-tuned and they are matched to a 24mm front anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is a fully independent multi-link design with offset coil springs, gas-filled shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. GT models are upgraded to sport-tuned gas-filled shock absorbers and 15mm anti-roll bar.

All Elantras are equipped with 15-inch wheels and tires. The GLS model has P195/60R-15 tires mounted on 15 x 5.5-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers. The GT models are fitted with P195/60R-15 Michelin tires on 15 x 6-inch alloy wheels. These wheel/tire packages, when combined with the fully independent suspension, provide the Elantra with smooth, precise handling. GT models with sport-tuned suspension and larger anti-roll bars bring a taut, sporty feel to the Elantra.

The GLS 4-door features power front wheel disc brakes matched to rear drum brakes. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on the GLS 5-door and both of the GT models. They use 10.1-inch ventilated discs up front and 10.2-inch solid discs at the rear. Hyundai's four-channel anti-lock braking system with traction control is an available option.

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.

AMERICA'S BEST WARRANTY

Underscoring the Elantra's position as a value leader in the compact sedan segment is its industry-leading assurance package, the Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. With this outstanding protecting package, Hyundai demonstrates its confidence in the quality of its products by providing warranty coverage exceeding that found on vehicles costing twice or even three times as much.

All Elantra models, like all other Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S., are backed by limited bumper-to-bumper coverage for five-year or 60,000 miles. Hyundai also provides original Elantra owners with limited powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Even if the car is sold, Hyundai still backs the Elantra's powertrain for five years or 60,000 miles. Elantra buyers also receive 24-hour roadside assistance at no extra charge for five full years (no mileage limit). The warranty also includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses.

In addition, Hyundai backs the Elantra with corrosion coverage for five years or 100,000 miles.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai cars and sport utility vehicles are distributed in the U. S. by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 640 dealerships nationwide.