Anyone have the inside scoop on the 2007 Elantra, which is supposedly going to feature a major re-design?
I've found a few snippets on Edmunds.com and other places, but not a complete list of specs and features, nor have I seen any reviews. (I assume at least the test models must be out by now.)
As I've posted here before, I am looking for the right ride for which to trade in my '04 Chevy (Malibu) Classic, which is OK but unexciting and not great on gas. The more I look at Hyundai and its cars the more appealing they seem; I had been---to some extent, still am---looking at the '06 Sonata, but all the posts about disappointing fuel economy have given me pause.
I don't expect gas prices to fall by much anytime soon, and I alas must work hard for a living....so now I want to check out the '07 Elantra, especially since its interior is supposed to be much roomier than the current model. (So roomy the EPA considers it a mid-size, I've heard.)
If true, that would alleviate one of the main reasons I never looked seriously at the Elantra before: I'm a big guy who drives a lot, sometimes with passengers and/or cargo, and I need a half-decent size car.
Anyway, the current Elantra's fuel economy numbers are not great for its class. 24/32 with the auto, as I recall. Anyone know if the new model is supposed to be better on gas? Also I am curious as to why the '06 Kia Spectra, almost identical to the Elantra mechanically, gets better mpg ratings of 25/34, while the Elantra gets better crash test ratings from the NHTSA. (Not that the Spectra's crash ratings are all that bad.)
That's a consistent pattern I've noticed in my research. Compare Accent/Rio, Elantra/Spectra or Sonata/Optima. In all cases, the Hyundai gets slightly better crash test ratings while the Kia gets slightly better mpg ratings. I thought the differences between Hyundai and Kia were supposed to be in the details and doo-dads. Curious....
All info greatly appreciated.
Thanks and Regards, Eric M