Hyundai's Elantra Revised Inside And Out For 2004

Fountain Valley, CA December 30, 2003; The Elantra is Hyundai's best selling model in the U.S. and for 2004, the Elantra receives sheet metal styling revisions and interior enhancements. The 2004 Hyundai Elantra is available in three trim levels -- Elantra GLS, Elantra GT 4-door and Elantra GT 5-door.

What's New

The styling is new for 2004, giving the Elantra a more refined, more European look. The design features a new hood, front fenders, bumper, headlamp assembly and a revised grille design. Complementing the new headlamp design is a revised V-shaped grille featuring bold, horizontal bars. The grille is now integrated with the bumper cover and does not lift up with the hood as in the past. The revised front bumper features wider slats and there is a smaller, more precise opening for the fog lamps.

At the rear of the new 2004 Elantra is a revised tail light design, and the rear decklid now features a sharper accent line and the key cylinder has been relocated from the center to the right side. The handsome body color rear lip spoiler on the Elantra GT 4-door has been redesigned and is lower than the previous version. On the Elantra GT 5-door, the rear lip spoiler has been redesigned and is now body colored for a more attractive appearance. There are five new exterior paint colors available for the 2004 model year.

Interior Upgrades

For 2004, the Hyundai Elantra receives 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 have been revised; there are also new moonroof controls and power door lock controls.

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

There is now a small, felt-lined storage pocket located near the driver's side air vent. The driver's door switch panel now controls the power window operation, side mirror controls and central locking function.

The overhead room lamp has been 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. There are now two, 12-volt power sources available; the lighter and an auxiliary 12-volt outlet. Previously the only 12-volt power source available was the lighter. The hazard switch panel is now located in a freestanding position in the center of the center stack which makes it easier to find quickly.

Controls for the available moonroof have been changed. The operation is now more intuitive and uses easy-to-read icons for easy operation.

For 2004, the Elantra GT models are now equipped with a Kenwood AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system. The system features the Color Shock variable color display, built-in 50 watt x 4 amplifier and System Q Sound Control with preset EQ curves. The system also incorporates a removable faceplate with carrying case and a grip-type remote control.

Other changes for 2004 include a revised dimmer switch panel and updated multi-stage door lock controls.

Remote keyless entry with alarm is now standard on all Elantra models and includes a new feature for 2004 for that allows unlocking the trunk without having to disarm the security system. The system will now temporarily by-pass security (with the key) to provide quick access to the trunk and rear cargo area.

A new 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. In the previous model Elantra the panel was held in place by pressure lift tabs.

Engine Upgrades

All 2004 Elantra models are powered by Hyundai's proven Delta 2.0-liter, four-cylinder DOHC engine. Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) has been added for even more precise control of engine emissions. The CVVT unit is mounted on the exhaust camshaft but 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.

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. The handsome new styling of this front-drive, four-door sedan is backed with an impressive list of standard equipment which includes driver and passenger front and 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 colored mirrors, door handles and bodyside moldings, tilt steering column and rear window defroster.

Elantra GT

The impressive standard equipment list for the GT models (4-door and 5-door) includes all of the class-leading standard equipment found on the Elantra GLS sedan and adds: four-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin P195/60R-15 tires, Euro-tuned suspension, air conditioning, leather seating, power steering, power windows, mirrors and door locks, AM/FM/CD stereo system and fog lamps, white-faced instrument cluster with purple instrument lighting and a rear deck spoiler.

"All the Elantra models with their new styling and extensive list of standard equipment continue to enhance the Hyundai brand in the U.S. " said Hyundai Motor America's Acting 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, five-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 tuned to European specifications 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 Euro-spec gas-filled shock absorbers and 15mm anti-roll bar.

All Elantras are equipped with 15-inch wheels and tires. The GLS has P195/60R-15 Michelin tires mounted on 15 x 5.5-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers. The GTs 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 Euro-tuned suspension and larger anti-roll bars bring a taut, sporty feel to the Elantra.

Elantra stopping power is also precise. The GLS features power front wheel disc brakes matched to rear drum brakes. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard on 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, side impact airbags are standard as well. They were added as standard equipment with the 2001 model year.

Additional safety features include a seat belt system containing pretensioners with force limiters. The pretensioners automatically limit slack in the front seat belts 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 seat belt 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 and their immediate family 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 600 dealerships nationwide.