The Hyundai i30 hatch has been a big seller for many years in Australia, but the i30 sedan, confusingly called the Elantra until 2020 — is well worth consideration.
The fourth generation Elantra reached us here in August, 2006 and it is the one we are concentrating on in this used car checkout.
Styling at that time was unashamedly Korean, with the sort of lines that didn’t appeal to Aussies.
The fifth generation Elantra, from July 2011 is more European in style.
Then from February, 2016 the gen-six Elantra arguably led the way on the international market with lines that some European cars look to be following . . . how things change.
It is not just the styling that’s making Hyundai Elantra stand out. The South Korean marques – Hyundai and Kia are allied with one another – are starting to lead the world in build quality, owner satisfaction and reliability.
Australian engineers are being more and more involved in the steering and suspension departments during the design stages.
You wouldn’t call Elantra a sports sedan, but for its class it’s not too bad (see later note on Elantra SR Turbo).
Elantra is almost a full four-seater for adults in its latest iteration, with each new generation providing a slightly larger car with a bit more interior space.
Headroom for tall travelers may be limited, especially if a sunroof is fitted, so take your teenagers along for a test drive before settling on an Elantra.
BTW, three kids in the back seat will have room to move, especially in the later generations.
Power for the gen-four Elantra comes from 2.0-litre engine matched with either a five-speed manual or four-speed auto.
A new generation four-cylinder 1.8-litre engine arrived in the generation-five Elantra, power was transferred to the front wheels though manual or automatic transmission, both with six forward ratios.
This responsive unit and added gears improved performance and reduced emissions.
An improved version of the 1.8 arrived with the next generation Elantra in 2016.
Its capacity was increased to 2.0 litres. It also had a six-speed manual or six-speed auto.
October, 2016 saw Hyundai stick a toe-in-the-water with a medium-performance model called the Elantra SR Turbo.
It has been reasonably successful and owners say they love them.
When looking to buy a used sporty car however be aware it may have been thrashed.
Late in 2018 the Elantra range received a facelift, with a cascading grille, redesigned headlights and tail lights, an integrated boot-lid spoiler and lower diffuser.
Inside there’s a revamped dashboard, a supervision infotainment cluster, new steering wheel design and new trims and finishes.
Hyundai Elantra Active gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system paired with an eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system with a DAB+ radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The Elantra name was dropped in late 2020 to be replaced by the i30 sedan in line with competitors.
Since its early rough and ready days Downunder in the mid-1980s, Hyundai has improved out of sight and is now a major player on our market.
There are multiple dealers in all large metro cities, with ever increasing representation in country cities and large towns.
Spare parts and servicing costs are about average for this class and we’ve heard no major complaints on prices or availability of parts.
Insurance is about average in this class, though, as always, it pays to shop around.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
We haven’t seen many ex-rental Hyundai Elantras, but be wary of any with a lot of kilometres on the clock.
Seat trim and boot mats that are in poor condition may intricate an uncaring owner. It’s possibly also a sign of an ex-rental car.
A clicking noise when the steering wheel is turned probably means coupling may be damaged.
The covering on the steering wheel may flake off. It’s not a danger, but is unsightly.
Make sure that all electrical items work correctly. Using the owner’s handbook instructions is the simplest way to make sure you cover everything.
Check the engine starts easily, especially if it’s cold. Too long a period of cranking indicates possible problems.
A manual gearbox which crunches on fast downchanges could be due for an overhaul, or there may be a clutch problem.
The common third-to-second is the first change that generally suffers.
HOW MUCH?
Expect to pay from $3000 to $6000 for a 2011 Hyundai Elantra Elite; $5500 to $9000 for a 2012 Premium; $8000 to $13,000 for a 2015 Premium or a 2017 Active; $9000 to $14,000 for a 2016 Elite; $12,000 to $18.000 for a 2016 SR Turbo; $14,000 to $20,000 for a 2017 SR Turbo; $15,000 to $22,000 for a 2018 Sport Premium; and $22,000 to $30,000 for a 2020 Sport Premium.
The sporty SR Turbo.
CAR BUYING TIPS
Spring is a favourite time to buy a car as folks get ready for holiday trips.
This can mean an increase in prices, so you may be better holding off until winter.
Used car prices have generally increased during the period of new car stock shortages so hunt around for the best deal.
Start looking at adverts for used vehicles several months before you intend buying.
That way you can see the prices being asked and whether they are rising and falling as dealers need to clear stock due to overcrowding.
Keep an eye on adverts for new cars that say there are specials on particular models.
These can mean a lot of traded-in cars are taking up too much space in the yards and will be discounted to get rid of them.
If checking a used car at a dealership look at other cars on the lot.
This can give you an insight to the quality of vehicles in which the dealer specialises.
If buying privately ask for proof of ownership of the vehicle and make sure it is covered for you taking a test drive.
Take a slow walk around any car you’re considering, looking for obvious defects.
It amuses us how many people dive into tiny details, only to later discover a major ding somewhere on the other side of the car.
Ideally any road test of a car you’re getting serious about should be done with the engine stone cold. Early morning is best.
In their later years, cars with a reputation for being long lived and trouble free sometimes attract buyers who have no intention of ever servicing them. The next owner may suffer as a result.
2019 model
RECALLS
To browse recalls on all vehicles go to the ACCC at: www.productsafety.gov.au/products/transport/cars/