jrock65

As we all know, this segment is taking off right now. Will the 2007 Elantra be competitive?


2007 Elantra:

Engine: 2.0L with 138 hp, 136 torque
Total Legroom: 78.5 inches
EPA passenger volume: 97.9 cubic feet
Trunk volume: 14.2 cubic feet
Curb weight (auto): 2747 lbs.
MPG (auto): 28/36


2006 Corolla:

Engine: 1.8L with 126 hp, 122 torque
Total legroom: 76.7 inches
EPA passenger volume: 90.3 cubic feet
Trunk volume: 13.5 cubic feet
Curb weight (auto): 2595 lbs.
MPG (auto): 30/38


2006 Civic:

Engine: 1.8L with 140 hp, 128 torque
Total legroom: 76.8 inches
EPA passenger volume: 90.9 cubic feet
Trunk volume: 12.0 cubic feet
Curb weight (auto): 2690 lbs.
MPG (auto): 30/40

LexFather

What are the Elantra's dimensions? Is it better packaging or just a bigger car? With the usual aggresive price, it can be another hit.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Looks good. I was actually pushing a friend earlier this year to get an Elantra compared to the Civic and Corolla as a daily beater. He still took the Corolla.

Toyota really needs to get a new Corolla out there, and keep it relatively cheap...

mmarshall

Here's your answers:
http://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicle/el...ecs/specs.aspx

ST430

While I do agree in principle that Toyco needs the next gen Corolla out there sooner than later, their delay and refusal citing strong sales w/ low incentives shows consumers still thinks its a good value.

mmarshall

...Well, people ARE buying the current model. That part is correct. What is also surprising is how well the Corolla S is selling. Sporty Corollas traditionally have not done very well in the American market...one reason why the 2-door SR5 model was dropped long ago.

AJL0365

i always thought that the corolla was also a pretty good compact econo-luxury-like car because when the LE version is equipped with the leather interior, its pretty nice in that car.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

And it may be a good thing. If the Corolla is selling well, might as well delay the new Corolla and guarantee its reliability. I think they should prevent any problem that may arise, such as the seatbelts for the IS/GS, or the transmission problems with the Camry...

ST430

I think you mean issues with first year quality, which is to be expected even for Toyco. I'd like Toyco to really concentrate on the design aspect of it, since they've hit homeruns in look (IMHO) with the new Camry, Avalon, Tacoma, and 07' Tundras. The spyshots on the new Corollas thus far seem way too conservative. Design a 3/4 scale Camry (aka the 540i) a la 3 series, and it will easily be a winner!

I still wonder why folks like the present Corolla so much, especially the S trim as mmarshal noted. I bet next year, we will see the sales downturn start as it is now trumped in price, frugalness, style, and even comparable size by the new Yaris.

mmarshall

Corollas rarely if ever suffer from first-model-year problems. They ( and the discontinued identical Geo / Chevy Prizm ) have a long-standing reputation as one of the world's most reliable cars. They are very high on my recommended list for good, inexpensive transportation.

One thing that helps current Corolla sales, besides the availability of sporty S and XRS models, is the wood-trim in the LX....something never available in stock Corollas before. That really helps spunk up the LX interior.

ST430

I will have to disagree with you there. Maybe I've been spoiled too much by Lexus' wood trims, but the Corollas is ungainly cheap. For that class and model, plastic silver "aluminum brushed" finish trim would be more appropriate IMHO.

In terms of reliability, with the new gen engine and tranny on the horizons, I think you will see some first year teething issues now. Previous generations were more evolutionary in their drive/powertrain...this new gen Corolla is supposedly going to push the envelope more.

jrock65

Those are the specs for the 2006 model. The specs for the 2007 Elantra are on Hyundai's press relations site.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

the current corolla is selling over 40k units a month for the past few months, only surpassed by the camry

mmarshall

Maybe brushed-metal would be appropriate on the Corolla S and XRS, but the LX is supposed to have a mini-luxury look.......after all, that is where the letters " LX " come from.

mmarshall

When I posted it, the site looked like it said 2007 specs. I'll take your word for it, though.