|
2002
ICOTY Awards -
Entry Level
Most
Spirited - Hyundai Elantra GT
 Hyundai
has been in the American marketplace now for 15
years, and has applied all that it has learned in
that period to its impressive selection of products.
Fun and spunky are two words that we associate with
a vivacious personality, and Hyundai's Elantra GT
is all that and more. The new five-door hatchback
is as versatile as a wagon, but with Euro-tuned
ride and handling characteristics that make it fun
on any road. We liked the roominess for people and
cargo, and the impressive list of safety features
like standard side airbags, seatbelt pretensioners,
and the child-friendly rear seat systems, such as
safety door locks and the child seat anchor system.
Someone
who can have a good time without spending a lot
of money is always high on our list, and, again,
the Hyundai wins on this level. Versus the Focus
ZX5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe,
which also competed for the award, the Hyundai delivers
four-wheel disc brakes, 15-inch wheels and tires,
leather seats, air-conditioning, power steering,
power windows/mirrors/door locks, AM/FM/CD stereo
and fog lamps as standard equipment, all for a starting
price under $14,000. How fun is that? We also appreciate
the Hyundai's outstanding warranty, which means
more value, less hassles, and a company that stands
with confidence behind everything it sells.
|
