Driven: Hyundai Elantra CRTD CDX – on sale now

It’s strange reading a press pack about the Hyundai Elantra range when there’s actually only one model on sale in the UK. Dealers used to sell more, but Hyundai felt the 2.0 CRTD offered the best chance of success for its limited resources. And those resources are focused towards buyers on a budget and with a family in tow.

The Elantra received a facelift earlier this year to give it a more contemporary look, with the addition of new headlights and rear lights, alloy wheels and a revised front bumper. It also gained a prominent rear spoiler, designed to allude to a fun and sporty side. Yet while this car offers a great deal of practicality, it’s certainly not sporty.

Safety is an important selling point in the family car market, and Hyundai recognises this, equipping the Elantra as standard with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution plus traction control and side airbags.

The Elantra’s engine is the same as found in the Trajet and Santa Fe, and is a capable unit. Sound deadening has been improved, although engine and wind noise is still intrusive.

Interior trim is a let-down: seats are leather but feel cheap and the mock wood trim on the centre console looks tacky – a shame because the dashboard is modern and all switches logically placed.

Plus points: the car is roomy, has good storage facilities, and standard spec includes climate control, alloys, heated electric door mirrors, electric sunroof and remote central locking. Real value comes with the five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

Strengths: Equipment levels, five-year warranty
Weaknesses: Cheap interior, plastic-like seats
Opportunity: The family on a budget
Threat: Used mainstream cars
The USP: Worry-free family motoring
Prices: £10,995
Engines: 1,991cc, 4-cyl DI TD
Transmission: Five-speed manual, fwd
Performance: 0-62mph 11.6sec, top speed 118mph
Efficiency: 46.3mpg combined, 160g/km CO2
Services: 10,000 miles/one year
CAP RV (3yr/30k): £3,950 (36%)
Rivals: Octavia 1.9TDI, C5 2.0 HDi, Rover 45 2.0TD, Nubira 1.8 CDX