2001 Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra received a major redesign in 2001. New interior and exterior
features were introduced although the powertrain remained the same. Suspension
and exhaust were also improved to provide a quieter and smoother ride.
The 2001 Hyundai Elantra has two trims, the basic GLS, and the sporty GT, both
having a 2.0 liter 140 hp 4-cylinder engine and a 4-speed manual transmission
with overdrive as standards. The 5-speed automatic transmission is still offered
as an option, although less preferred than the manual transmission because it
does not exploit the power of the 4-cylinder engine. The wagon was also dropped,
leaving the two trims with a compact sedan body type.
Although there was little improvement on the powertrain, Hyundai deeply enhanced
the exterior and interior of its Elantra. It was given a new look by its new rounded
fenders, a looping hood, a new grille and trapezoidal headlight assemblies. Its
body is now longer, wider and taller than the previous year model. This improvement
provided a larger interior, an increased legroom as well as increased headroom
and hip room for both front and rear passengers.
A larger interior also provided the Elantra with much room to accommodate its
new features. Standard features now include air conditioning, power windows, power
locks and mirrors, a cassette stereo, tachometer, tilt-steering wheel, manual
six-way driver seat adjustment, front seat lumbar adjustment, intermittent wipers,
and a split folding rear seat. Force limiters for the front seatbelt pretensioners
and child seat anchors are now installed as standard safety features, although
the antilock braking system is still optional on all models.
A smoother and quieter ride is also being promised by the 2000 Hyundai Elantra.
Although the powertrain remains the same, improvements were made to lessen its
bad effects. It now has a revised exhaust that promises reduction in noise, vibration
and harshness. The shock absorbers were also upgraded from hydraulic to gas-filled.
