2014 Hyundai Elantra Platinum road test review

HYUNDAI'S success story in Australia continues to gather momentum, with the Korean manufacturer making unbelievable strides in the past decade.

Of course, much of that ascendency can be hitched to the star of the i30 hatch, but other offerings, too, like the ix35, Santa Fe and Veloster are beginning to pull their weight.

The Elantra presents an interesting quandary. Based on the i30 platform, it is for all intents and purposes an i30 sedan and, truth be told, would probably sell more if it is branded as such. This latest nip and tuck is intended to help the Elantra keep pace with much more aggressive moving rivals.

There are some minor exterior changes, a revised interior, a longer inclusions list and the obligatory minor price rise.

The entry-level Active manual is $400 dearer at $20,990, the mid-range Elite steps up to $26,790, while the range-topping Premium will set you back in excess of $30,000.

Comfort

The interior of the new Elantra sedan shows some obvious changes, with the air vents better placed at face height and an easy-to-use touch-screen that incorporates a reverse camera.

The console is well designed with the driver in mind, with hardy buttons and dials and quality surrounds.

Plastics are a mixed bunch but work well enough with no rattle, which is always a good thing. Leg room is good, as it was in the previous model, but headroom is hindered by the sloping roof - more so with a sunroof. Seats are comfortable both in the front and back with more than adequate support.

Our Premium model came with leather seats, which marked quite easily, but were just as easy to wipe clean. Storage is clever and includes a chilled glovebox, while the boot - 420 litres with the back seats in place - is a real roomy surprise.

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2014 Hyundai Elantra Platinum road test review