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Car company fortunes rise and fall, up for one cycle with models people are paying premiums for and bottoming out in the next with showroom bombs.

Hyundai has been around for long enough now to have experienced some of these bumps in the road – although always managing to maintain onward and upward momentum. But it’s currently launching off a high spot with two recently introduced mainstream car models that are providing some much-needed wind beneath its wings. And it has a third arriving soon that should add additional lift.

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The suspension is a touch disappointing, feeling a little clattery and bangy over sharper bumps, suggesting damping control or bushings aren’t all they might be. It’s firm enough to produce positive response from the naturally enough weighted and quick-ish electric power steering and flat cornering through highway ramps though.

This motor/transmission/suspension system give the Elantra improved driving dynamics over its predecessor and elevates its status in this area in the segment.

Which, combined with its style, pleasant interior and high level of equipment, make it no surprise it’s doing well against tough competition.

he inside is almost Lexus-elegant – with a touch of gee-whiz thrown in – although understandably not executed to quite that standard. It is, however, nicely put together from obviously good-quality materials, with attractive dark silver swoop-y trim pieces. Things you need to reach and operate are easy to find and function well, mirrors do a good job, instruments are legible, there’s very little cabin noise and front seats are comfortable for the long haul.
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The 2011 Elantra offerings begin with the L model at $15,849 and work their way up through GL and GLS versions to the $22,699 Limited reviewed here, with a step beyond that involving inclusion of a navi and rear-view camera system.

The first thing you notice about Hyundai’s new Elantra sedan is that, well, you notice it. And that isn’t a universal reaction in a compact category which, if it isn’t exactly all grey porridge in terms of design conformity, does exhibit rather too much bland stodginess.