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First drive: 2011 Hyundai Elantra GLS (photos)

We were recently given an opportunity to spend time behind the wheel of Hyundai's all-new compact sedan and we're now thoroughly convinced that Honda should definitely be afraid of the 2011 Elantra GLS.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
We were recently given an opportunity to spend time behind the wheel of Hyundai's all-new compact sedan and we're now thoroughly convinced that Honda and Toyota should definitely be afraid of the 2011 Elantra GLS.
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2 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
An aggressively raked roofline gives the sedan a coupe-like profile.
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3 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Hyundai's fluidic sculpture design language continues into the sedan's curvaceous rear end.
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4 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
We're still not sure if the Elantra looks mischievous or angry, but it certainly looks ready to pounce.
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5 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Under its hood, the Elantra is powered by a 1.8-liter engine that's both more powerful and more efficient than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
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6 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Inside, the cabin is rather well-appointed for a vehicle that starts at about $15,000.
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7 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Instrumentation is simple, but also easy to read. A monochromatic information display sits between the two large analog gauges.
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8 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
When navigation is specced, the Elantra also gains a rear-view camera.
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9 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
The Elantra's destination selection screen offers a variety of searching methods, as well as six user-definable favorite destinations.
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10 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Only 2D map data is stored on an 8GB SSD, but the display is crisp and easy to read at a glance.
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11 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
The XM satellite radio connection beams traffic, stocks, weather, and sports data into the navigation system.
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12 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Of course, you can also listen to XM satellite music.
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13 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
USB/iPod connectivity is standard in the Elantra. Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming are optional.
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14 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Steering wheel controls include voice commands for hands-free calling.
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15 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Hyundai manages to cram the HVAC controls into a surprisingly compact interface.
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16 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
Although you can get the Elantra with a six-speed manual transmission, you'll have to spec the six-speed automatic to gain access to any of tech gadgets.
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17 of 17 Antuan Goodwin/CNET
At least where initial quality is concerned, the Elantra GLS stands victorious in apples to apples comparisons with the offerings from Toyota and Honda.

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