Except for loud engine drone under acceleration, the new Hyundai Elantra is an impressive vehicle to drive. It's quite refined for a small car, remarkably quiet on the highway and displaying a good feel for the road. The engine is peppy and the automatic transmission shifts unobtrusively but wastes no time in responding to requests for additional power when passing or accelerating into traffic. However, though the Elantra has no trouble keeping up on city streets or cruising at 80 mph on the Interstate, this is not a quick car by any means.

Ride quality is compliant and controlled while the steering is light at low speeds and exhibits a pleasing heft at higher speeds. The turning circle is tight for greater urban maneuverability, the steering communicates road textures to the driver's fingertips, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel on our Elantra SE test model was pleasing to hold. We found the Elantra to be an impressive handler, but admittedly did not push it hard on twisty two-lane sections of the driving route.

If there's anything to complain about with regard to the Hyundai Elantra's dynamics, it's the brakes. They are extremely effective, reacting instantly to input, which makes them a bit grabby until the driver acclimates. Better this calibration, however, than a pedal that does little but illuminate the brake lights when stepped upon.

Thanks to simple, logical control layout, the Elantra's large and well marked knobs, switches, and buttons make living with this car easy. The three rotary climate knobs, for example, are models of perfection. Also, note the fluidic refinement with which the controls operate, from the turn signal stalk to the dampened door covering the storage cubby in the center of the dashboard.