This all-new, fourth-generation Elantra is trying hard to compete against the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Chevy Cobalt and the new Dodge Caliber. That's a strong heap, but the Elantra stands on top in two areas, interior space and standard safety equipment. And by other measures, it holds its own.

Hyundai also claims that the Elantra warranty, 5 years or 60,000 miles plus 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain, is the best.

Hyundai hopes for a younger image for this all-new Elantra, but the marketing road can be rougher than the engineering road. With enough effort, a carmaker can build a great car; but convincing buyers, especially young ones, to lay down cash can be harder. Designed by an American team in California, the Elantra's looks are better than ever, but it still has the soul of a mature person's car; that is, someone who might put practicality ahead of coolness. Of course, the same might be said about Civic and Corolla buyers.

The 2007 Elantra is taller, wider and longer in wheelbase than last year's model. The increased size has been used to good advantage inside the spacious cabin; not only that, there are storage compartments galore. It's clear that someone has been doing some thinking about this car. The seats are very comfortable and it's quiet at speed. It's long-legged for a compact car, and can run 80 miles per hour without straining.

The ride is good, although a bad freeway with relentless sharp bumps is more than the Elantra can accept without passing on some of the annoyance to the front seats. The brakes are excellent, and the cornering is good.

It can seat up to five, but the Elantra is more comfortable with four. The back seats offer ample hip room and adequate legroom. Because the Elantra generally costs less than the competition, it might well be a long-term bargain. However, resale value always needs to be considered, and that competition includes the stalwarts from Honda and Toyota.