Eric

Anyone have the inside scoop on the 2007 Elantra, which is supposedly
going to feature a major re-design?

I've found a few snippets on Edmunds.com and other places, but not a
complete list of specs and features, nor have I seen any reviews. (I
assume at least the test models must be out by now.)

As I've posted here before, I am looking for the right ride for which
to trade in my '04 Chevy (Malibu) Classic, which is OK but unexciting
and not great on gas. The more I look at Hyundai and its cars the more
appealing they seem; I had been---to some extent, still am---looking at
the '06 Sonata, but all the posts about disappointing fuel economy have
given me pause.

I don't expect gas prices to fall by much anytime soon, and I alas must
work hard for a living....so now I want to check out the '07 Elantra,
especially since its interior is supposed to be much roomier than the
current model. (So roomy the EPA considers it a mid-size, I've heard.)

If true, that would alleviate one of the main reasons I never looked
seriously at the Elantra before: I'm a big guy who drives a lot,
sometimes with passengers and/or cargo, and I need a half-decent size
car.

Anyway, the current Elantra's fuel economy numbers are not great for
its class. 24/32 with the auto, as I recall. Anyone know if the new
model is supposed to be better on gas? Also I am curious as to why the
'06 Kia Spectra, almost identical to the Elantra mechanically, gets
better mpg ratings of 25/34, while the Elantra gets better crash test
ratings from the NHTSA. (Not that the Spectra's crash ratings are all
that bad.)

That's a consistent pattern I've noticed in my research. Compare
Accent/Rio, Elantra/Spectra or Sonata/Optima. In all cases, the Hyundai
gets slightly better crash test ratings while the Kia gets slightly
better mpg ratings. I thought the differences between Hyundai and Kia
were supposed to be in the details and doo-dads. Curious....

All info greatly appreciated.

Thanks and Regards,
Eric M