What's new at Hyundai?
By Laura Bruce • Bankrate.com

It wasn't too long ago that few Americans would even consider buying a Hyundai.

But the South Korean automaker has come a long way, overcoming quality problems and luring customers with better-looking vehicles and longer warranties.

The automaker's six models range from the smallest and cheapest, Accent, to its Santa Fe SUV, and the upscale sedan XG350.

Tiburon
The Tiburon (Spanish for shark) hatchback sport coupe is considerably different for 2003.

Tiburon

It's not only longer, wider, higher; it's sportier -- built on a stiffer chassis with front and rear independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. A 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower, four-cylinder engine powers the base model.

A new model, the GT V6, is powered by a 2.7-liter, 181-horsepower, six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is optional on the GT V6. That model comes with 17-inch tires and a tauter suspension. Leather seats are standard in the GT V6 coupe. Options include anti-lock brakes and a power sunroof.

Estimated price range: $16,000 to $20,000.

Elantra
The Elantra is available in three trim lines for 2003: GLS Sedan, GT Hatchback and the GT Sedan. The sedan is new to the series. A 140-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine with a five-speed manual transmission powers all models. A four-speed automatic is optional. Air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors are standard. The hatchback and sedan have a tauter suspension, fog lamps and 15-inch wheels.

Estimated price range: $12,500 to $14,000.

Accent
Hyundai's least costly model has been revamped quite a bit for 2003. On the outside, the hood, fenders, taillights and headlights have been updated. Under the hood, the entry-level power train is now a 105-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine.

Accent is available as a three-door hatchback or a sedan.

Estimated price range: $9,500 to $11,500.

Santa Fe and Sonata
Only minimal changes are expected for the 2003 versions of Hyundai's SUV, Santa Fe, and its mid-size Sonata sedan.

The Santa Fe comes with a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine, or a 181-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6.

Estimated price range: $18,000 to $24,000.

Engine options for the Sonata are the 149-horsepower four-cylinder, or the 181-horsepower, 2.7-liter V6.

Estimated price range: $15,000 to $20,000.

XG350
Hyundai's upscale sedan comes with a 194-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine with a five-speed automatic transmission. No significant changes are planned for 2003.

Its competitors are the Buick Century, Honda Accord, Mazda 626 and the Ford Taurus.

Estimated price range: $24,000 to $26,000.

-- Posted: Oct. 1, 2002

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