The Detroit News's view

“Is that a new Saab?” asked our local grocer, a self-styled car nut who owns a Chevy Corvette.

But the owner of the local dry-cleaning store was more astute. “That’s a new Hyundai, isn’t it?” he observed, running his eyes over our test vehicle, the brand-new 2002 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback. “It’s about time they started to develop their own personality.”

We agree – up to a point. Anita raved about the quirky styling on this Korean-built compact, which retails for $13,999. Paul was not so thrilled about the design, but was amazed by the amount of standard equipment on our $14,572 test vehicle.

She: This car is a steal. And I’ve never said that about any vehicle we’ve tested in the past eight years. Buy it before Hyundai realizes what a terrible mistake they’ve made and raises the price to 20 grand. Which is probably where it should be.

He: Yep. Just don’t forget to wear your sunglasses, because this is one uglycar.

She: This has been a never-ending argument for the past week in our house. Here’s how you have to look at it. Finally, a Korean car with Korean personality. You can say this is a Korean look. It’s the first time the Koreans have been confident enough to do something other than a copycat or derivative vehicle. I especially love the rear end, which stands out in a crowd. Besides, the Elantra GT is just a fun car. And it’s a youthful car. Four stars. They hit just the right note.

He: Gee, the last time I heard you gush like that was over the pug centerfold in Dog Fancy magazine. Which is kind of a revolting mental image, I know. But the analogy is appropriate. Looks-wise, I’m sorry, but the Elantra GT is a real barker. Fortunately, it also happens to be, hands down, the best value in the small-car segment. The list of standard equipment for $13,999 is stunning – leather upholstery, a CD player, air conditioning, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, and that’s just for starters. I still think the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic are better cars, but for the same equipment, they cost thousands of dollars more.

She: It’s such a pleasure to write this review, because it’s good news for consumers. You’re not going to compromise yourself by buying the Elantra GT. We found very few things to nitpick about it. Probably our greatest complaint was the fact that antilock brakes are not standard, but are part of a $1,175 options package that includes traction control and a power glass sunroof. But side air bags are standard, which is unusual in this size and price class.

He: To me, the clincher is the warranty, which is the longest in the business. And it’s not just a mark of Hyundai’s confidence in its products, but a measure of how good they’ve become. From what we could see, the overall quality on the Elantra GT is better than average – better, in fact, than on some of the American-built small cars we’ve tested.

She: In other words, this is something of a landmark vehicle for th e Koreans. They back up the Elantra GT with a five-year/60,000-mile vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Plus, you get five years of free roadside assistance, with unlimited mileage. Just for comparison sake, my two-year-old Volkswagen Beetle cost $5,000 more and came with a two-year vehicle warranty – which, of course, expired this month.

He: Apples to oranges. But I understand your point. We should also mention the Elantra GT comes with a pretty peppy twin-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is more powerful than either the base or optional engines in the Focus and the Civic. Handling is middle-of-the-road, but I thought the ride quality was a cut above average.

She: To answer our grocer, this is no Saab, although it certainly has personality plus. More importantly, we have to agree with our dry-cleaner that this is a milestone car for Hyundai, in terms of establishing a more definitive look and style for the brand. Above all, given the tanding warranty, the high level of standard equipment, the terrific price and the above-average quality, the Elantra GT is a best buy.

2002 Hyundai Elantra GT

Anita’s rating: World class

Paul’s rating: Above average

Likes: Best value in the small-car segment. Best warranty in the business. Side air bags standard. Good ride quality. Excellent fuel economy. Long list of standard equipment, including leather, CD player, air conditioning. Distinctive styling (Anita).

Dislikes: Ugly styling (Paul). Antilock brakes cost extra. Weak spots in visibility.

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger subcompact.

Price: Base, $13,999; as tested, $14,572 (inc. $495 destination charge).

Engine: 2.0-liter I-4; 140-hp; 133 lb-ft torque.

EPA fuel economy: 25 mpg city/33 mpg highway.

12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,313 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)

Where built: Korea