The GLS ($13,395) is the most basic and comes standard with power steering, power locks, windows and keyless entry, power heated mirrors, tinted glass, a 60/40 split rear folding seat with access to the trunk, and 15-inch wheels with full-size plastic wheel covers. The Preferred Package for the GLS ($1500) includes things that most car buyers consider necessary: air conditioning, AM/FM/CD six-speaker sound system, cruise control and foglamps. XM satellite radio is built into the sound system.

The SE ($15,695) is the sporty model and includes all the options in the GLS Preferred Package, plus a telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, and 16-inch alloy wheels with wider profile tires. The only option is a Premium Package that includes a power sunroof and heated front seats.

The Limited ($16,695) features leather seating surfaces and trim, and heated front seats. The Sun and Sound package includes a power sunroof and 220-watt premium audio system with a six-CD changer having MP3 capability, with standard XM satellite radio.

Safety features that come on all Elantra models include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, and active front head restraints. Electronic stability control is not available. But 24-hour roadside assistance for five years comes with the Elantra.

There's also a PZEV model, producing very low (quot;Partial Zero,quot; in government terminology) emissions, for California, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. It comes with the automatic transmission and is available in GLS, SE or Limited trim.