If Nissan's new Sentra caters to the sport-minded driver, the distinctively styled and even roomier new Elantra will especially appeal to more sedate drivers and their passengers.

Credit that to its class-leading interior room (the U.S. EPA officially calls it a midsize car), easy-to-access back seat, plush ride, and hushed highway cruising.

Not that "expressive" drivers get a raw deal: while the Elantra is too soft for committed canyon carving, its light and lively steering lends it pleasing agility around town.

Under the hood, a 2.0-litre, 138-hp engine with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic provides good driveability and gets the job done. But there's not much to ignite the ardour of keen drivers -- the engine is neither particularly lively nor especially musical.

The trunk is one of the largest in its segment and has a particularly large opening, though the pass-through to the cabin is small. Perceived build quality perpetuates Hyundai's transformed quality rep of recent years.

Five trim grades provide a content package to suit every pocket. At $15,595 the base GL undercuts most rivals, though you'll have to pay more than $19,000 to get an Elantra with ABS and six airbags -- all standard on every Civic. On the other hand, Hyundai claims, you can get an Elantra with A/C for $2,200 less than a so-equipped Civic.

Roomy, smooth-riding, quiet on the highway

Not the most fun-to-drive choice in a compact car