HYUNDAI’S climb up the quality latter scales another significant rung with the Korean maker’s fourth-generation Elantra, the latest sedan to join the melting pot of Australia’s overcrowded small-car market. A sharp $19,990 price-point, a strong standard feature list, pleasingly unique styling, impressive refinement and Hyundai’s five-year/130,000km warranty give the new Elantra plenty of ammunition in its quest to emulate the aged Toyota Corolla’s enduring popularity. And the availability of stability control across the small-car range is commendably significant. But with hatch, wagon and – eventually – coupe-convertible bodystyles still at least a year away, there’s plenty riding on Hyundai’s small-medium sedan prize-fighter.