Hyundai Elantra

The main exterior changes are at the front, where a more upmarket finish has been created with tinted headlights and an elegant shape. A cleaner look has also been given to the radiator grille, as well as the new front bumper and headlamps.

Inside, most of the Elantra's cabin has been left well alone, but a few ergonomic revisions have been made. The dashboard vents have been re-designed to give a more efficient flow of air, and lights have been added to the passenger side sun visor. New gunmetal grey trim is sportier than the existing fake wood look.

In its native Korea, the Elantra comes with a choice of 1.5 or 2.0-litre engines, but in the UK the significant news is the addition of the 2.0-litre VVT powerplant from the Coupé. The 141bhp unit allows the Elantra to cover the sprint from 0-60mph in 10.9 seconds in automatic guise, but the car is about comfortable transport, not setting the pulse racing.

The facelifted model is due on sale in the UK by the start of November. With prices expected to remain similar to the existing version, the new 2.0-litre car will cost around ΂£13,000.