Ford Focus vs. Hyundai Elantra: Styling

2011 Elantra:
Totally redesigned for 2011, the Elantra bears almost no resemblance to those that came before it. And there you were thinking Hyundai was synonymous with cheap, ugly deathtraps. Dreamed up by Hyundai’s California design studio, the Elantra’s sheet metal appears to be wrapped taut around underlying muscle, giving a sense that it is perpetually about to pounce. Inside, the Elantra continues to impress with the feeling of a much more expensive vehicle.

2012 Focus:
Also a complete redesign, the Focus takes a more refined approach to modern looks. With a grille reminiscent of the understated elegance of an Aston-Martin, the 2012 Focus is styled to meet the preferences of a larger market than the Elantra—which should come as no surprise given that the new American Focus has the same styling as all Focuses sold globally. The refinement continues to the interior where a race-inspired, driver-centric console and instrument cluster greets you.

And the winner is: Ford Focus
Styling is always a matter of preference, of course — and both cars look good — but the Elantra comes off as a bit adolescent and over the top, whereas the Focus pulls off modern and elegant without being too garish.

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