The brief sounded simple enough ... "compare your 1995 Hyundai Elantra with the 2011 model."

Simple enough, until I began to give it a bit of thought!

For what we have today compared to all of 16 years ago is akin to being asked to evaluate an Apple iPad to say, the Macintosh LC 580, which was all the rage back then.

Too many things have changed. From design to technology, from performance to an emphasis on environmentally-friendly products, the gap is as varied as it is wide.

But one thing I have learnt about the Korean manufacturer - and this applies to its fleet of vehicles and not specifically to the Elantra - is that it still strives today to bring to the consumer a product that is well made and competitively priced.

Back in the mid-90s Hyundai was something of an unknown quantity in South African motoring circles.

Whereas today consumers have a choice from more than 70 manufacturers, back then it was literally a handful, with Hyundai the new kid on the block. They were eyed suspiciously by the competition and the motoring public.

The cars in those early days found their way into South Africa thanks to controversial businessman Billy Rautenbach and his company Wheels of Africa, with the first model available locally being the Elantra J1.

It was towards mid-1995 that the J2 came onto the market and it was this design that initially grabbed my attention . It was, in my opinion, ahead of its time.

The distinctive lines it was given became a benchmark and it wasn't long before designers around the world were keeping an anxious eye on Korea.

Another aspect of the car that appealed back then, and is still a strong trait today, is that its vehicles come highly specced.

Back in 1995 it was unheard of to get a B-segment vehicle that was home to such luxuries as air-conditioning, a decent enough sound system, power steering, electric windows, ... all as standard features.

So I took the plunge and bought my first new car that carried a price tag of a princely R63000. To put things in perspective, that same amount could buy you a nice two-bedroom townhouse.

It is a car that, up to this day, has given me basically hassle-free motoring - all 324445 kilometres of them.

Trips to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Swaziland have been completed with hardly a hiccup and while initially it was serviced at a dealership, for the last 10 years or so the usual oil change, brake pads and points have been carried out by a mechanic friend.

But it hasn't always been plain sailing for the Hyundai group in South Africa.

In 1999 Rautenbach fled the Republic with charges of theft, bribery and tax issues snapping at his heels.

Shortly thereafter the company folded and Hyundai car owners - myself included - were left with no support system for our vehicles.

Thankfully it didn't last for long, and when head office in Korea took over local operations, they realised the potential not only here, but north of our borders as well.

Today Hyundai has a range of 14 models on the showroom floor with the new Elantra launched as recently as September.

Like its predecessors, it is undoubtedly going to be a hit with motorists.

The 1.8 GLS we had on a recent road test comes with all the bells and whistles and provided the comfortable driving experience I've come to expect from this particular model. Many people commented on its stylish looks and yes it definitely has the curves and lines in the right place.

But if I could find a fault with this new generation it is that I question the strong styling features borrowed from the Sonata.

For what we have now is an Elantra that looks like the Sonata that looks like the Accent that looks like the ... You get my point?

That aside it is a fantastic car and I was not surprised one iota that it has made the 10 finalists for the 2012 Car of the Year.

Hyundai's ix35 missed out last year on the coveted title. Perhaps this time round it will be the Elantra's turn to scoop the award.

I wouldn't be in the least surprised.

THE SPECS:

Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS

Engine: 1797cc four-cylinder

Power: 110kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 178Nm at 4700rpm

0-100km/h: 9.3 seconds (claimed)

Top speed: 205km/h (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 6.5l/100 km (claimed/combined)

CO2: 155g/km

Price: R214900

We like:

Brand leading warranty/service plan

Great reliability

Value for money

We don't like:

Hyundai's sedans are all starting to look much-of-a-muchness