Hyundai Elantra MD

The August 2010 Elantra MD is a rare compact sedan that tries to look lighter and more dynamic than its rational role. The Korean version has a 140-PS naturally aspirated 1.6, front-wheel drive and either a six-speed manual or automatic; the technical catalogue identifies this configuration as G4FG.

An MD should not be reduced to talk of a simple naturally aspirated sixteen-valve. A stored catalyst-efficiency code calls for real diagnosis, while oil use or mechanical noise calls for cylinder inspection and a compression check before work is selected.

When the engine starts calmly, pulls evenly and the service trail does not stop at the seller's words, an MD feels newer than its age. That is more useful than assigning a single reliability number to the whole generation.