On December 8, Popular Mechanics magazine released their pick of the 11 best fuel sippers that are not hybrids. Among them was the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, which has an EPA rating of 29 MPG city and 40 MPG highway. The magazine reports: “Cars don't get much more practical and livable than the Elantra.” The Elantra’s 1.8L, 4-cylinder engine features Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), which improves breathing on the intake, and exhaust camshafts that help lower emissions to provide better fuel economy. The vehicle performs well driven by either of the available transmissions, and its interior quality belies its sub-$17,000 starting price. PM reports that in a class where the competition is neck and neck, the Elantra gains advantage by costing less than its competitors without skimping on its impressive list of standard amenities. All these features should appeal to an economy-minded Angeleno who wants to take the sting out of L.A. gas prices, which are well above the national average.
The sporty compact sedan is a hot seller for Hyundai. On December 6, the company announced that the 2012 Elantra led the way to the achievement of more than 600,000 annual sales mark for the first time in its 25-year U.S. history. To date, Hyundai has already sold more Elantras in North America this year than it ever has (216, 331 vs. 151,735; a 43% increase), a high point for the Elantra model line in a record-setting year for Hyundai in both the U.S. and Canada.
Last month, Hyundai Motor America announced that the 2012 Elantra had received a Residual Value Award from ALG in the Compact Car segment. ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, annually recognizes automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing new vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. Awards are given in 19 vehicle categories. This year’s awards are based on 2012 model year vehicles. “The Elantra’s eye-catching sporty profile and upscale interior, combined with Hyundai’s increasing image of quality, earn the model its second consecutive win in the Compact Car segment,” said Raj Sundaram, ALG. “High demand and minimal incentives also help it nab the top spot.”
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