COSTA MESA, CA – In car-oriented Los Angeles, a reliable and safe vehicle is a necessity. One excellent resource is The Car Book’s BEST BETS. The annually-released bok rates vehicles in nine key categories: crash tests, safety features, rollover, preventative maintenance, repair costs, warranty, fuel economy, complaints and insurance, with the heaviest emphasis on safety. On February 21, Hyundai Motor America announced that the Accent, Sonata, and Tucson were named as 2012 BEST BETS by The Car Book. The book's author, Jack Gillis, noted, “We appreciate the fact that Hyundai has made a significant contribution to improving the market choices for the American car buyer. During these most challenging times for the auto industry, the fact that Hyundai vehicles have the quality and features most important to today’s car buyer is a testament to their desire to meet customer needs.”
For more than three decades, The Car Book has proven to be a reliable guide for consumers in search of a reliable and safe new vehicle. Jack Gillis is well qualified for his authorship and is considered to be an expert on consumer affairs. He is currently Director of Public Affairs for the Consumer Federation of America. Prior to that post, he spent three years with the U.S. Department of Transportation, where he was responsible for developing the government s automotive information program. In addition, he served for 10 years as a contributing correspondent for NBC s Today Show.
“Having three Hyundai models named as ‘Best Bets’ by The Car Book highlights our continued effort to deliver quality vehicles across the entire Hyundai lineup,” noted Scott Margason, director, Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The Accent, Sonata and Tucson all deliver advanced technology, design and fuel economy while continuing to exceed customer expectations in value, performance and safety.”
All three of the Hyundai’s BEST BETs winners feature the eye-catching “Fluidic Sculpture” design, excellent fuel economy, and are competitively priced. Standard safety features and technology yields a lot of bang for the buck.
The all-new 2012 Accent was a recipient of one of MotorWeek’s 2012 Driver’s Choice Awards as “Best Subcompact Car” at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month. With its MSRP starting at $12,545, it is a definite budget-pleasure. Also of importance to the cost-conscious Angeleno is its EPA rating of 40 MPG highway.
The popular 2012 Hyundai Sonata was placed on the annual “Greener Choices list as best in its class (large sedan) by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE). In addition, the vehicle was a recipient of the 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Awards from Kelley Blue Book. Like its little brother, the Accent, the Sonata was also a recipient of one of MotorWeek’s 2012 Driver’s Choice Awards as the “Best Family Sedan.” In return for a higher base price than the Accent (base MSRP $19,795), the owner will gain interior space and features. For horsepower junkies, the Sonata comes in a turbo version and for the eco-conscious, the hybrid is available. The base 2.4 liter engine is rated at 24 city and 35 highway MPG. The 2012 model includes Blue Link, HD Radio Technology and a new seven-inch touch-screen navigation system.
The 2012 Tucson is the smallest of Hyundai’s lineup of crossover vehicles; however, it provides ample space for a family of four—or a couple who will fold down the rear seat for cargo space. It boasts 22 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. Prices start at $19,145 for the GL, $22,295 for the GLS, and $24,995 for the Limited. For an added $2,850, the Premium Package can be had, which includes a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, and a backup camera. For all models, an extra $1,500 will get you all-wheel drive.
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