2011 Hyundai Elantra Officially Revealed With Stunning New Look, 40-MPG
After providing all the juicy details on the new Elantra last week, Hyundai has now lifted the embargo on the car ahead of its LA Auto Show debut, allowing us to reveal one of the most attractive compact car packages on the planet. And while it does compete in that compact car class, the Elantra, like its rival the Chevy Cruze, is actually classified as a mid-size due to its expansive cabin. In fact, when we had a chance to view the car at an event in Detroit last week, Hyundai Motor America CEO John Krafcik stated that it has an almost identical EPA-rated passenger volume as the Nissan Maxima. (In disbelief, we checked. Its true).
Having seen the car we can also attest to the fact that it looks even better in person than in the photos above (and below), adapting the Sonata’s design language on a more Prius-like body.
Powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder the car makes 148-hp at 6500 rpm and 131 ft-lbs of torque at 4700 rpm. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that with that power output, and the aid of a 6-speed transmission (manual or automatic) the car will achieve 29-mpg city and 40-mpg highway for an average of 33-mpg. Krafcik was eager to point out how the 40-mpg number isn’t for a special-edition high-mileage model that costs considerably more than the base model, but that it applies to all versions of the car. (We can’t reveal pricing yet, but look for it to stay mostly the same as the outgoing model).
Just two Elantra trim levels will be offered: GLS and Limited, with all models getting features like power windows with driver’s auto-down, remote keyless entry, 6 airbags and disk brakes at all corners. Limited models add items like fog lights, heated mirrors, a sunroof, 17-inch aluminum wheels (15-inch steel wheels are standard), leatherette door inserts, a leather-wrapped telescopic steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, heated leather front seats and even heated leather rear seats.
Thankfully Hyundai also offers a packages for the base GLS model including a Popular Equipment Package that adds cruise control, A/C, a telescopic steering wheel and 16-inch steel wheels. A Preferred Equipment Package adds on 16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, a Bluetooth hands-free phone system with voice recognition, a sliding center armrest and some upgraded interior trim. A Navigation package can also be had with a 7-inch monitor, while the Limited Premium Package includes items like a 360-watt audio system, as well as a “proximity key” and push-button ignition.
Stay tuned for news on pricing with the official reveal this Thursday at the LA Auto Show.
GALLERY: 2011 Hyundai Elantra
