The award-winning Elantra returns this year wîth the convenience of Hyundai’s ÚSB/iPod® auxiliary inputs, new audio system wîth larger display and improved XM Satellite Radio™ reception and enhanced suspensions for improved ride and handling.Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Elantra’s inclusion of XM Satellite Radio and standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and ÚSB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the ÚSB port, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s six-speaker audio system, but it also charges the iPod. The new audio display included wîth this system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view four lines of song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.

Elantra upgrades also include an enhanced suspension and steering tuning for GLS models and the sport-oriented SE model gets even sportier wîth significantly firmer suspension settings and more responsive §teering resulting in a more dynamic and agile driving experience.

Still standard on the Elantra SE, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is the industry’s most significant new safety technology since the seatbelt. ESC compares the driver’s intended course wîth the vehicle’s actual response, then brakes individual front or rear wheels and/or reduces engine power as needed in certain driving circumstances to help correct understeer or oversteer. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) research, if all vehicles were equipped wîth ESC, as many as 10,000 of the 34,000 fatal passenger vehicle crashes that occur each year could be prevented.

In addition, the Elantra has also received a five-star frontal and four-star side crash rating in the compact passenger car §egmènt from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and earned a ‘Good’ rating in the IIHS’s frontal offset test, the Institute’s highest rating. Finally, the addition of a standard Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which alerts drivers if tires are under inflated through an illuminated readout on the dash, rounds out Elantra’s safety features to make it one of the smartest purchases in the compact class.

Price: $14,120 – 17,820.
Invoice: $13,735 – 17,090.

DESIGN

Elantra’s front appearance and rising beltline create a premium statement. For added distinction and assertiveness, chrome headlight bezels and grille bars are standard. The Elantra profile features sculpted surfaces, an expressive bodyside character line that is shared wîth other Hyundai models and neatly integrated bodycolor door handles and mirrors. The rear styling complements the front design wîth tail lights that echo the theme of the headlights and nicely complete the bodyside character line. Elantra has a low coefficient of drag to improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds and reduce interior noise. Elantra’s coefficient of drag is 0.32, which is significantly ‘more slippery’ than the 2008 Nissan Sentra’s 0.35.1.

INTERIOR

Elantra is truly a ‘class above’ Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla when it comes to interior room. Elantra is so roomy the Ú.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla. In fact, wîth 97.9 cubic feet of passenger room and 14.2 cubic feet of trunk space, the Elantra has the most interior volume (passenger volume plus trunk space) of any sedan in its class.2 Elantra’s total interior volume of 112.1 cubic feet easily beats the 2008 Civic sedan (102.9 cu. ft.), 2008 Nissan Sentra (110.8 cu. ft.) and 2009 Corolla (104.3 cu. ft.), and, surprisingly, even surpasses the interior volume of the near-luxury Acura TL (110.4 cu. ft.). Elantra trunk volume at 14.2 cubic feet also beats Civic and Corolla.

Thoughtful design touches bring harmony and substance to Elantra’s interior. The dashboard slopes downward to give a feeling of more space and to promote greater visibility, while offering a modern look. The contrasting gray or beige two-tone color schemes, combined wîth metallic finishes, complement the sophisticated and upscale Elantra exterior styling. New levels of detail and craftsmanship are found throughout the interior, such as the luxurious supple leather seats now available on Elantra SE. Other interior amenities include heated seats as well as §teering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls; the §teering column also telescopes for improved control. Cool blue back lighting adds a modern, easy-to-read ambience at night.

The center console features dual level storage compartments and a comfortable armrest. An overhead sunglass holder has built-in map lights, while pockets are integrated into the front door panels, and seatback storage pockets provide additional room for small items. Storage can also be found in the dash, center stack and console. A convenient handbag strap holder, dual front cupholders and rear center armrest wîth cupholders round out the interior appointments and provide everyday utility. 

The Elantra’s comfortable and versatile seating includes a multi-adjustable driver’s seat, including variable height settings, adjustable head restraints and a 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback to accommodate larger cargo. Conveniences like a standard cabin air filter, rear window defroster, tilt §teering wheel, tinted glass, two-speed variable intermittent windshield wipers wîth mist function, power heated mirrors, power windows and door locks, and remote keyless entry wîth alarm and trunk release add to Elantra’s remarkable value position. XM Satellite Radio is a standard feature on all Elantra audio systems. Option packages enhance this value. The high-volume Elantra GLS Popular Equipment Package offers a 172-watt AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system wîth six speakers and ÚSB/iPod auxiliary inputs. Also included are air conditioning, cruise control, fog lights, windshield shade band and illuminated vanity mirrors and sunvisor extensions.

ENGINE

Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA and score high on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s (ACEEE) ‘Green Vehicle Guide to Green Cars.’ Additionally, the ACEEE recognized the Hyundai Elantra as one of the top 12 ‘Greenest Vehicles’ in the industry. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles and helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these ‘green’ states, the Elantra is available in Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) configurations.

Hyundai’s advanced 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine powers the Elantra. This sophisticated 16-valve powerplant employs Dual Over Head Camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for a very broad power spread, coupled wîth high fuel efficiency and low emissions. The ÚLEV variation is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. PZEV engines are available only wîth a four-speed automatic transmission, and are rated at 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. With a manual transmission, the Elantra’s mileage is 24 mpg city, and 33 mpg highway according to the EPA. With the optional four-speed automatic transmission, the Elantra’s EPA rating is 25 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

SUSPENSION AND STEERING

Elantra delivers a comfortable ride and responsive handling, thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension wîth coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and a multi-link suspension wîth twin-tube gas shock absorbers in the rear. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar and 17.0 mm rear stabilizer bar help reduce body roll when cornering. The new SE-tuned suspension features 18 percent stiffer front spring rate, 24 percent stiffer rear spring rate and unique strut valving. The SE suspension also has a 24.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar and 20.0 mm rear stabilizer bar for even better cornering. To enhance stopping power, the front and rear brakes are generously sized at 10.8 inches (275 mm) for the front and 10.3 inches (262 mm) for the rear.

Stiffer body construction allows Hyundai chassis engineers to tune the suspension components for precise §teering and handling together wîth a well-controlled, yet comfortable ride. Additionally, a rigid body structure and the vehicle’s optimized door sealing strategy contribute to reduce road noise (two decibels below a comparably equipped Honda Civic — based on internal testing). Advanced, electric motor-driven, engine-speed-sensing rack-and-pinion power §teering offers many benefits, including lighter weight and reduced engine drag for higher fuel economy, while delivering a more precise §teering feel in 2009 thanks to a new calibration. The Elantra §teering system also offers excellent parking and turning maneuverability. At 33.9 feet, Elantra’s turning diameter is better than Civic’s 34.8 feet, Corolla’s 35.6 feet, and Mazda3 sedan’s 34.1 feet. The SE’s §teering is now tuned for quicker response.

SAFETY

In addition to standard ESC, Traction Control and Brake Assist on the Elantra SE and outstanding safety ratings, all Elantras have six standard airbags, including two advanced front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two side-curtain airbags protecting front- and rear-seat outboard passengers. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent according to IIHS.

Accident avoidance technologies start wîth Elantra’s chassis, which features a fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and motor-driven rack-and-pinion §teering. Elantra’s safety leadership is taken even further wîth the addition of ESC. The Elantra’s standard power braking system has front and rear discs wîth a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). ABS helps the driver maintain vehicle §teering control during braking in slippery conditions and in emergency maneuvers. EBD is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting the front-to-rear braking force based on the vehicle’s loading conditions. Brake Assist is standard on the Elantra SE along wîth ESC. Brake Assist detects panic braking situations (by sensing brake pedal application speed) and increases braking force to shorten overall stopping distances and help avoid accidents. Four-wheel disc brakes are a key leadership feature for the §egmènt, as traditional rear drum brakes are still found on the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cobalt.

Elantra’s standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant’s head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS. All seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. The shingle-style, rear-seat head restraints are designed to improve visibility when there are no rear-seat passengers, while protecting these passengers when in the vehicle.

There is also an energy absorbing §teering column, front seatbelt pretensioners and adjustable-height shoulder anchors. A Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in the rear seat area provides secure attachment for child seats. In low-speed impacts, the Elantra’s five-mph front and rear bumpers help minimize damage. In higher energy collisions, its steel unibody structure is engineered to dissipate crash energy as its crumple zones deform, while bodyside reinforcements help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Hood buckling creases and safety stops help control the deformation of the hood in a frontal collision.

The award-winning Elantra continues to combat high gas prices in 2012 by adding an ActiveECO System that modifies engine and transmission control to smooth out throttle response and increase real-world fuel economy by up to seven percent. In addition, the 2012 Elantra has added several new convenience features to enhance passenger comfort.

Price: $15,195 – 20,445.

Design

Elantra exemplifies Hyundai’s emotional ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design principles. ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ considers the interplay of wind wîth rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata. Along Elantra’s sides are Sonata’s flowing lines, wîth the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along wîth muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package.

Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29). Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

POWERTRAIN

Únder the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine wîth 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles. The PZEV Elantra helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these ‘green’ states, the Elantra is available as an Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV).

Engine

• Aluminum block and head
• Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT)
• Variable Induction System (VIS)
• Roller swing arm and Hydraulic Lash Adjusters (HLA)
• Electronic throttle control
• Offset crankshaft

The Nu engine features an aluminum block wîth a cast iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and crank. This unique configuration results in a block that is 30 percent lighter than an iron block, shedding more than 74 pounds off the entire engine weight, while still providing comparable strength.

The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Úsing CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared wîth using it just on the intake camshaft including, a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared wîth direct valve driving. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The application of a plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS) versus aluminum, enables switching between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in a four percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and a 30 percent reduction in weight. Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into Elantra is an electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage wîth fast responding electronics. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

The Elantra also features double-pipe plumbing (internal heat exchanger) to improve cabin cooling performance, while minimizing the capacity of the compressor to further reduce fuel consumption. An external controlled variable compressor is also used to improve fuel efficiency. The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.

INTERIOR

Inside the Elantra, customers will find Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and available telescopic §teering wheel. The seats are made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are available in the front and the rear, a §egmènt first. Not only does Elantra have multiple storage areas, but it delivers useable storage capacity.

The 2012 Elantra GLS has a two-tone interior wîth a choice of either gray or beige. The Limited trim adds a monotone black interior. All Elantras have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel. Elantra is available wîth two audio systems. Standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system wîth six-speakers and iPod®/ÚSB/auxiliary input jacks. A 360-watt system wîth external amplifier is optional. Touch-screen navigation is available on GLS and Limited trims and includes a high-resolution 7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/ÚSB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit.

The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera, which cannot be found on the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Úsers can even upload personal pictures from a ÚSB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system’s home screen. Elantra owners can also get premium features, such as a proximity key wîth push button start and immobilizer, power sunroof, one touch driver’s window and leather seating surfaces. This modern, sophisticated interior is also whisper quiet.

Elantra is a ‘class above’ when it comes to interior room, in comparison to the new Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. In fact, the Elantra is so roomy the Ú.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla. Elantra’s total interior volume of 110.4 cubic feet beats the 2012 Honda Civic sedan, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2012 Ford Focus and 2011 Toyota Corolla. Surprisingly, it even surpasses the Acura TSX (107.1 cu. ft.), Nissan Maxima (110.0 cu. ft), and VW CC (109.3 cu. ft.) in total interior volume. Últimately, the long wheelbase allows for compact car efficiency wîth mid-size car comfort. An example of this is found in the long seat track, delivering best-in-class front seat legroom. Elantra’s trunk volume at 14.8 cubic feet also beats Civic and Corolla.

TRANSMISSIONS

The 2012 Elantra can be equipped wîth a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle wîth SHIFTRONIC manual control. The all-new six-speed automatic is 11 pounds lighter than Hyundai’s global five-speed. It is considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost. It also features a super flat torque converter that shortens the unit’s overall length by 0.43 inches, while being 2.6 pounds lighter. This transmission mated to the 1.8-liter Nu engine helps Elantra deliver improved fuel efficiency – 11 percent more than its closest competitors and a four percent gain in fuel economy. Elantra’s six-speed manual transmission is also all-new and provides crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

ARCHITECTÚRE

The Elantra is fitted wîth a McPherson strut front suspension, wîth coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced §teering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering. All Elantras have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power §teering that adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel economy over a conventional §teering system. A quick-ratio §teering rack is used for crisp feel on turn-in. Elantra’s turning diameter of 34.8 feet is better than Corolla’s at 35.6 feet.

SAFETY

Elantra has Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) to optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply §teering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides eight Newton meters of counter §teering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. Elantra features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags.

The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) automatically adjusts the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions. This package delivers shorter braking distances from 60 miles per hour than Corolla and Mazda 3. Elantra engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake, wîth a rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction. In terms of passive safety, the Elantra has strong unibody construction, along wîth front and rear crumple zones, and the rear doors have internal dual beams unlike some of its competitors.

Hyundai today introduced another exciting model, its all-new 2011 Elantra at the Los Angeles Auto Show. This marks the world debut of the latest version of the popular compact sedan. The 2011 Elantra encompasses Hyundai’s latest ambitions including ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design, advanced safety and fuel efficiency. In the very competitive compact car segment the Elantra continues to be on a fast four year lifecycle.

Price: $14,835 – 19,985.
Invoice: $14,425 – 19,145.

Design

Elantra exemplifies Hyundai’s emotional ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design principles. ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ considers the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of constant motion. Elantra is an evolution of the design qualities found in Sonata.

Successful sedans in the U.S. market all have a distinct silhouette and Day Light Opening (DLO – a designer’s term for the side glass) and Elantra is no different. Along Elantra’s sides are Sonata’s flowing lines, with the addition of a strong undercut feature line starting at the front door. These lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, create a memorable and spacious package. Flowing lines also lead to an aerodynamic body. The drag coefficient for the Elantra is an exceptionally low 0.28 that compares favorably to the Chevrolet Volt (0.29).

Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille and detailed swept-back headlights give Elantra a compact athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by 15-, 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels and athletic proportions. Available fog lights and side repeater mirrors complete the distinct design. Elantra was designed at Hyundai’s North American Design Center in Irvine, Calif.

Interior

Inside the Elantra, customers will find Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the clarity of the instruments and the tilt and telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel economy and the environment, being made of lightweight, environmentally friendly foam. Heated seats are available in the front and the rear, a segment first. Not only does Elantra have multiple storage areas, but it delivers useable storage capacity.

The 2011 Elantra GLS has a two-tone interior. Gray and beige are the two GLS interior color choices. The Limited trim adds a monotone black interior. All Elantras have cloth-like pillar trim made of fibrous tissue and volcanic rock for a premium look and feel. Elantra is available with two audio systems. Standard is a 172-watt AM/FM/Satellite Radio/CD/MP3 audio system with six-speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks. A 360-watt system with external amplifier is optional.

Touch-screen navigation is available on GLS and Limited trims and includes a high-resolution 7.0-inch screen and voice-activation by headliner-mounted microphone. The sound system plays compact discs, accesses digital music files via Bluetooth streaming audio or allows driver and passenger to access their personal listening devices through the iPod/USB/auxiliary inputs. Bluetooth audio wirelessly streams music from select mobile phones to the head unit. The XM Satellite Radio interface is also integrated into the navigation unit and features channel logos, real-time NavTraffic and XM Data services, such as XM NavWeather®, XM Stock Ticker and XM Sports Ticker. The system also integrates a rear-view camera, which cannot be found on the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. Users can even upload personal pictures from a USB rather than a CD to be displayed on the system’s home screen.

Elantra owners can also get premium features, such as a proximity key with push button start and immobilizer, power sunroof, one touch driver’s window and leather seating surfaces. This modern, sophisticated interior is also whisper quiet. Engineers worked hard on reducing noise and vibrations inside the cabin. The all-new Elantra is fitted with a McPherson strut front suspension, with coil springs and gas shock absorbers. The rear suspension is a light weight coupled torsion beam rear suspension for enhanced steering stability and monotube shock absorbers for ride comfort. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll when cornering.

Engine

The Nu engine features an aluminum block with a cast iron cylinder liner, cylinder head and crank. This unique configuration results in a block that is 30 percent lighter than an iron block, shedding more than 74 pounds off the entire engine weight, while still providing comparable strength. The 1.8-liter Nu also offers Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) camshafts and hydraulic engine mounts for optimum power, efficiency and refinement. Using D-CVVT on both camshafts has several advantages when compared with using it just on the intake camshaft. They include a two percent improvement in performance (increased volumetric efficiency), two percent improvement in fuel economy (reduced pumping loss) and a 30 percent reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. In the valvetrain, roller swing arms and hydraulic lash adjusters reduce valve driven friction to improve fuel economy one percent compared with direct valve driving. The Nu engine also features a maintenance-free silent timing chain system to enhance durability and improve Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).

The application of a plastic two-stage Variable Intake System (VIS), enables switching between long and short intake manifolds, resulting in an across-the-board performance increase. These result in a four percent improvement in performance, a 15 percent reduction in cost and 30 percent reduction in weight, when compared with aluminum. Another tool Hyundai engineers have incorporated into the next generation Elantra is an electronic throttle control. The electronic throttle control replaces the conventional cable and mechanical linkage found in the previous generation Elantra with fast responding electronics. This system accurately controls air intake and engine torque, improving drivability, response and fuel economy.

Hyundai’s first application of double-pipe plumbing (internal heat exchanger) is found in Elantra. Double-pipe plumbing improves cabin cooling performance, while minimizing the capacity of the compressor, which further reduces fuel consumption. An external controlled variable compressor is also used to improve fuel efficiency versus an internal variable compressor. The Nu four-cylinder engine also has an offset crankshaft design that reduces friction between the piston and cylinder wall for a one percent improvement in fuel economy.

Transmission

The 2011 Elantra can be equipped with a six-speed manual (M6CF3-1) or automatic (A6GF1) transaxle with SHIFTRONIC manual control. The 2011 Elantra is the first small car in the Hyundai lineup to receive a six-speed automatic. Hyundai now has its own six-speed automatic transmissions in its small, medium and large FWD cars. Hyundai is also only one of four global car manufacturers building their own unique six-speed automatic transmissions. The all-new six-speed automatic is 11 pounds lighter than Hyundai’s global five-speed and 17 pounds lighter than the five-speed automatic found in Honda Civic. It is considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

It also features a super flat torque converter that shortens the unit’s overall length by 0.43 inches, while being 2.6 pounds lighter.This transmission mated to the 1.8-liter Nu engine helps Elantra deliver improved fuel efficiency – 11 percent more than its closest competitors and a four percent gain in fuel economy. The 2011 Elantra’s six-speed manual transmission is also all-new and provides crisp shifts and further optimizes engine performance. These crisp shifts are courtesy of triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, double-cone for third gear and single-cone for fourth, fifth and sixth gears.

Safety

Elantra was one of the first compact sedans with ESC when it launched in July of 2007. The 2011 Elantra now takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS).

VSM works to control two effects. The first is when a driver accelerates or brakes on a split-mu surface (slippery on one side, dry pavement on the other) and the vehicle wants to pull in one direction. VSM detects this condition and sends a signal to the MDPS to apply steering assist. VSM counters the pull and automatically provides 8 Newton meters of counter steering. VSM reacts the same way during sudden lane changes or fast cornering. ESC is still not standard on the 2011 model year Civic. Elantra features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.

The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package. The package includes four-wheel disc brakes (Civic, Jetta and Corolla still feature rear drum brakes) and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions. This package delivers shorter braking distances from 60 miles per hour than Civic, Corolla and Mazda 3. Elantra engineers even looked at something as simple as the parking brake, having introduced Hyundai’s first integrated rear parking brake caliper for weight reduction. In terms of passive safety, the Elantra has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones and the rear doors have internal dual beams unlike some of its competitors.