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.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2011 ELANTRA

• All-new fifth generation Elantra compact sedan

• “Fluidic Sculpture” design

• Launches with new 1.8-liter “Nu” engine and in-house six-speed automatic transmission

o 40 mpg highway on all models with A/T or M/T

Advertisement

o Best-in-class standard fuel economy

o Improved fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent over its predecessor

o More fuel efficient than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla

• Production began at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in November

• “Class-above” mid-size car interior volume

• Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD

Advertisement

• Touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs

• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition

• Segment first: Heated rear seats

The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach to the traditional compact sedan segment, using emotional design and luxury features offered with Hyundai’s strong value proposition.

HYUNDAI “FLUIDIC SCULPTURE” 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.

Advertisement

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.

40 MPG – AN 18 PERCENT IMPROVEMENT IN FUEL ECONOMY

Elantra’s fuel economy is 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, with the six-speed automatic transmission or manual transmission. These figures give Elantra a highway-only driving range of up to 500 miles.

Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by an all-new 1.8-liter Nu four-cylinder engine with 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque (145 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque for Elantra PZEV). The Nu engine was developed to replace the 2.0-liter Beta engine from the previous generation Elantra. The Nu is smaller in size, weighs 74 pounds less and helps achieve an 18-percent improvement in highway fuel economy, when compared with its predecessor. Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles 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 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle.

MODERN, SOPHISTICATED 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.

Copy the Story Link

Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.