As the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is about to arrive at dealerships across U.S. soon (US spec model shown at the 2010 L.A. Auto Show), the Korean automaker decided to announce its pricing.
With power extracted from a 1.8-litre ‘Nu’ engine that produces 148 HP and 138 lb-ft of torque, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is available with either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission, and promises consumption figures of 40 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city.
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra price starts at 14,830 USD, and on this entry-level version (GLS), customers will get features like VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD as standard, plus a touch screen navigation with rearview camera, iPod, USB and Bluetooth connectivity as well as heated rear seats which is a first in this segment.
There are a total of 7 trim levels available for which standard equipment will vary accordingly, and on the range topping Premium grade the 2011 Hyundai Elantra price starts at 21,980 USD. Pricing does not include the 720 USD destination fee.
Hyundai press release :
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.
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
• 40 mpg highway on all models with A/T or M/T
• Best-in-class standard fuel economy
• Improved fuel efficiency by up to 18 percent over its predecessor
• More fuel efficient than Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla
• Production began at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in November with shipments to dealers before year-end
• “Class-above” mid-size car interior volume
• Standard VSM, ESC, TCS, ABS with Brake Assist and EBD
• Touch-screen navigation with rearview camera and iPod®/USB inputs
• Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition
• Segment first: Heated rear seats
Elantra
is the fourth vehicle in Hyundai’s 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative
(seven new models in the next 24 months), following on the heels of the
all-new Tucson, Sonata and Equus.
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. The 2011 Elantra poses some
intriguing questions:
• Why can’t a compact car have modern, sleek, sophisticated style?
• Why pay luxury car prices to get advanced safety features?
• Why buy a mid-size sedan when you can get exceptional room in a compact car?
• Why can’t a compact car get subcompact car fuel economy?
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.
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.
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.
40 MPG POWERTRAIN
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 (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 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV).
Key Engine Components
• 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 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.
ELANTRA VS. ITS RIVALS
Note: ULEV standard engines shown for all models
SIX-SPEED TRANSMISSIONS
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.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
The
all-new Elantra rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, just two-inches longer
than the previous generation. Its overall length has increased by 0.9
inches to 178.3 inches, with the 69.9-inch width remaining the same. The
height has been lowered by 1.8 inches to 56.5 inches, without affecting
headroom. Consequently, Elantra maintains its “class above” status when
it comes to interior room, in comparison to Honda Civic and Toyota
Corolla. In fact, the Elantra is so roomy the U.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 2011 Honda Civic
sedan, 2011 Nissan Sentra, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2011 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 Passat CC (109.3
cu. ft.) in total interior volume. Ultimately, the long wheelbase allows
for compact car efficiency with 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.
VOLUME COMPARISON
2011 ELANTRA ARCHITECTURE
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.
All
Elantras have column-mounted, motor-driven electric power steering that
adjusts instantly to changing driving conditions while improving fuel
economy over a conventional steering system. A quick-ratio steering 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.
World-class weight efficiency was one of the program targets for the
Elantra engineering team. In fact, the 2011 Elantra leads all of its
competitors in weight efficiency. Hyundai engineers also targeted
leadership in power-to-weight ratio. Having these targets paid huge
dividends in both performance and fuel economy.
POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO COMPARISON
The
Elantra’s widespread use of high-strength steel provides a 37 percent
increase in body stiffness at a lower body weight. High-strength steel
allows the suspension to work optimally. At 2,701 pounds, the automatic
transmission Elantra GLS is lighter than its competitors, while offering
more interior room than Focus, Cruze, Civic and Corolla, with
body-bending rigidity 50 percent higher than the Corolla. This weight
efficient unibody architecture allows for Elantra to achieve an
estimated 40 mpg EPA highway rating, without the need for a special eco
model.
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.
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.
NVH COMPARISONS
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.
ADVANCED STANDARD SAFETY TECHNOLOGIES: PART OF HYUNDAI’S ASSURANCE COMMITMENT
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.
2011 ELANTRA PRICING
The
all-new Elantra offers modern design, loads of comfort and convenience
features, and is an outstanding weapon against gas prices all with a low
starting price of $14,830.
ELANTRA VS. CRUZE VS. FIESTA – FUEL ECONOMY COMPARISION
