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Matching sleekness of its larger sibling, the Sonata, the recently introduced 2011 Hyundai Elantra will share the spotlight in the Korean company’s floor space at the Denver Auto Show beginning March 30.
Their “fluidic sculptured” styles and excellent fuel-mileage ratings have propelled the new-model Elantra and Sonata sedans to strong sales results. They’ll be positioned at the show alongside the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, which has yet to hit the showrooms.
The Elantra’s smooth look stretches from a short hood, over an elongated windshield (38 inches) to a high-riding rear deck. Headlight housings wrap far back into the front fenders.
It sits 2 inches lower than last year’s model, which adds to the sleek appearance, and it rides on a 2-inch longer wheelbase and a track widened by an inch.
Interior space of the Elantra is among the roomiest of all compact four-doors sold in this country, and its trunk space of more than 14 cubic feet matches most midsize models.
Well-bolstered, leather-covered front seats are comfortable; a short seat cushion keeps it from being labeled a highway cruiser.
Highlight of its powertrain is a new 6-speed automatic transmission, borrowed from the Sonata, with a manual-mode shift gate. Its engine is a moderately powered 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, developing 148 horsepower.
The combination, though, rated an impressive 29/40 mpg. Following several days of in-town driving, Jan and I piloted the Elantra 120 miles Wednesday morning along U.S. 287 and thereabouts and finished with an average of 33.1 mpg. The ride was smooth – the Elantra uses a McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and gas shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, with torsion-beam and monotube shock absorbers in the rear.
Road noise was noticeable inside the cabin. The fit and finish of the cabin are among the best in class. Its dash sweeps from each side toward a well-designed center stack, easily accessed by the driver.
Fuel tank capacity is less than 13 gallons; that’s probably large enough for a car that delivers 30 to 40 mpg.
A power sunroof and automatic headlamps headed a long list of standard equipment in the Elantra Limited. Among other items are heated front and rear seats, heated side mirrors with integrated directional signals, air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and stability control.
Sticker price is $20,830. For another $2,000, a purchaser can also have navigation, rearview camera and premium audio.
In its grand new style, the Hyundai Elantra will compete strongly with the new Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and other compacts. It is assembled in a Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Ala.
The Elantra’s sales in the first two months of this year have far exceeded totals from the same months of 2010.
Subaru Outback 3.6R
Paddle shifters and a manual mode for its 5-speed automatic transmission lend added drivability to the 2011 Subaru Outback 3.6R with its 6-cylinder boxer engine.
Though it doesn’t scream with acceleration, the 3.6R has strong torque and is powerful enough to tow 3,000 pounds.
Seating position is relatively high in the Outback wagon and visibility is excellent.
As has been the case with many Subarus, I find the cruise control lacking in precision, particularly when attempting to incrementally increase or decrease speed.
The Subaru averaged 23.4 miles per gallon.
With an optional package of 440-watt harman/kardon audio, XM satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, power moonroof and rear-vision camera, the price for the Outback 3.6R Premium edition climbed to $32,660.
Colorado, along with the New England states, is Subaru’s strongest sales area. The Outback, part of Subaru for more than 15 years, began as an upgraded trim level of the Legacy wagon in 1995. It had standard all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance than the Legacy. It soon became its own model and added 6-cylinder power in 2001.
Notes from e-mail
Q: I enjoy reading your columns, although many of the new models are not affordable for me. I am writing, though, to let you know about a tasty Mexican restaurant, also in Colorado Springs, just two doors north of Uwe’s German restaurant, which was recommended to you recently. The food at La Carreta (The Carriage) is very flavorful, with lots of fresh ingredients, not especially spicy, just delicious; in case Uwe’s isn’t open next time you’re down here. – T.W.
A: Thanks, Thom. Gosh, if I had become a restaurant critic, rather than an automotive writer, I’d certainly try them both.
2011 Hyundai Elantra
$20,830
(price as tested)
MPG City 29 Highway 40
Vehicle type: Compact sedan
Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
Length/Width/Height: 178.3/69.9/56.5 inches
Weight: 2,661 pounds
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel mileage: 33.1 mpg
Fuel tank: 12.8 gallons
Warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles basic; 10/100,000 powertrain
Competitors: Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze
Built at: Montgomery, Ala.
Parts content: Korea 59 percent, U.S. 40 percent
THE STICKER
$19,980 base
$95 Carpeted floor mats
$35 iPod cable
$720 Destination
PLUSES
Exterior styling
High miles per gallon
Interior finish
MINUSES
Short seat cushion
Noisy interior
In its grand new style, the Hyundai Elantra will compete strongly with the new Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra and other compacts. It is assembled in a Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Ala.
