Hyundai Prices Elantra Touring From $18,495

Hyundai's Elantra Touring, a cheaper alternative to the Mazda3 hatchback, will go on sale in the near future with a base price of $18,495. As is the norm with Hyundai products, the list of standard features is seemingly endless, including remote keyless entry, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, cooled glove box, 172-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite radio (with USB and auxiliary input jacks), and an eight-way adjustable driver's seat.

As for options, customers can order up a four-speed automatic transmission instead of the standard five-speed manual, and there's also a Premium Sport package which includes heated front seats, a sunroof, and seventeen-inch alloy wheels. The Elantra touring should be hitting dealerships within the coming months.

Hyundai Accent Takes Back Title Of Cheapest Car In America At $9,970

Nissan made some waves last month when they announced the Nissan Versa 1.6S, a car that would cost only $9,990 and snagged the unofficial title of "cheapest car in America" from Hyundai. The Korean automaker has struck back by dropping the price of their Hyundai Accent GS 3-door from $11,070 to $9,970, besting the Versa by an Andrew Jackson. That money will get you the same 1.6-liter, 110-horsepower engine and five-speed manual transmission found in the regular version. You'll also still get no radio, no air-conditioning and steel wheels. What's the catch? All the other prices remain the same, meaning that if you want a 3-door with an automatic you'll pay a whopping $2,100 premium for the pleasure of having the car choose the gears for you. If you want air-conditioning prepare to pay another $1,600. Full details in the press release below.

    Hyundai Accent Retains Crown as America's Least Expensive Car

    FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov 25, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — The country's most dependable sub-compact car is also its most affordable.
    The high-mileage 2009 Hyundai Accent has a starting price of $9,970, making it the least expensive new car on the market. But it's also the "Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car" available (as determined by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study(SM)) and one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today — a trifecta that no other car can match.

    "Accent is the perfect vehicle for a customer looking for the ideal mix of price, dependability and fuel economy," said Mark Dipko, Small Car product manager. "And as a brand known the world over for its value, we feel it is important to retain our crown as the most affordable new car available."

    At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai announced even more good news for the Accent, revealing that next year a special high-mileage "Blue" edition will be available that offers even higher levels of fuel economy without adding to the price. Accent "Blue" will feature fuel-efficient modifications to reduce engine friction and rolling resistance, enhance aerodynamics, optimize gearing and revise engine calibrations for maximum efficiency, all adding up to higher fuel mileage and lower emissions than today's model.

    The 2009 Accent GS retains the same content as last year's model and has not been reduced to achieve America's best price point. Accent GS offers a 1.6-litre, 110-horsepower engine, power steering, advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, roof-mounted curtain airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, front variable intermittent wipers, 60/40 split fold-down seatback, six-way adjustable driver seat, adjustable head restraints for all seating positions and rear spoiler.

    Pricing for all other Accent models remains unchanged, delivering outstanding value throughout the lineup. In addition to the $9,970 Accent GS 3-door with manual transmission, the Accent three-door with automatic transmission starts at $12,070; Accent GLS 4-door with manual transmission starts at $12,920; and the sport-tuned and comprehensively equipped Accent SE 3-door with manual transmission starts at $15,070. Freight charges for Accent are $695.

    All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. Hyundai buyers are protected by a 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/unlimited-mile anti-perforation warranty and 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance protection.

    Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.
    Hyundai Accent received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among sub-compact cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM). Study based on responses from over 52,000 original owners of 2005 model-year vehicles, measuring more than 250 models. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in January to April 2008. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

In this age, fuel efficiency is the new zero-to-60 time. It’s more socially relevant

Hyundai Motor America announced today that it will be able to achieve a fleet average of 35 miles per gallon by 2015, five years ahead of the timetable for new fuel economy regulations. The company revealed its fuel economy goals at the Los Angeles Auto Show, where it unveiled Hyundai’s first gas-electric hybrid vehicle, the Hyundai Sonata sedan—slated for the North American market in 2010.

“We’re taking fuel efficiency higher and faster than any other carmaker. We’re going to pass Toyota and Honda by 2015,” said John Krafcik, vice president of product development at Hyundai Motor America,

Hyundai Aims for 35 mpg Average by 2015

Hyundai’s fuel efficiency campaign—dubbed “Hyundai Blue Drive”—features a range of advanced technologies, including hybrids powered by lithium batteries, turbocharged gasoline direct injection, and eventually plug-in hybrids and fuel cell electric vehicles. But in keeping with its brand, Hyundai will also focus on near-term, low-cost fuel efficiency strategies—such as low-rolling-resistance tires, enhanced aerodynamics, and revised engine calibrations—to offer the highest mpg at the lowest cost. Next year, Hyundai will introduce these measures in “blue versions” of its Accent and Elantra models, allowing the company to price the higher-mpg models lower than conventional models.

A base-level Hyundai Accent sells for approximately $11,000, and offers combined fuel economy of 30 mpg. An "Accent Blue" could conceivably sell for below $10,000, with mpg in the mid-30s.

   

“In this age, fuel efficiency is the new zero-to-60 time. It’s more socially relevant”

John Krafcik
vice president of product development at Hyundai Motor America

“We don’t think you should have to be rich to afford a high efficiency vehicle,” said Krafcik. “That’s a backwards approach.” Krafcik believes there is a new wave of consumers willing to make significant compromises—such as reducing vehicle weight by riding without a spare tire, swapping power windows and door locks for manual cranks, and trading the smoothest ride for lower tire resistance—in order to maximize miles-per-gallon. Maybe it's time for the return of the econobox, 21st century-style?

Krafcik compared today’s breed of efficiency enthusiasts with yesterday’s muscle car fans who opted for performance over comfort. “In this age, fuel efficiency is the new zero-to-60 time,” he said. “It’s more socially relevant.”
The Sonata Hybrid’s Lithium Batteries

Hyundai developed its own homegrown hybrid architecture for use in the Sonata. The technical design, known as a parallel hybrid system, will serve as the foundation for future hybrid drive vehicles introduced by Hyundai. In a parallel hybrid, the wheels are turned by power coming directly from the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or both together, as conditions demand. This approach is similar to the design used by Toyota and Ford.

The more significant innovation is the use of a lithium polymer battery system provided by Hyundai’s battery supplier, LG Chem. According to Hyundai, the lithium batteries deliver the same power as today’s hybrid nickel metal hydride batteries—but with 30 percent less weight, 50 percent less volume and 10 percent greater efficiency.

Despite industry concerns about the price and availability of lithium batteries, Krafcik said it wasn’t a hard decision to make the move to lithium. He admits that Hyundai is late to the hybrid market—the Sonata is about two years away from dealerships—and expressed the desire to demonstrate a leadership position with its first hybrid entry. “We asked ourselves where the technology is going to be in five years,” he said. “And how we can get to that end point ahead of time.”

Hyundai special edition Genesis Prada

Hyundai and Prada, one of the world’s leading luxury goods brands, will collaborate to create three special edition Genesis sedans that will combine the best technology and industrial design principles with quality materials, craftsmanship and an innovative new approach, all aimed at creating a new driving experience.

One car will be unveiled at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show and then displayed at Hyundai Motor Company’s headquarters in Seoul, while the other two will be auctioned for charity under the joint Hyundai Motor Company - Prada Transformer name.
Prada’s design team will create the three special edition Genesis sedans in Italy over a four month period, working closely with Hyundai Motor Company’s engineers and own designers, using the house’s signature materials.

“We’ve made a name for ourselves as a quality automaker, and are now focusing on raising our brand image,” said James Choi, Hyundai Motor’s President of International Sales. “We are extremely delighted that Prada, one of the best and most innovative luxury goods brands, has agreed to work with us and infuse their creative energy into our products.”

The special edition project will lay the foundation for future cooperation between the Korean automaker and other specially selected partners.

 

Established in 1913, Prada has built a reputation as a reference trend-setting brand in the luxury industry. Prada’s interests transcend fashion, to embrace multi-faceted cultural initiatives that led to the creation in the early nineties of the Prada Foundation, which has become a reference institution in contemporary art and culture.

2010 Hyundai Portico a Chicago Show Go?

TheCarConnection.com's spies caught the new 2010 Hyundai Portico crossover testing in the California desert earlier this year--now, it's becoming clearer that the Portico is headed for a debut at the 2009 Chicago auto show.

It would be the crossover's second Chicago appearance: the original Portico concept first was unveiled at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show.

The production Portico is expected to reach the market as a 2010 model, slotting in above Hyundai's Santa Fe and Veracruz. It could compete with a range of upscale SUVs, from Ford's Flex, to the Buick Enclave, to the Mercedes R-Class. There's no firm word on mechanicals, but the Portico could be drawn from the Sonata platform--or, possibly, the rear-drive architecture that underpins the new 2009 Hyundai Genesis and in shortened form, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

The original Portico concept sported staggered middle seats, a big V-6 engine and six-speed automatic, and with rear-mounted electric motors, hybrid adaptability and all-wheel drive.

Meanwhile, Hyundai product chief John Krafcik says Hyundai's planning to show off its green initiatives at the coming 2008 Los Angeles auto show--and says the company's goal is to meet the new 35-mpg CAFE requirements before any other automaker.

Hyundai sets new sales record

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, posted its biggest global monthly sales ever this October.

Year-on-year global sales are up 12 percent while accumulated sales for the first ten months of this year were up 8.9 percent from 2008, with some 2,330,617 units sold.
The overseas sales figure included a 10 percent increase in exports and a 27 percent increase in vehicles produced at the company’s overseas plants. The figures for the two were 118,890 units and 98,333 units respectively. Overall, overseas sales rose 17% from a year earlier - and this despite the company’s mid-year industrial action and the overall global economic downturn.

Emerging markets in India and China helped fuel sales with the i10 seeing a 66 percent increase in the Indian domestic market, whereas in China sales of the Elantra (Yuedong) increased by 21 percent.
These figures emphasise Hyundai’s sustained commitment to developing and exporting fuel-efficient small to medium sized cars around the globe, an approach which has been endorsed by consumers.

Hyundai working on eight-speed automatic transmission

Hyundai’s new eight-speed auto will likely debut in its upcoming ‘VI’ flagship in 2010


Hyundai is the latest carmaker to announce plans for an advanced fuel-saving eight-speed automatic transmission, which puts the South Korean carmaker on equal terms with prestige brands Mercedes Benz and BMW who are also reportedly working on new eight-speed gearboxes.

Lexus currently uses an eight-speed auto for its flagship LS saloon but by the end of the decade Hyundai will have the same bragging rights. Hyundai's research and development chief has previously hinted at an eight-speed self-shifter, and now the carmaker’s powertrain chief Park Seong-Hyun has confirmed to Asia Pulse that it will be available by 2010.

The transmission is to be made by the carmaker’s affiliated Hyundai Powertech Company.

Seong-Hyun wasn’t willing to confirm where and in which vehicles it will be available but the most likely outcome will see it debut in the upcoming ‘VI’ flagship sedan before flowing down to other models such as the Geneses sedan.

Hyundai unveils new R-Engine diesel range

Hyundai has well and truly left behind any lingering Korean car stereotypes as it reveals the first details of its brand new R-Engine Diesel powerplant.

The 2.0-litre version of the R-Engine outperforms any competitive offering, and will enter production next year to make its first appearance in the 2010 Tucson and Sonata models.
With power output of 135kW and 392Nm, the 2.0-litre unit eclipses similar offerings from Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

“R proves Hyundai’s Diesel development capabilities really are world-class. With Diesels becoming cleaner and more fuel efficient all the time, there’s a growing demand for Diesel powerplants worldwide and Hyundai is well positioned to supply the market with the very best Diesel technology,” said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, president of the Corporate Research and Development Division.

A 2.2-litre version provides even more performance with 147kW and 436Nm, and could find its way into a series of diesel performance cars in the Hyundai range.
The R-Engine benefits from the third generation common rail system developed by Bosch whose piezo-electric injectors deliver fuel at 1800 bar for an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control.
The all-aluminium R-Engine is fitted with a 16 valve dual overhead camshaft which is driven by an internal steel silent timing chain.
For reduced vibration and lower booming noise, the R gets a lower balancer shaft which has been encased in stiffened ladder frame housing for increased rigidity.
The R-Engine line-up is fitted with a lose-coupled Diesel particulate filter plus highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation with by-pass valve to meet strict Euro 5 emissions regulations.
The R-Engine is the result of an investment of over AUD$285million and an engineering team of 150 personnel.
Over 500 prototype engines were built during the 42 month development period where they were subjected to exhaustive testing under all imaginable environmental conditions.
The R-Engine brings Hyundai’s Diesel engine family fully up-to-date as it joins the U-Engine (1.1 litre, 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre), the A-Engine (2.5 litre) and S-Engine (3.0 litre V6).

Hyundai Announces Diesel R-Engine for European SUVs and Sedans

If there's one automaker who seems to be on an increasingly upward trend lately, it's Hyundai. The Koreans took the world by storm with their eight-cylinder, rear-drive Genesis sedan, and the Hyundai folks have now released another bit of engineering to compete more closely with other worldwide automakers.

Hyundai's new four-cylinder diesel R-Engine will be available in both 2.0 and 2.2-liter displacements. The 2.0 produces 181 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque while the 2.2 puts out 215 horses and 398 pound-feet. Both engines are more powerful than Audi's new 2.0 TDI engine (170 hp/258 lb-ft).

The first vehicles to get these engines will be SUVs and large sedans sold in Europe, since the R-Engine meets Euro-V emission standards. No word on if this engine will ever make its way to the States, mostly due to our stricter emissions requirements. And to think, we'd love to see a Genesis Coupe with one of these powerplants under the hood.

New Hyundai 2.0 and 2.0-Liter Turbo Diesels with up to 200HP

Hyundai has released details on its newest diesel powerplant, the "R-Engine" that was first previewed in prototype form on the 2008 Geneva Show HED-5 i-MODE concept. The all-aluminum R-Engine benefits from a third generation common rail system with piezo-electric injectors to deliver fuel at 1800-bar while it also features an electronic variable geometry turbocharger and an advanced engine control unit. The new powerplant will be available in two sizes, 2.0 and 2.2-litres with outputs of 184HP / 392Nm and 200HP /436Nm respectively. Hyundai said that the R-Engine will enter production in 2009 and will see its first application in new SUV vehicles and large saloons.

"R proves Hyundai's diesel development capabilities really are world-class. With diesels becoming cleaner and more fuel efficient all the time, there's a growing demand for diesel powerplants worldwide and Hyundai is well positioned to supply the market with the very best diesel technology," said Dr Hyun-Soon Lee, president of Hyundai's Corporate Research and Development Division

2009 Hyundai Sonata SLX CRDi Review

This could be the smart answer to the question of your next new sedan

Model Tested:

• 2009 Hyundai NF Sonata SLX CRDi 2.0-litre turbo diesel six speed manual - $32,490 (RRP)

Options:

• Metallic Paint $375 (Fitted)

Torque Delivery, Quiet Engine, Fuel Economy, Roomy Cabin & Boot
Dated Appearance, Blue Illumination, Dull Interior, Heavy Front End

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Matt Brogan

In times where we all expect so very much from our hard earned, the Sonata sits quietly in the stalls, waiting to be noticed, confident it has a lot to offer. But like that frumpy wall flower at the high school social, its dated looks may be holding it back.

But looks aside, my justification in bolstering the Sonata’s worth remains. It’s a good, safe car that is great on fuel, eager to perform and adequately comfortable - not to mention affordable - and this particular variant, fitted with Hyundai’s common rail turbo diesel engine, represents even better value for money than its petrol sibling.

Not only is the purchase price agreeable, but it’s proven the running costs, servicing fees and five year unlimited kilometre warranty offer not only a weekly operating bill sure to keep the accountant smiling, but peace of mind you can bank on.

Now before you asked, no I am not on the Hyundai pay roll, but I will say this, they certainly have got their act together is recent years. The i30 and i-Series vans are testament to the fact the brand is on the up and up, and although the Sonata is not quite at that level just yet in terms of modern styling, it certainly is both dynamically and technically.

The somewhat uninspiring cabin offers a level of specification on par with similarly priced competitors but is a little more conservative in its approach with styling that almost borders on being drab.

That aside though you will find generously proportioned cloth trimmed seating for five adults, a single CD tuner with auxiliary input, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control buttons, reading lights, power windows and mirrors, leather covered tilt/slide steering wheel, fog lamps and of course air conditioning.

The blue illumination of the instrument panel and dashboard is rather vivid and can be annoying despite being able to be dimmed. It may look funky at first but is simply not a good colour to distinguish detail at night becoming blurry and confusing when trying to take a quick glance for information.

Importantly though, all the features that are back lit work exceptionally well, are very easy to operate and are simple to understand. I feel this is of crucial necessity in a vehicle that is popular with more senior buyers who can’t be bothered with the complexities of some modern cars.

Under the bonnet a 2.0-litre turbo charged diesel engine motivates the Sonata effortlessly with 110kW of power available at 3,800rpm and a tidy 305Nm of torque on hand from just 1,800rpm. It’s a surprising performer, not shy off the line and will idle over in sixth gear at 100km/h no matter how steep an incline encountered.

The six-speed box, although brilliantly matched to the engine, seems out of place in such a car and although it is a delight to use, I can’t help but wonder just how many buyers will go for it.

There is the availability of a less competent and someone antiquated four-speed automatic transmission, but if you want my advice (assuming shifting gears manually doesn’t bother you) save yourself two grand and buy the more enjoyable manual.

Best of all, and despite my efforts to disprove the theory, Sonata managed an inspiring 7.4 litres per 100km around town and 4.6 litres on the open road. It defies logic really considering the 1,711kg curb weight and even managed to better the ADR claimed consumption figure by almost an entire litre (ADR combined consumption 7.0 litres per 100km).

Ride and handling are on par with expectations of a car this size though the front end does feel a touch heavy when pushed in tighter corners, exaggerating the car’s natural front wheel drive characteristics slightly.

I also found the twelve metre turning circle a little displeasing in tight multi-level car parks often resorting to Austin Powers style parking maneuvers.

Strong braking with a decent pedal feel offer confident stopping wet or dry which is backed with standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) featuring Emergency Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution tucked away in those handsome 16″ alloy wheels.

Front, side and curtain airbags, which are standard across the Sonata range, join the safety list along with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Traction Control to give the Sonata a four-star ANCAP rating.

The large boot, which can still be opened using a key if necessary - something not often seen these days - offers an exceedingly ample 462 litres of space which can be extended even further thanks to 60:40 split fold rear seats.

Should the need arise, Sonata can be optioned with a 1,100kg (braked) tow kit, perfect for towing the caravan or tinny on weekends away. You may want mirror extensions though as the standard mirrors are a little small for the job, especially in terms of height.

It’s a fine class competitor, the diesel option really helps stretch the budget and although it’s a little bland and perhaps behind the times aesthetically I wouldn’t say it’s unattractive.

Easy to live with and easy on the wallet, Sonata CRDi could be the smart answer to the question of your next new sedan.

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

• Engine: 1991cc SOHC four cylinder (24 valve)
• Power: 110kW @ 3800rpm
• Torque: 305Nm @ 1800rpm
• Induction: Turbo Charged Common Rail
• Transmission: Six Speed Manual
• Driven Wheels: Front
• Brakes: Disc with ABS, EBA & EBD
• Top Speed: 200 km/h
• 0-100km/h: 11.65 seconds
• 0-400m: 17.54 seconds
• Fuel Consumption: 7.0 litres / 100km (Combined)
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 litres
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• ANCAP Rating: Four Star
• Airbags: Front, Side & Curtain
• Safety: ESP with TCS
• Spare Wheel: Full Size Steel
• Tow Capacity: 1,100kg (Braked)
• Turning Circle: 12.0 metres
• Warranty: Five year / Unlimited Kilometre
• Weight: 1,711kg (Tare)
• Wheels: Alloy 16 x 6.5″