Who has grabbed the coveted title of North American Car of the Year for 2012? The dominating Hyundai Elantra, that’s who! After many years of struggling against other compact car makers (yes, that means you Toyota and Honda), Hyundai has created and fostered a revelation within the competitive vehicle market.
Fuel Mileage
The ever growing concern over high priced gasoline has prompted the majority of car makers to increase vehicle mileage values to attract customers. In fact, Hyundai has mastered this mileage increase: the Sacramento Bee states that the Elantra boasts a staggering 29 miles per gallon (mpg) within the city and 40 mpg on the freeway. Was this mileage only available on the manual transmission version, you may ask? The answer is a resounding NO; both the manual and six speed automatic transmissions within the 2012 Elantra offer this gas mileage value. Try to compete with that Toyota and Honda!
Clean Engine
With the concern over global warming and pollution at a fever pitch, Hyundai has blown past the competition in regards to a clean engine. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has deemed the Elantra’s engine as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle, or PZEV, within the strict emission states of California and Oregon. Otherwise, consumers can still benefit from the clean engine in other states as a Ultra Low Emission Vehicle, or ULEV. Even with a low emission rate, Hyundai’s Elantra does not skimp on engine power. The engine still has between 145 and 148 horsepower, based on the state that it was sold within. Driving down the open road never sounded so tempting in this new car!
Sleek Styling
Aesthetics are extremely important to the average car buyer; for all intensive purposes, the majority of purchasers will be driving the Elantra for several years. What sets the 2012 Elantra apart is its flowing exterior design. The curves across the sidewalls and roof create a feeling of flow, as if the vehicle is moving swiftly through wind or water currents. This flow also contributes to its aerodynamic styling; as the Elantra moves down the roadway, the front end cuts through the air flow and creates its own pathway. Proper aerodynamics contribute to improved gas mileage and less wear on the engine block.
Judging
According to the Sacramento Bee, 50 judges looked over the Hyundai Elantra. Not only were they impressed by its design and engine power, they also saw its powerful affect on the public. People who test drive the 2012 Elantra actually enjoy the time behind the wheel; the vehicle responds quickly and nimbly with a high level of safety features, such as air bags. The Elantra’s attractive price tag also excited the judges: starting prices are commonly at $15,000.00. Quite a steal for an outstanding new vehicle.
Hyundai’s Conundrum
With such a successful vehicle design, Hyundai’s manufacturing division is scrambling to feed the public’s thirst for more Elantras. Yahoo! Autos reports that sales have risen as much as 41 percent since 2010, due to the Elantra’s popularity. Montgomery, Alabama is the home base of production for the new 2012 Elantra; they are at peak manufacturing levels and still cannot fill orders fast enough. Although Hyundai is striving to improve the production output, they do not want to compromise on quality; customers that have test driven the new Elantra know the features that are selling points. Hyundai does not want to become frugal and disappoint excited consumers. Patience may be a key factor for all Elantra enthusiasts until they can get their hands on a new vehicle.
