2011 Elantra Spec Improvements Addresses Most Of Its Perceived Shortcomings

Odometer: about 23,000
Back in June when the new Avante was unveiled for the Korean market, it was not known whether the US would get a new Elantra in 2012 or 2011. In recent months, it has been confirmed that it will be 2011...perhaps as early as January.

I haven't been keeping up with news in the summer. I come back and the official press release is up at hyundainews.com, the page is up on the official consumer site, and it has debuted at the LA Car Show and is now at the SF show as I type.

Hyundai is aggressively designing and marketing this to not just be a "car to be considered" in the compact segment, but to be the class leader. Especially with no redesigns from the Japanese brands, Elantra has a good chance of doing just that in 2011.

Note the killer specs:
- Economical pricing as expected
- Feature-filled
- Roominess
- Safety
- Sleek styling that no one can say is boring or anonymous
- 40mpg highway (that is a huge engineering feat for a car this large-- this is not a tiny Fit or Fiesta) (up from 33 hwy)
- 6-speed transmission with a "Nu" engine (up from 4-spd AT)
- 148 hp (same as Mazda3, 10 more hp than last year)


Hyundai already had the first 4 nailed in the 2007 re-design; it addresses its most talked-about shortcomings with the last four points. The only thing we don't know about is ride quality: Does it still ride a compact Buick or does it have some sportiness like the Mazda3 and Civic?

This killer makeover as well as Hyundai's brand reputation skyrocketing led ALG to name the 2011 Elantra, its top pick for its 2011 Residual Value Awards.

"Hyundai’s win of the mid-compact segment highlights the growing reputation of the brand, as well as its impressive new product push,” said Raj Sundaram, Senior Vice President, Solutions Group and ALG. “The all-new 2011 Elantra shines with standard luxurious features and a modest price tag, and it’s expected to be a favorite of young drivers like the VW Jetta and Mazda3 before it.”

So for the first time (maybe second), people are betting on Hyundai to do well, instead of just being shocked by it.

It is really tempting to trade up, not only because it looks like a great car on paper, but it is a shining achievement for a brand I've been looking closely at for over 3 years. I just got another invitation to turn in my 2007 to the dealership I got it from. In it they didn't mention this new Elantra though. I don't want a Sonata (too big for my needs/wants) and I don't want a 2010 Elantra either. But this 2011 is really tempting me to screw with my long term plans for my car.