Tag: hyundai

Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai, Reviews

The Best Mid-Size Base Model Money Can Buy

2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS

2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you’ve been keeping up with Autoblog lately, we’ve had a lot to say about the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. We’ve tested the top-rung SE and Limited trims out in California. We’ve even had the chance to sample the upcoming Sonata Hybrid and Turbo versions in the automaker’s homeland. But when you get down to brass tacks, the majority of dealership transactions will be made up of the volume GLS model. Sure, a loaded-up $28,000 Sonata Limited is one heck of a nice car, but since 50 percent of all 2011 models sold to date have been fitted to GLS spec, it’s important for us to see if Hyundai’s swoopy new sedan is worthy of such high praise even without the extra gee-whiz goodies.

With that in mind, we recently invited an Iridescent Silver Blue Pearl (what a mouthful) Sonata GLS into the Autoblog Garage to find out what sort of goodness lies within the bargain bin. Hyundai has always prided itself on being able to offer outstanding overall value in all of its models, but when it comes to the new Sonata, its success extends far beyond the price tag. Follow the jump to learn why.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS

Photos copyright (C)2010 Steven J. Ewing / AOL

Continue reading Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS

Review: 2011 Hyundai Sonata GLS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai

2012 Hyundai Azera – Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Hyundai Azera is not a bad looking car, but compared to the glut of new models that already are or will soon be populating Hyundai showrooms in the next year, it’s starting to look long in the tooth. Hyundai appears to be on the case, as an all-new Azera has just been spotted testing in Europe. Like the current sedan, the new model will slot in between the front-wheel-drive Sonata and rear-wheel-drive Genesis. It will also feature Hyundai’s new “fluid sculpture” design language, as evidenced by the characteristic rising crease along the doors that’s visible through the camouflage.

The grille and mirrors of this camo’d Azera, which is called the Grandeur in its home market of South Korea, look similar to the new Sonata, but the lower edge of the side glass rises at the back giving the car a more pronounced shoulder. Power is expected to come solely from a V6 like the current model, but we’d be surprised if its displacement doesn’t drop to the 3.0-3.3-liter range with direct injection and possibly a turbocharged version. Given CEO John Krafcik’s commitment to 50 mpg by 2025, a version of the new hybrid system seen in the Sonata Hybrid seems like a smart bet as well.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Azera / Grandeur

[Source: Carpix]

Spy Shots: Next-gen Hyundai Azera caught in Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Filed under: Hybrid, Technology, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai is nothing if not ambitious. The Korean automaker announced today that it will continue its efforts to be the most fuel-efficient automaker in America through the next two decades, with plans to achieve a Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating of 50 miles per gallon by 2025 for its entire vehicle lineup.

The cornerstone of Hyundai’s approach is its Blue Drive strategy, which incorporates a range of engine technologies – from turbocharging and direct-injection to lightweight materials and both traditional and plug-in hybrids – to reduce consumption and improve overall efficiency.

Hyundai points to the 2011 Sonata as the first in a wave of new products to utilize its new and improved drivetrains, available with either hybrid, turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines. And Hyundai appears to be in a better position than other full-line automakers to reach its lofty mpg goal, as it doesn’t offer any pickup or body-on-frame SUV models. Hit the jump for the full blast and read our First Drive of the Sonata Hybrid for details on its gas-electric system.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Continue reading Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025

Hyundai pledges to average minimum 50 MPG CAFE standards by 2025 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai confirms 2011 Elantra to arrive in U.S. by end of the year

Filed under: Sedan, Hyundai

2011 Hyundai Avante/Elantra – Click above for high-res image gallery

Hyundai’s all-new Avante compact sedan is officially on sale in South Korea as of today, and it’s coming to the U.S. market by the end of the year as the 2011 Elantra. The Avante debuted at the Busan show in Korea last spring and features a further evolution of the “fluidic sculpture’ look from the Sonata that Hyundai is calling “wind craft.” Whatever it’s called, this is a much more assertive design than the outgoing Elantra and should be a strong competitor to the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus.

Overall length has been stretched by about one inch and the axles are now two inches further apart. Hyundai isn’t giving any specifications for overseas markets yet, but the Avante is propelled by a new direct-injected version of the company’s 1.6-liter Gamma inline-four. In KDM trim, it’s rated at 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. Fuel consumption at home comes out 38.8 miles per gallon (U.S.) combined.

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Avante / Elantra

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai confirms 2011 Elantra to arrive in U.S. by end of the year

Hyundai confirms 2011 Elantra to arrive in U.S. by end of the year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hyundai Avante captured on the roads of South Korea [w/video]

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai

Hyundai Avante – Click above for high-res image gallery or follow the jump to watch the video

The trickle becomes a stream as more materials on the Hyundai Avante sedan are released. We can now confirm that what is likely to become the 2011 Hyundai Elantra on our shores will have the presence to set itself apart in an ever-improving small-car crowd.

If the specs carry over as well, the next Elantra will be about three inches longer than the Ford Focus sedan and nearly as powerful, down by two horsepower and 15 pound-feet. On the other hand, it will get Fiesta-like gas mileage, returning 40 mpg with the manual and 39 mpg with the automatic. You can check out the pics and the specs in the high-res gallery below, and check out B-roll footage of the car after the jump. Top tip, Joseph and APJ!

Gallery: Hyundai Avante on the road

[Source: Paul Tan]

Continue reading Hyundai Avante captured on the roads of South Korea [w/video]

Hyundai Avante captured on the roads of South Korea [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Hyundai, South Korea

2011 Hyundai Avante (Elantra) interior – Click above for high-res image

Even though we have yet to see official images of the U.S.-spec 2011 Hyundai Elantra, we have a pretty good idea of what will be heading our way in the coming months. Hyundai debuted the new Avante sedan (the Elantra’s Korean market equivalent) at the Busan Motor Show this past April, and now the first interior snapshot of the Avante has been leaked out.

If you’ve been in the new 2011 Sonata, you know that the family sedan’s cabin is a giant leap forward in the right direction. The center stack is awash with curves and angles that pay homage to the automaker’s new “fluidic sculpture” exterior design. And styling aside, we’re willing to bet that Hyundai hasn’t skimped out on high-quality materials for the less-expensive Elantra’s innards, either.

This more attractive, better-tailored interior will do well when matched with the swoopier lines of the new Elantra’s exterior. That – combined with Hyundai’s new 138-horsepower, 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder – will mean that other new cars in the budget sedan segment (this means you, Ford Focus and Chevrolet Cruze) will need to watch their backs. If the new Elantra is being positioned as a baby Sonata, the competition should indeed be stiff. Top tip, Monkaroo!

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

[Source: Hyundai Blog]

Korean-spec Hyundai Avante interior gives sneak peek inside 2011 Elantra originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Next generation Hyundai Elantra caught practicing its parking?

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Videos, Hyundai

Next generation Hyundai Elantra parking – Click above to watch video after the jump

The next Hyundai Elantra was revealed a few months ago at South Korea’s Busan Motor Show. It’s been revealed again, this time outdoors, in a parking lot where it appears to be practicing parallel parking maneuvers. Hyundai’s small four-door has grown in size, which helps it wear those stretched ‘fluidic’ design cues rather nicely. Once a portrait of anonymity, the Elantra’s now as good-looking as its big brother, the Sonata.

When the restyled Hyundai Elantra arrives next year, we expect it to be motivated by a 1.6-liter gasoline direct-injection engine with 138 horsepower. And we have a feeling those new looks are going to make people take a good, long look at the Elantra in liew of say, a Civic or Corolla.

As for parking jobs like this? We have a feeling they’ll be a lot easier than these drivers are making it look. If they had to find street parking in, say, New York, they’d run out of gas before they successfully stashed the car. Follow the jump to see the video, which does nothing to make parking seem any less mundane than it is. Hat tip to Avery

Gallery: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Next generation Hyundai Elantra caught practicing its parking?

Video: Next generation Hyundai Elantra caught practicing its parking? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Jul 2010 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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