Hyundai Elantra raises the bar for the compact car segment

The compact car segment has long lived in the shadow of midsize sedans, but that may soon change as gas prices continue to rise and consumers look to a segment that has vastly improved in recent years.

There are several new or updated models for 2011, including the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla, and Hyundai Elantra. The next generation Ford Focus, a strong seller worldwide, is also being updated for the 2012 model year.

Equipped, Not Disassembled

These cars are not base models that were available a generation or two ago. These days, customers want many of the same amenities found in larger, more luxurious models, something automakers are indulging them with.

Things like MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity. First class audio systems. Side curtain air bags and specially tuned suspensions. Leather seating surfaces and even wood trim. Yes, why should exclusive benefits be exclusively available in addition to segment models?

Of course, you’ll pay for these services, but that doesn’t stop buyers from considering these cars. Since people keep their cars longer, why not get great gas mileage and really enjoy your car?

sonata design theme

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra turns heads, incorporating the same flowing design as the midsize Sonata. Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, this sleek sedan gets 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, which seems to be the new threshold automakers are aiming for. That represents an 18 percent increase in fuel economy over the 2010 model, an outstanding year-over-year improvement in efficiency.

Inside, the Elantra offers interior space equivalent to that found in a small and midsize sedan. Buyers can opt to include a touchscreen navigation system with a rearview camera, and for the first time in this segment, the rear seats are heated, not just for the front passengers.

Premium security controls

Electronic stability control, introduced with this model in 2007, is back and has been joined by other vehicle safety features, including vehicle stability management which handles electronic stability control and power steering. You start to lose control of your car and Elantra’s countersteer turns to bring your car back under control. Four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes, and brake assist also do their part to keep this car grounded.

While passenger volume is equivalent to a midsize, cargo volume is also generous, offering 14.8 cubic feet of storage space. Again, that number is one found on many larger sedans, a feat achieved thanks to fluidic engineering that takes advantage of every possible design space available.