News 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
News 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA News 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA News 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA News 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA News 2011 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
![Photo: LA Live: 40 mpg, $14,830 2011 Hyundai Elantra](http://photos.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/october2010/thumbnailsnew/elantra-live-1_620.jpg)
![Photo: LA Live: 40 mpg, $14,830 2011 Hyundai Elantra](http://photos.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/october2010/thumbnailsnew/elantra-live-2_620.jpg)
![Photo: LA Live: 40 mpg, $14,830 2011 Hyundai Elantra](http://photos.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/october2010/thumbnailsnew/elantra-live-4_620.jpg)
![Photo: LA Live: 40 mpg, $14,830 2011 Hyundai Elantra](http://photos.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/october2010/thumbnailsnew/elantra-live-8_620.jpg)
After its home market unveiling earlier this year, Hyundai has taken the wraps off its 2011 Hyundai Elantra sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The compact sedan promises lots – 40 mpg at a starting price of under $15,000 before destination.
While at first glance that 40 mpg rating may not seem all that impressive, remember that most automakers have needed special models to crack that mark – i.e. the Ford Fiesta SFE and Chevrolet Cruze Eco.
The Elantra is capable of hitting 40 mpg regardless of trim level or transmission, thanks to an efficient 148 horsepower 1.8-liter engine and significant aerodynamic upgrades. Available with either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, the Elantra boasts more horsepower and torque as standard than nearly all of its rivals, although no larger powertrain will be available – at least for now.
Stylistically, the 2011 Elantra follows in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language is clearly present, giving the Elantra a distinctive look within the small car segment.
The Elantra’s interior also mimics that of the larger Sonata, but does add plenty of unique styling touches of its own, such as a new-look center stack. Hyundai is especially proud of the Elantra’s mid-size EPA rating and the automaker says that the sedan offers more interior space than a much larger Nissan Maxima. Of its direct rivals, only the Chevrolet Cruze offers a larger trunk.
Sales begin almost immediately, beginning at $14,830 before a mandatory $720 destination charge. A range-topping Elantra Premium starts at $21,980, but most Elantras sold will probably be $17,080 Elantra GLS Populars with the automatic transmission.