2012 Hyundai Elantra

If awards were given for the most improved styling of a product line, Hyundai would easily be at the top of the podium. A perfect example is the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, named the 2012 North American Car of the Year at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Elantra’s gracefully fluidic lines both captivate and delight the eye.

Hyundai calls the design language “Fluidic Sculpture,” and Elantra is easily the most successful execution of it to date. Another Elantra advantage is an exceptional level of available equipment. To enhance the gracefully organic interior design, two audio systems are offered. A 172-watt AM/FM/SiriusXM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and iPod®/USB/auxiliary input jacks is the base system. Bluetooth® audio allows compatible devices to wirelessly stream music. All you could really do to improve upon all of that is add more power—so the upgrade is an externally amplified 360-watt system with the same capabilities.

The available navigation system employs a high-resolution seven-inch touchscreen and voice recognition. With navigation, the integrated SiriusXM Satellite Radio interface features channel logos, real time NavTraffic and SiriusXM Data services. A rearview camera, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, a tilt-and-slide sunroof, leather seating surfaces, a proximity key with push button start and heated front and rear seats (an industry first in this segment) are all available features as well.

Generously spacious, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra boasts 110.4 cubic feet of interior volume, giving it best-in-class front legroom and more passenger volume than both Corolla and Civic. Elantra is so spacious the EPA classifies it as a midsize car.

With its exceptional design and outstanding feature set, the 2012 Elantra is a runaway hit.

The Hyundai is also quite comfortable and rides smoothly.

In the mechanical department, with the available six-speed automatic transmission, the 131 lb.-ft. of torque produced by the 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder is more than enough to set the Elantra into motion briskly.

For sportier drivers, with the standard six-speed manual, the engine’s free revving nature is immediately revealed. The 1.8 loves to wind and produces usable thrust throughout the rev range. Drive the 2012 Elantra briskly on a mountain road—as we did—and you’ll see the car absolutely loves doing it. That the engine also delivers an EPA estimated 29 miles per gallon in the city and 40 on the highway with either transmission is another bonus. In fact, Cars.com awarded the Hyundai Elantra the distinction of "Best Value: Price to Pump" in 2011 (based on Cars.com testing).

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra’s pricing starts at $16,120 with destination. A fully loaded Elantra Limited with the Technology Package comes in at $23,470 (includes destination charges). With premium car amenities at compact car prices, Hyundai’s Elantra proves you don’t have to sacrifice to drive a great-looking car with outstanding features.

SiriusXM subscription required after the first 90 days.  Visit siriusxm.com for details. The SiriusXM name is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple. Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks is under license. Best-in-class legroom claim based on primary compact car competitive set as defined by Hyundai Motor America, which includes 2012 Honda Civic Sedan, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Mazda3 4-Door, Chevy Cruze and Ford Focus. 2012 Elantra 29 City/40 Hwy.  EPA Estimates.  Actual mileage may vary.  MSRP excludes destination charges, tax, title, and license fees.  Vehicle shown may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Actual dealer prices may vary.”