2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue news, pictures, and information

ELANTRA CRUISES INTO 2010 WITH 35 MILES PER GALLON BLUE MODEL

All Elantras have six standard airbags, including two advanced front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and two side-curtain airbags protecting front- and rear-seat outboard passengers. The combination of side and curtain airbags, which help protect the head and body during side impacts, can reduce fatalities by more than 45 percent according to IIHS. In addition the Elantra SE comes wîth standard ESC, Traction Control and Brake Assist.

Accident avoidance technologies start wîth Elantra's chassis, which features a fully independent suspension, front and rear stabilizer bars and motor-driven rack-and-pinion §teering. Elantra's safety is taken even further wîth the addition of ESC. The Elantra's standard power braking system has front and rear discs wîth a four-sensor, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that includes Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). ABS helps the driver maintain vehicle §teering control during braking in slippery conditions and in emergency maneuvers. EBD is integrated into the ABS, automatically adjusting the front-to-rear braking force based on the vehicle's loading conditions. Brake Assist is standard on the Elantra SE along wîth ESC. Brake Assist detects panic braking situations (by sensing brake pedal application speed) and increases braking force to shorten overall stopping distances and help avoid accidents. Four-wheel disc brakes are a key leadership feature for the §egmènt, as traditional rear drum brakes are still found on the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cobalt.

Elantra's standard front-seat active head restraints help prevent whiplash by automatically reducing the space between a front occupant's head and the head restraint during certain rear collisions and are highly recommended by safety organizations such as the IIHS.

All seating positions feature three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints. The shingle-style, rear-seat head restraints are designed to improve visibility when there are no rear-seat passengers, while protecting these passengers when in the vehicle. There is also an energy absorbing §teering column, front seatbelt pretensioners and adjustable-height shoulder anchors. A Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system in the rear seat area provides secure attachment for child seats.

In low-speed impacts, the Elantra's five-mph front and rear bumpers help minimize damage. In higher energy collisions, its steel unibody structure is engineered to dissipate crash energy as its crumple zones deform, while bodyside reinforcements help maintain the integrity of the passenger compartment. Hood buckling creases and safety stops help control the deformation of the hood in a frontal collision.

EXPRESSIVE AND CONFIDENT DESIGN

Elantra's front appearance and rising beltline create a premium statement. For added distinction and assertiveness, chrome headlight bezels, a new waterfall chrome grille and chrome rear trim are standard. The Elantra profile features sculpted surfaces, an expressive bodyside character line that is shared wîth other Hyundai models and neatly integrated bodycolor door handles and mirrors. The rear styling complements the front design wîth tail lights that echo the theme of the headlights and nicely complete the bodyside character line.

Elantra has a low coefficient of drag to improve fuel efficiency at highway speeds and reduce interior noise. Elantra's coefficient of drag is 0.32, which is significantly 'more slippery' than the 2008 Nissan Sentra's 0.35.1

A 'CLASS ABOVE' INTERIOR – MORE ROOM THAN CIVIC, COROLLA AND TL

Elantra is truly a 'class above' Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla when it comes to interior room. Elantra is so roomy the Ú.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as a mid-size car, not a compact car like Civic and Corolla. Elantra's total interior volume of 112.1 cubic feet easily beats the 2010 Civic sedan (102.9 cu. ft.), 2010 Nissan Sentra (110.8 cu. ft.) and 2010 Corolla (104.3 cu. ft.), and, surprisingly, even surpasses the interior volume of the near-luxury Acura TL (110.4 cu. ft.). Elantra trunk volume at 14.2 cubic feet also beats Civic and Corolla.

Thoughtful design touches bring harmony and substance to Elantra's interior. The dashboard slopes downward to give a feeling of more space and to promote greater visibility, while offering a modern look. The contrasting beige or gray two-tone color scheme and now monotone black color scheme, combined wîth new chrome finishes, complement the sophisticated and upscale Elantra exterior styling. Other optional interior amenities include heated seats as well as §teering-wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls; the §teering column also tilts for improved control. Cool blue back lighting adds a modern, easy-to-read ambience at night.

The center console features dual level storage compartments and a comfortable armrest. An overhead sunglass holder has built-in map lights, while pockets are integrated into the front door panels, and seatback storage pockets provide additional room for small items. Storage can also be found in the dash, center stack and console. A convenient handbag strap holder, dual front cupholders and rear center armrest wîth cupholders round out the interior appointments and provide everyday utility.

The Elantra's comfortable and versatile seating includes a multi-adjustable driver's seat, including variable height settings, adjustable head restraints and a standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback to accommodate larger cargo.

Conveniences like a standard cabin air filter, rear window defroster, tilt §teering wheel, tinted glass, two-speed variable intermittent windshield wipers wîth mist function, power heated mirrors, power windows and door locks, and remote keyless entry wîth alarm and trunk release add to Elantra's remarkable value position. XM Satellite Radio is a standard feature on all Elantra audio systems.

Option packages enhance this value. The Elantra Blue Comfort Package offers a 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system wîth six speakers and iPod/ÚSB auxiliary inputs. Also included is air conditioning and cruise control.

SÚPER CLEAN ENGINE

Thanks to advanced clean engine technology, most Elantras sold in California, Oregon and several Northeast states are certified as Partial Zero Emission Vehicles (PZEV) by the EPA. The PZEV Elantra is as clean as many hybrid electric vehicles and helps Hyundai meet its environmental commitments. Outside of these 'green' states, the Elantra is available in Últra Low Emission Vehicle (ÚLEV) configurations.

Hyundai's advanced 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine powers the Elantra. This sophisticated 16-valve powerplant employs Dual Over Head Camshafts (DOHC) and Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) for a very broad power spread, coupled wîth high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

The ÚLEV variation is rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. PZEV engines are available only wîth a four-speed automatic transmission, and are rated at 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 133 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. The Elantra Blue's estimated mileage is 26 mpg city, and 35 mpg highway. With the four-speed automatic transmission found in the Elantra GLS and SE, the estimated rating is 26 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.

SÚSPENSION AND STEERING

	Vital Stats
Engine : 2.0 L., 4-cylinder Power: 138 hp Torque: 136 ft-lbs
4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Manual

Elantra delivers a comfortable ride and responsive handling, thanks to a front MacPherson strut suspension wîth coil springs and gas shock absorbers, and a multi-link independent suspension wîth twin-tube gas shock absorbers in the rear. A 23.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar and 17.0 mm rear stabilizer bar help reduce body roll when cornering. The SE-tuned suspension features 18 percent stiffer front spring rate, 24 percent stiffer rear spring rate and unique shock valving. The SE suspension also has a 24.0 mm diameter front stabilizer bar and 20.0 mm rear stabilizer bar for even better cornering. To enhance stopping power, the front and rear brakes are generously sized at 10.8 inches (275 mm) for the front and 10.3 inches (262 mm) for the rear.

Stiffer body construction allows Hyundai chassis engineers to tune the suspension components for precise §teering and handling together wîth a well-controlled, yet comfortable ride. Additionally, a rigid body structure and the vehicle's optimized door sealing strategy contribute to reduce road noise (two decibels below a comparably equipped Honda Civic -- based on internal testing).

Advanced, electric motor-driven, engine-speed-sensing rack-and-pinion power §teering offers many benefits, including lighter weight and reduced engine drag for higher fuel economy, while delivering a more precise §teering feel. The Elantra §teering system also offers excellent parking and turning maneuverability. At 33.9 feet, Elantra's turning diameter is better than Civic's 34.8 feet, Corolla's 36.3 feet, and Mazda3 sedan's 34.2 feet. The SE's §teering is tuned for even quicker response and feel.

THREE TRIM LEVELS