2011 Hyundai Elantra

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has been fully redesigned, with an attractive design, new features, an efficient 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and new six-speed transmissions. With head-turning new styling, a fuel-efficient new engine and a long list of standard safety features and upscale options, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is ready to give any compact sedan on the road a run for its money.

For the fully redesigned 2011 Hyundai Elantra sedan, that moment is now. Like Cinderella ditching her rags, the Elantra sheds the frumpy exterior that frequently relegated an otherwise very likable car to afterthought status for many car shoppers. Beneath that dolled-up exterior, the new Elantra sports a new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Unlike the Chevrolet Cruze Eco or Volkswagen Jetta TDI that require you to pay extra for their special high fuel economy, this new powertrain helps every single Elantra return impressive EPA estimates of 40 mpg on the highway.

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that’s offered in two trim levels. The GLS base model comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, heated mirrors, keyless entry, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, trip computer, full power accessories, a tilt-only steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Options for the GLS include the Popular Equipment package that adds 16-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control and a telescoping steering wheel. The Preferred Equipment package includes 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth, illuminated vanity mirrors and sun visor extensions, a sliding armrest on the center console and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

An available Navigation package (called the Premium package for the Limited) for both trim levels adds automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry (Limited only), a navigation system, a rearview camera, real-time traffic and weather updates and a premium 360-watt audio system.

Powering the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is an all-new 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder that’s rated at 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. GLS models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission, with a six-speed automatic being available as an option. EPA estimates are 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined.

The 2011 Hyundai Elantra’s list of standard safety features includes traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, active front head restraints, front seat side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags that cover both rows.

The Elantra’s interior features a curved center stack and stylized climate controls that provide a bit of extra flair. The Elantra features a large trunk with 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room, a generous number for this segment.

The engine does get noisy at high rpm, however.

In terms of handling, the combination of a significantly more rigid body structure and a well-tuned suspension actually makes this new Elantra fun to drive.