The all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra sets a new fuel economy benchmark in the compact car segment. Every new Elantra that drives off a Hyundai dealer’s lot will deliver a highway fuel economy rating of 40 miles per gallon. That’s true for both manual and automatic transmission models. There are other compact cars that offer 40 mpg on the highway, but as Hyundai is quick to point out, you must order a special model to obtain that high mileage.
Fortunately, great gas mileage is just one of the many things to like about the new fifth generation Elantra. Think of it as ‘Sonata Lite.’ The new Elantra is light years ahead of this automaker’s earlier generation cars in every respect. From the first time you climb behind the wheel, Elantra hardly feels like a compact car. It simply has a larger on-road presence. For 2011, Elantra grows an inch in overall length and two inches in wheelbase. That stretched wheelbase combines with great suspension tuning to add up to a very pleasing car to drive.
The Elantra’s powertrain is all-new as well. Replacing the Beta 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a Nu 1.8-liter Dual CVVT engine. Though Hyundai didn’t fit the engine with direct injection like the Theta II engine in the Sonata, it was engineered to accept the technology in the future. Still, the new engine delivers 7 percent more horsepower and is 74 pounds lighter than its predecessor. Hyundai rates power output at 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 131 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm.
During our test drive on canyon roads, mountain passes, and stretches of interstate in Southern California, the new Elantra consistently delivered peppy performance. Both the six-speed manual and six-speed automatic are fun to drive. The automatic offers Shiftronic manual shift mode for those times when a bit more control over gearing is desired. What does 40 mpg get you? In the case of the Elantra you can cruise more than 500 miles on the highway between fill-ups. Best of all, a manual shift Elantra GLS starts at just $14,830 … quite the deal.
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