Downsized to Elantra Limited

[Yama1yzf]

Yup....with the level of equipment you can get at really low prices and gas fast approaching $4 / gallon here in NY decided I didn't need the big vehicle anymore (the kids are driving themselves these days) and took the plunge.

Initial quick impressions are:

- much better bluetooth integration (mine was an '09 V6). Downloaded all my contacts, is integrated with the stereo and has a button on the steering wheel to activate it. Nice.

- Feature set and level of materials is quite good. Heated front and rear seats, leather, Ipod, USB decent stereo

- as expected road noise makes itself present. this is no Genesis

- nicely controlled ride / handling. Proper damping over bumps

- snappy motor and makes good use of the shiftronic feature. Never liked the manual shifter in the Genesis. Just didn't seem to shift properly

- Very nice looking in the Limited trim

- 40 mpg?



Got a decent trade on my leased Genesis and saving significant $$$$$ in the process. While the Genesis was a great car to me we'll see how small car ownership goes. They really did a nice job on this thing for 2011.

 

[brihvac]

Gas prices is also a concern to me. Have thought about downsizing to a Sonata turbo. I only get between 18-21mpg.

 

[viguanna]

I live in the open praire lands of SD so my gas mileage is around 20 in winter and 28 in summer. I have had it as high as 33 on longer trips.

I agree whats up with these gas prices anyway??? I love my Genny way to much to get rid of her but $50 per fill up hurts a bit but its worth it on the days I am not filling up!

Hyundai did do a great job on the new Elantra ...enjoy!!! I am on my third Hyundai model and have loved all of them. Wont buy any other brand. They just don't impress me like Hyundai has. I used to work for BMW,Toyota and Volvo and I still say that!

 

[STREETS]

The Elentra Ltd is a very nice compact. Nice lines, great interior.

 

[ctrcbob]

IMHO, the 2011 Elantra looks much better than the 2011 Sonata. Beautiful. If it only had a larger gas tank, like the Sonata, it could be the perfect smaller car.

Presently in Phoenix and I think I'll go visit Chapman Hyundai on Bell Road, just to take a second look at that 2011 Elantra. (Heading to San Diego tomorrow, then back to Roswell next week, before I return to Mt. Dora - hope gas does not hit $4.00 before my return).

 

[Yama1yzf]

IMHO, the 2011 Elantra looks much better than the 2011 Sonata. Beautiful. If it only had a larger gas tank, like the Sonata, it could be the perfect smaller car.

Presently in Phoenix and I think I'll go visit Chapman Hyundai on Bell Road, just to take a second look at that 2011 Elantra. (Heading to San Diego tomorrow, then back to Roswell next week, before I return to Mt. Dora - hope gas does not hit $4.00 before my return).

I agree....it's a little less busy than the Sonata from a styling perspective and really looks great in the flesh. Some other observations:

- I can finally take a conf call on bluetooth with the key in the ACC position and the motor turned off. ACC would not power the bluetooth in my Genesis

- Comes with nice Continental low profile tires.....those Dunlops were not great tires

- The steering wheel has proper grips and finger indents for spirited driving. The Genesis had a smooth surface all the way around that looked great but was hard to grip, especially in the cold with gloves on

- it's a blast to drive....even with 148HP

- my buddies all think I have lost the very few brain cells I have remaining


There are no real direct comparisons as they are 2 entirely different class of vehicles however compacts have come a long way with feature sets and NVH. And gas mileage is great and should get better with break in. If you are considering a compact for a second car this deserves a good look. And BTW the tank is 12.6 gallons so at a combined 33mpg my range is 415 miles. so the larger tank may be a moot point.

 

[ctrcbob]

IMHO, the 2011 Elantra looks much better than the 2011 Sonata. Beautiful. If it only had a larger gas tank, like the Sonata, it could be the perfect smaller car.

Presently in Phoenix and I think I'll go visit Chapman Hyundai on Bell Road, just to take a second look at that 2011 Elantra. (Heading to San Diego tomorrow, then back to Roswell next week, before I return to Mt. Dora - hope gas does not hit $4.00 before my return).

Visited Chapman Hyundai yesterday, and they did not have any Elantra's. Said that they only had one come in and that was sold a while ago. (While I was there, two came in but would not let me see them as they had not yet been PDI'd).

Left Phoenix this afternoon, and am presently in Yuma AZ. San Diego tomorrow, visiting various places, then back to Roswell for a week or two before I return to Mt. Dora. (Paid $2.829 for gas this morning in Phoenix and saw one station where it was $2.799 which is the cheapest I've seen on this trip). (I know I will go into shock when I see the California gas prices).

 

[Sayantsi]

Nice. Honestly I am excited about the Sonata hybrid and want to test drive one.

 

[3 tons]

THe new Elantra is a Civic killer for sure!