The Hyundai Motor Group is bringing out new models faster than we can keep up with them. Hyundai is one of the fastest growing automakers on the planet, and the new 2013 Elantra Coupe is a new addition to the stable this year. The 2013 Elantra Coupe two-door and 2013 Elantra GT five-door hatchback join the Elantra sedan four-door. This week we’ll be testing the front-wheel-drive Elantra Coupe SE model with the six-speed automatic transmission. The new Coupe has unique styling cues and is positioned as a sporty alternative to the popular sedan.

Sporty yet practical

The Elantra Coupe is fun and sporty yet it’s practical enough to be a daily driver. The new Coupe has differences in dimensions and styling from the sedan and it also gets tuned suspension components for a stiffer ride. The first thing we noticed about the Elantra Coupe is the sleek, wedge shape design. The Coupe is not a compact car, but a mid-size coupe with long doors that can be a problem in the parking lot. We found out the hard way after pulling in next to a car in a tight spot. The sporty coupe also gets and integrated spoiler, wraparound taillights and dual chrome exhaust tips that help set it apart from the tamer sedan.

The Coupe gets a tuned suspension

There are more differences underneath that contribute to the coupes sporty handling. Hyundai engineers gave the new coupe a V-beam rear suspension, instead of the torsion beam found on the sedan. This helps give the two-door a firmer ride that helps reduce body roll in the corners. The Elantra Coupe also comes with larger 17-inch wheels that contribute to the sportier treatment and feel on the road.

The ride in the coupe is much firmer than the sedan and for those looking for a luxury ride may be disappointed. The coupe is built for performance and fun on the road. Although it’s not a powerhouse, the coupe has enough pep for driving enthusiasts. For those looking for more power, there is the Genesis Coupe or the Veloster Turbo. But the Elantra Coupe has a sporty feel and won’t eat you alive at the gas pump. The EPA estimated fuel mileage is 27/37 city/highway with the automatic transmission which is good for a sports car. The manual transmission gets a one mile bump.

The 1.8-liter engine with 6-spd automatic is a good match

The Elantra Coupe is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 145 horsepower and 130 lb ft of torque. It comes mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. It comes with a front-wheel-drive configuration and is relatively light at around 2,700 pounds. On the road, we noticed some road noise that is fairly typical in the compact car segment. The four-cylinder engine had plenty of power going up I-70 at altitude and for passing. This testers six-speed automatic with Shiftronic was smooth and had seamless shifts throughout the power range.

Ample head and legroom up front

The only issue we found with the Elantra Coupe was the lack of space in the back seat. The coupe does suffer from a lack of rear headroom due to the steeper rake of their roofline. The backseat will be more comfortable for smaller children and can be used to carry cargo. Average size adults will feel the tops of their heads rubbing against the volcanic-infused headliner. But up front, the driver and passenger have plenty of room and there is ample head and legroom. The interior is well-appointed and even though plastic is used on most surfaces, it is attractive and well-executed.

Plenty of standard interior features

The 2013 Elantra Coupe comes standard with many features like a six-way manual driver’s seat, manually operated air conditioning, cruise control, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, six-speaker audio system with CD player, satellite radio capability and iPod/USB port; 60/40-split folding rear seat, power windows, locks and heated mirrors, tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, and anti-theft system.

This Elantra Coupe SE tester ($20,745) came with leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a one-touch-up driver’s window, aluminum pedals, sport-tuned suspension, power sunroof, a hood insulator, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels.

This SE also came equipped with the Technology Package ($23,095) which includes the automatic transmission, dual automatic climate control, navigation with 7-inch screen, upgraded 360-watt audio system, rearview camera and automatic headlights.

Conclusion

Overall, the new 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe SE is among the best in the compact coupe class. It features a stylish exterior design, plenty of standard interior features and gets excellent fuel economy. The addition of a sporty coupe makes the Elantra lineup even more desirable.

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The 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size SUV and is all-new for 2013. The new crossover is built on a new lighter-weight, higher-strength platform and comes in two sizes for families. It now comes in five or seven-passenger configurations. This week, we’ll be testing the two-row, five-passenger 2013 Santa Fe Sport AWD 2.0T. It competes in the fastest growing segment in the auto industry.

On the outside, the new 2013 Santa Fe is good looking and stylish. Its styling follows Hyundai’s new fluidic sculpture design direction. Along with the new Hyundai Sonata, it has a level of boldness to it that has made a name for the Sonata in the mid-size sedan segment. Hyundai is now one of the fastest growing automakers on the planet. The Santa Fe has been a popular choice, and the newly designed model should keep it at the top of buyers lists.

Santa Fe is loaded with standard features

Upon entering the cabin, the new interior feels modern and stylish, and features plenty of soft-touch materials with an emphasis on driver ergonomics. This Santa Fe Sport 2.0T tester features an eight-way power driver seat with four-way adjustable lumbar, heated front seats and outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, front fog lights, chrome twin-tip exhaust, roof side rails, proximity key entry with pushbutton start, automatic headlight control, driver-selectable steering modes (DSSM), P235/55R19 tires on 19 inch alloy wheels, an electroluminescent gauge cluster and a trailer prep package.

This Sport 2.0T AWD model came equipped with two optional packages. The Leather and Premium Equipment Package ($2,450) featured comfortable leather seats, proximity key, a power front passenger seat, sliding and reclining second-row seats, heated rear seats, dual-zone climate control, the 4.3-inch touchscreen audio display and a rearview camera. The optional Technology Package ($2,900) included satellite navigation with an eight-inch touchscreen, Dimension premium audio, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel and manual side-window sunshades.

A good cold-weather vehicle

Denver experienced a wet snowstorm and fog during the week of testing and the heated seats, heated steering wheel, windshield wiper deicer, fog lights, heated outside mirrors and AWD features worked flawlessly. The Santa Fe is a good cold climate vehicle and families will appreciate Hyundai’s attention to all these features that make driving in snow and icy conditions much easier.

The Santa Fe’s ACC all-wheel drive continuously monitors road conditions and enhances stability by managing brake and engine torque. The system sends power to individual wheels depending on where traction is needed. The result is improved cornering stability, reduced understeer or oversteer to help the driver maintain control in snow and ice conditions. The system worked flawlessly in a foot of snow that fell in the mountains west of Denver where we live.

In the back, the sliding second-row seats fold down easily and the outside seat folds forward using either levers on their sides or pull handles in the cargo area. The center section doubles as an armrest and has a release on its upper back surface. Slid fully back, they provide adequate leg- and knee-room for a six-footer to sit comfortably. With the seats slid fully forward, they maximize cargo room. The panoramic sunroof is huge, and there’s sectioned hidden storage under the load floor.

This Santa Fe Sport tester came with the 2.0-liter 264-hp turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. The engine benefits from the latest high-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI) and drive through six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic manual capability. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2.0-liter with AWD is 19/24 city/highway. In the week of city and highway driving, we averaged a combined 21 mpg.

Conclusion

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is ideal for mountain and hilly driving and is pleasant to drive. It has the performance when needed and a ride that was smooth and controlled over most surfaces. Its handling was at least as good as most competitors in its class. The all-new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe has made great strides in styling, quality and overall pleasability. It features major improvements over the outgoing 2012 Santa Fe and is fully competitive and worthy of consideration.

See how much this car should cost you. Hint: It's not MSRP - get Free Price Quotes at Edmunds.com

As many automotive enthusiasts await the 2013 North American International Auto Show in the rugged city of Detroit, the exhibition’s promise for providing a bold, new look into the cars, crossover vehicles and trucks has been tempered somewhat by the excitement around an event in Las Vegas. Called the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the showcase for technological innovations focused around computer hardware and software has played nicely into automakers’ effort into demonstrating interactivity options to a changed, connected world.

With Ford and Mercedes-Benz making notable appearances at the show in recent years, South Korean based auto company Hyundai has also appeared at the CES. In the 2013 edition of Las Vegas show, Hyundai is set to show off some advanced technologies ahead of the Detroit show that can greatly enhance the in-car experience inside of a future Sonata or Santa Fe.

Revealing a full array of automotive infotainment solutions Hyundai touts as “next-generation concepts”, the technology has the potential of allowing future owners of the growing automaker’s products to greatly interact with connectivity solutions. The Hyundai exhibit at CES 2013 involves a preview of new hardware such as multi-touch displays, Bluetooth 3.0 as well as wireless communications through 3G and Wi-Fi. Cloud-based Internet radio through Aha by Harman, Pandora, SiriusXM and HD radio functions will offer abundant entertainment choices. Hyundai’s newest in-car infotainment equipment showcased at 2013 CES has the promise of Dragon Drive control. Utilizing speech recognition software supplied by Nuance, Dragon Drive is targeted to deliver a fluid operations of navigational and entertainment technology by voice command. Last week, ahead of the 2013 CES show, the incorporation of Google Maps navigation functionality was announced by Hyundai as a future addition to the car company’s infotainment array.

Hyundai has also crafted solutions for integrating smart devices called Eyes Free Mode and Mobile High-Definition Link. One is designed to win over Apple product users while another will cater to holders of Sony, LG and most importantly Samsung devices. Working off recent Apple iPhone devices and other products running the IOS 6 software, Eyes Free Mode allow motorists to interact with speech-initiated electronic assistant Siri. Eyes Free Mode is meant to facilitate interaction with an Apple device without drawing a driver’s eyes away from the road. Similar technology is also said to be included on the Chevrolet Spark and other Chevy MyLink vehicles in the future.

Assisting users of devices primarily sourced from fellow South Korean company Samsung, Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) is a multitasking piece of technology planned for inclusion on future Hyundai products. A connector technology originally introduced at the CES event in 2008, MHL can support 1080P HD video or up to eight channels of audio while also charging the portable device.

Displaying the benefit of their new infotainment solutions collection at the January show, Hyundai has not pinpointed the production dates when the technology will be found on the brand’s vehicles.

Information and photo source: Hyundai Motor America

Reaching an end to another year, 365 days can be summed up by a number of successes and failures; the same can be said for the automotive field of 2012.

Vehicle premiere, discontinuation of models, safety recalls and other tidbits of news have been the subject matter for this as well as other automobile resources this past year. In what is a traditional pattern among news outlets, this article is taking time to look back at what the previous 12 months brought to car culture. The following examples are some spotlight moments involving automobiles in 2012.

Viper Returns as SRT Brand Vehicle

The discontinuation of the Viper supercar took the cherry off the top of the automaker’s sundae in 2010. Accepting the fact that a very potent Dodge Challenger SRT8 maintained some performance creditability for the Chrysler division, fans venomously desired the high-performance vehicle behind a reptile-inspired name. A car steered by a culture even the auto company was not immune to, the New York Auto Show marked the return of the Viper supercar. Under the newly assembled, performance-oriented SRT brand, a 640-horsepower V-10 engined dream machine materialized. Back with a vengeance, the SRT Viper took a bite at the American Le Mans Series with the Viper GTS-R for selected 2012 events starting at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Hyundai-Kia Busted on Fuel Economy Miscalculation

For anyone who has purchased a new car and boiled with outraged when fuel mileage was not as advertised, 2012 brought some high profile attention to this costly pet peeve. After an investigation by the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) into 13 Hyundai and Kia brand vehicles the Hyundai Motor Company was pressed to knowledge they misstated fuel economy. Affecting popular products built between the 2011 to 2013 model year, Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe as well as the Kia Shortage are some of the vehicles revealed to receive less fuel mileage than originally stated. The worst offender in terms of fuel economy was the automatic-equipped Kia Soul observed in producing six miles per gallon less in highway gas mileage.

Upon admitting the error, Kia and Hyundai owners of affected vehicles by lower fuel economy received special debit cards that will reimburse for the increased fuel consumption. Estimated to cost 100 million dollars, some civil attorneys filing suits to the problem could potentially make the price higher. There are many indications now the Hyundai-Kia fuel economy embarrassment could be etching the soil of even more investigations into misquoted fuel calculations. Bad news for automakers, the news has been terrific for lawyers filing class-action lawsuits.

Audi Hybrid Claims Historic Le Mans Win

The 2012 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a technological showcase. Occupying paddock 56 was the radical Nissan Deltawing race car exhibiting clever lightweight engineering as an unclassified experimental entrant in the race. In the fight for victory in the prototype category, Audi’s R18 e-tron quattro diesel powerplant combined with an electric motor became the biggest newsmaker of the sports car season. Fielded by Team Joest, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro was brought to the Circuit de la Sarthe with just a single race of development. For the Le Mans 24-hour race, the two hybrid race machines entered by Audi crossed the finish line first and second place. The Audi R18 e-tron quattro became the first hybrid vehicle to win the French sports car classic.

Battle of the Super Pony Cars

As sharply rising fleet fuel economy averages threatens to put a cap on horsepower (or at least the way will get performance in future new cars), there is a very real possibility that free-spirited, American supercars could eventually be forced to practice more civility. Acting as a refreshingly defiant scene in the face of zero-emissions vehicles as well as downsized powerplants, Ford and Chevrolet grabbed pony car performance echelons untouched from a factory-prepped version.

Rolling out the 580-horsepower Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 early in the year, General Motors’ pre-production enthusiasm was hindered by Ford’s latest Shelby GT500. Seeing the high-performance Camaro in the horizon, the response from Ford was a 662-horsepower presented as a 2013 model year vehicle. The latest motoring extremes of the supercharger-induced Ford Shelby GT500 and the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 revisited the muscle car era where street-going horsepower was not subject to compromises. However, with both vehicles north of the $50,000-range, the super pony car lifestyle is about as accessible as an entry-level Tesla Model S.

Sun Sets on Suzuki’s Automotive Business

In November, American Suzuki Motor Corporation filed for bankruptcy and announced the winding down of their 27-year effort of distributing automobiles to the United States. Operating as a very small vehicle niche in later years, sales of vehicles like the Grand Vitara crossover and the Kizashi sedan in the United States were ultimately not enough sustain the product line-up for the future. Despite concerns that Suzuki vehicles could now possess lower resale values as part supplies and customer support after warranty periods will be tainted, sales of automobiles have been showing an upward pattern ending off November claiming by 22 percent compared to 2011.

Chrysler, Dodge Drops NASCAR Effort After 2012 Season

After five wins and 23 top-ten finishes on the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup tour, Brad Keselowski claimed the 2012 stock car title. Driving a Dodge Charger, it was the first time since 1975 that the brand powered a competitor to the series championship. With the triumph in 2012 came realization that 2013 will not feature a title defence from a Dodge. Early in 2012, Keselowski’s NASCAR team Penske Racing had announced a switch to Ford for the upcoming season. Unable to find a suitable anchor team in the present NASCAR series or the Nationwide Series, Chrysler chose to pull the plug on support of racing activities. It also means the sharp-looking 2013 Sprint Cup version of the Dodge Charger will not be joining the Chevrolet SS and Ford Fusion on NASCAR race tracks.

Brad Keselowski was also involved in a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series moment of glory with Chrysler Group. Ryan Blaney won the September race at Iowa Speedway driving a Keselowski-owned Ram pickup truck. The first victory for the Ram brand, Blaney’s win was the first for a Chrysler division truck since March of 2008.

Tesla Shocks Many with Model S

A car that almost didn’t come to be as Elon Musk’s all-electric automaker has been tethering on financial disaster, Tesla’s luxury four-door sedan certainly made a charge forward in the battery-powered car segment.

An eye-catching sports sedan, technological innovation at the heart of the Tesla Model S. Safe to say the Tesla Model S is not likely to become an all-electric equivalent to the Ford Model T in changing the way we travel. However, requiring around $50,000 (after government tax credits) for a base example, the price of the Model S positioned at roughly half of their outgoing Roadster. Tesla is showing electric vehicle can edge towards cost effectiveness.

Nine years since the Toyota Prius, two years after the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt, the Tesla Model S became the 2013 Motor Trend’s Car of the Year. The award’s first all electric vehicle winner the Model S sedan was admired for its technological as well as design. At this point, only one of the company’s harsher critics Mitt Romney could be quieter than the Tesla Model S sedan’s electric motor. For the record, I am tiring of the electric vehicle puns as much as I suspect readers are.

Battery Blunders for Electric Vehicles

As electric cars have become more prevalent, it is perhaps inevitable that electric vehicles join the rest of the production car culture with the occasional recall. However, with so many new electrified vehicles entering the marketplace in 2012, quite a bit of noise was created around some popular battery-dependant cars.

At the beginning of 2012, the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt was placed under a safety recall after a federal crash test later led to a fire. Linked to a damaged battery coolant system following the crash, the Chevy Volt’s problem was quickly addressed.

Another plug-in hybrid car, the Fisker Karma, has been connected to more troublesome battery saga. A late 2011 recall of the Karma because of a battery fire risk was only a start to a series of teething problems resulting with a start-up auto company and their new vehicle. Similar to the Chevrolet Volt, the cooling system for the Karma’s battery was the culprit that time as well as a later recall in August. The Fisker Karma was also the recipient of a lot of embarrassment when a Consumer Reports test vehicle shut down during evaluation. Ultimately found to be a construction flaw at Fisker’s battery supplier A123 Systems, the issue compounded issues with the latter company. Entered into Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, A123 Systems was ultimately sold to Wanxiang America Corporation founded by Chinese businessperson Lu Guanqiu.

Google Revolutionizing How People Will Not Drive

In 2012, the Google driverless car or self-driving car fleet has achieved over 300,000 miles of travel with 50,000 performed without a human driver. Despite the many concerns regarding autonomous vehicles roaming the roads and highways, work by Google is continuing to gain steam.

2012 saw new freedoms introduced for the Google driverless Car project as the state of Nevada and California where tests can be performed on public roads. Unrelated to Google, mining company Rio Tinto announced they were created a driverless train for operating in Western Australia by 2014. A popular cultural icon among anyone following technology, the Google driverless car concept was also a subject of a NASCAR April Fool’s Day joke. As the driverless vehicles earned the right to operate on roadways, it is unclear if the car had to pose for an ugly license card picture.

Information source: A123 Systems, Audi AG, Chrysler Group, Google, NASCAR, Suzuki, Tesla Motors
Photo source: Audi AG, Bryan Czobat/Autostock, Chris Nagy, Google

2012 has been a great year for Hyundai – if not in the public relations department, than in sales for retail customers. A lot of coverage of the brand in 2012 has been dominated by the fuel economy adjustment debacle.

In July, a California man filed suit against the company over what he alleged were misrepresentations of fuel economy figures by the Environmental Protection Agency. That turned out to be the case, and a class action settlement was negotiated. Hyundai is currently in the process of reimbursing customers affected by the debacle, and they say that customers are very happy with the way the company has handled the issue so far.

The thrust of most of the coverage has focused on the Elantra compact. Despite this the car has seen record-breaking sales this year. 2011 broke a record and now 2012 is on pace to top that. Earlier in the month the Elantra passed the previous years total of 186,361 cars sold. Hyundai hasn’t released sales figures yet, but they say that car is on track to pass 200,000 units for the year. This would be a huge development for Hyundai, as reaching that barrier is a significant milestone.

Until now, only one car in the Hyundai stable has reached that figure – and that is the Sonata sedan. To keep up with demand earlier this year, the company added a third shift to the plant in Alabama. There’s no doubt that the Elantra is one of the most competitive models in the segment – in design, efficiency and quality. To our eyes, it best wears the company’s fluidic sculpture design philosophy. Right now the company is moving away from that on new models, in favor of a new approach called storm edge. The Santa Fe crossover at the Los Angeles International auto show was one of the first vehicles to debut this. According to John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America Chief Executive Officer, the company is looking forward to another huge year in 2013.

Hyundai has been steadily improving its vehicles for years, but the real breakthrough arrived with the current generation of vehicles. Particularly the Sonata and Elantra surprised critics, and both vehicles became recognized as leaders in their classes.

One of the big selling points of the Elantra has been fuel economy, coming in at the critical 40 mpg mark. The Accent and Veloster followed and Hyundai promoted the fact that it had four models returning 40 mpg or over. It all sounded great but the problem was, customers were noticing mpg ratings that were much lower.

The issue reached boiling point when a class action lawsuit was filed in July by Elantra owner Louis Bird. The suit encompassed 900,000 owners and forced a readjustment of Hyundai’s ratings. Now these vehicles that were at 40 mpg have dropped to 37 or 38 mpg. Hyundai has begun reimbursing owners affected and says its customers are very happy with the way it is being handled. The issue proved to be one of the biggest corporate dramas in the automotive world this year.

Automotive News has reported a new twist to the story that adds another layer of intrigue. A probe by the Environmental Protection Agency is what discovered the discrepancy. The agency routinely receives tips on various ins sues and decides to investigate them based on credibility. Margo Oge was head of the EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality in 2010 when the agency first got wind of the scandal.

Oge has spoke out about the issue, saying she received a tip from a senior vice-president of a domestic automaker. That led to the resulting investigation and lawsuit. To determine who it was, AN reached out to the three manufacturers for comment. Chrysler flatly denied it. General Motors said that it doesn’t conduct business that way, and Ford offered a no-comment. Any guesses on who it was? Of the three aforementioned manufacturers, Ford has been the most relentless in promoting fuel-efficient vehicles. This positioning has led to direct competition with Hyundai. One of the most interesting stories of the year just got more interesting.

The all-new 2013 Hyundai Elantra GT is a global car that hit U.S. showrooms this summer. It’s based on the new-generation i30 model that was designed for the European market. The U.S. version Elantra GT is a new five-door hatchback model and joins the Elantra sedan four-door as a sporty, versatile alternative to the more traditional sedan. The 2013 Elantra GT will compete with three top sellers – the Ford Focus, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Golf, while offering more interior volume than all three. Hyundai is designing and coming out with new vehicles faster than any other automaker and the new Elantra GT is the third of seven new cars that Hyundai will introduce in the next eleven months.

The new Elantra GT five-door automatic ($19,395) that we’ll be testing this week comes standard with air conditioning, heated front seats, steering-wheel-mounted controls, 60/40 split folding rear seats, Bluetooth, a 6-speaker audio system with CD player, satellite radio capability, auxiliary jack and iPod/USB port; Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, front fog lights, remote keyless entry, rear spoiler, and tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

Elantra GT models equipped with the Style Package ($2,750) get leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a power driver’s seat with power lumbar, aluminum pedals, a driver’s side auto-up window, panoramic sunroof, sport-tuned suspension, side mirrors with integrated turn signals and 17-inch alloy wheels.

GT gets excellent fuel-economy

The Elantra GT is slippery with a class-leading .30 coefficient of drag. The five-door hatch is aerodynamic from the aggressive profile and that translates to fuel-efficiency. The lower curb weight of 2,784 pounds also helps Elantra GT achieve solid performance and excellent fuel economy. EPA ratings for all Elantra variants are some of the most competitive in the industry. The Elantra GT gets 27/39 mpg with the manual and 28/39 mpg with the automatic. But with the announcement just released from Hyundai, those EPA figures were figured inaccurately and will be adjusted down approximately 3 percent on any new vehicles in showrooms after October 31, 2012.

The Elantra GT is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions are available on the front-wheel-drive Elantra GT, either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic. The engine has been designed using lightweight materials such as an aluminum block and head to help keep the GT relatively lightweight which also aids in fuel-efficiency. Hyundai also makes use of light high-strength steel throughout the GT by making an $8 billion dollar investment in its own fully integrated steel plant.

Sport-tuned suspension offers better handling

The Elantra GT is also unique in its suspension that utilizes a V-beam rear suspension, instead of the torsion beam found on the sedan. This gives the GT  a firmer ride, but the hatchback stayed firmly planted during high-speed turns in tight corners in the mountains. When ordered with the Style Package, it also comes with the sport-tuned suspension for even more aggressive driving and further reduction of body roll around corners. The GT also offers three selectable steering modes, which offer heavier or lighter steering feel depending on driving conditions and driver preference. When is the Sport mode, the system worked as advertised and offered increased feel at higher speeds and on winding roads.

The 1.8-liter engine is high-revving and the peak horsepower doesn’t kick in until 6500 rpm. With the automatic transmission, we found the GT wanted to settle for a higher gear than it should while driving on more demanding uphill roads. But the Shiftronic allows the driver to shift manually and keep the rpm’s up for optimal power. Maximum performance can be obtained around 6300 rpm and the GT was happy to do so. The only thing lacking on the sporty GT would be steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

A roomy versatile cabin

The cabin of the Elantra GT doesn’t feel like a entry-level compact and the heated leather seats and lather wrapped steering wheel give the sporty five-door a premium feel. The materials used have a quality feel and the fit and finish is better than other comparable compacts.

The Elantra GT’s hatch design allows for a roomy 23 cubic-feet of cargo volume, with a max 51 cubic-feet with the seats folded down. That’s more than the five-door versions of the Ford Focus and Mazda3, and is just one cubic foot short of the larger Subaru Impreza.

The Dual-zone climate controls also incorporate an automatic defogging system, which detects humidity levels using a sensor and removes it from the windshield. Another premium feature in the Elantra GT is a CleanAir Ionizer that automatically cleans the air when the heater or air conditioner is running.

The Hyundai Elantra GT is among the best in the compact five-door class with an aerodynamic exterior design, plenty of standard interior features and excellent fuel economy. For those who want practicality and like to drive, the sporty 2013 Elantra GT needs to be on your list.

See how much this car should cost you. Hint: It's not MSRP - get Free Price Quotes at Edmunds.com

As we prepare ourselves for the onslaught of highly tuned concept cars coming out of SEMA 2012, we begin with a little number by Hyundai. The company teamed up with John Pangilinan (a brand advertising guru or something) to create the Hyundai Veloster JP Edition Concept.

And no, it’s not really glow-in-the-dark. Sorry to disappoint.

But it looks like it could be, doesn’t it? That crazy mint green exterior was provided by paint giants BASF for this concept car, and it actually fits the car’s lines pretty well, especially with the TS Designs fender flares by design guru Jon Sibal giving the car a widebody look. Not for everybody, but I’m digging it.

Of course, glow-in-the-dark(-looking) paint and a body kit won’t make a concept car, so Hyundai’s also added plenty of goodies under the hood (so to speak.)

While the actual powertrain remain the remains untouched, they’ve added ARK Performance Exhaust, which doesn’t do much for power by itself, but helps with that tuner sound and appearance.

That’s not to say this car won’t perform – plenty of work has been done to the suspension: KW Coilovers with ARK Performance lowering springs, Whiteline sway bars, anti-lift caster kit and end links, a Brembo big brake kit, and Ray’s lightweight 19-inch wheels.

Inside, they drop in some Recaro racing seats with harnesses, a reupholstered interior (even though we don’t get to see the interior from these photos,) and of course, a kick-ass Alpine entertainment system with 3 amps and two 12-inch subwoofers.

Take a look below for more pictures of the JP Edition Veloster, and keep an eye out for more SEMA 2012 coverage.

The 2012 Hyundai Azera is all-new and this is the second generation of Hyundai’s flagship luxury sedan. Hyundai unveiled the new large sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. The Azera is the fifth vehicle in the lineup to adopt what the company calls their Fluidic Sculpture design language. The exterior of the new sedan is longer and lower than the previous generation. The big sedan also got lighter and weighs in at 3,605 pounds.

This flagship sedan from Hyundai also features a more powerful Lambda II 3.3-liter Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engine for the 2012 model year. The new engine develops 293 horsepower and has a best-in-class 23 mpg combined fuel mileage. The 2012 Azera is one of seven vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup to be revamped and picking the car you want is made simple. The Azera offers one trim level, one powertrain, one price and only one option is available.

Luxury abounds inside

Inside, the luxury sedan is comfortable and roomy. Azera has best-in-class front head and leg room. The standard leather seats are supportive and comes with 10-way power driver’s seat and 8-way power front passenger seat both of which includes a height adjustment. This 2012 Azera tester came with the Technology Package that includes an extendable section on the driver’s seat for thigh support, and the front seats are ventilated for maximum comfort. Fans in the front seat back and bottom cushions circulate air through the perforated leather seats.

The cabin of the new Azera also gets dual-zone automatic climate control to keep all the occupants comfortable. The interior materials are of top quality and the fit and finish is top end. Controls are well planned and easy to understand. The standard navigation system with its 7-inch screen conveys needed information and features a backup camera display. The seats are heated, front and rear.

Other interior features that get special mention is the optional panoramic sunroof, which allows an abundance of natural light into the cabin. It also features 3D Carbon interior accents and ambient lighting floods the cabin. Other luxury appointments include an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades that tuck away when not in use.

Optional Technology Package

The single option is the Technology Package ($4000), adding such goodies as a 19-inch Hyper-Silver alloy wheels, HID Xenon headlights, power tilt-and-slide, two-pane, panoramic sunroof; power adjustable, tilt-and-telescope steering column; two-setting memory for driver’s seat, outside mirrors and steering column; fan-ventilated front seats; Infinity premium speaker system with subwoofer and 550-watt external amplifier; power rear sunshade and manual rear side window shades; and rear parking assistance sensors.

The latest engine technology

Priced at a highly competitive $32,000, this four-door, five-passenger sedan is powered by a remarkably efficient, 3.3-liter V6,that produces 293-horsepower and 255 lb ft of torque. The new Lambda II engine uses the latest Gas Direct Injection (GDI) and produces a best-in-class output of 88.8 horsepower per liter, while having the smallest displacement V6 in the segment.

The engine uses some high-tech features often found on more exotic sports sedans. It uses high compression, all-aluminum construction, piston cooling jets, and a roller timing chain for maximum performance and efficiency. Power is transfered to the front wheels through a 6-speed automatic transaxle outfitted with the Shiftronic manual shift feature. EPA fuel economy estimates for the Azera are 20 mpg city / 29 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined.

Smooth and quiet ride

The 2012 Azera is no sports sedan, but that was never Hyundai’s intention for the luxury car. The ride is comfortable and handling is well mannered. Azera comes with automatically adjusting shock absorbers that level out bumps in the interstate and city streets. The Hyundai Azera is also quiet while underway from the use of extra sound deadening material. Also use of sophisticated vibration isolating and motion counterbalancing underhood structures contribute to the quiet ride.

If you haven’t noticed, Hyundai Motor Group is designing and building quality cars that are catching the competition. The 2012 Hyundai Azera is another one of those cars to keep your eye on. It’s new exterior design is sharp looking, it’s roomy, quiet and gets excellent fuel economy.

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The BMW 3-Series is the car with a target perennially on its back. The 3-Series has been the segment leader for years – both in sales and in acclaim. A lot of cars have attempted to usurp it, and some have been quite good (the Infiniti G got a lot of attention for a while). The 3′s stiffest challenge ever is coming from the 2013 Cadillac ATS, which is generating a wave of good publicity for it’s E46-aping ways.

We’ll see what the market has to say once it goes on sale in full force. In recent years, Hyundai has zeroed in on the luxury segment with the rear-wheel drive mid-size Genesis and full-size Equus. Kia is getting in on the game next year as well with the Quoris sedan. Automotive News reports that Hyundai has a third rear-wheel drive model in the works, a new small sedan aimed at – you guessed it – the 3-Series.

Its codename is “RK” and AN says it isn’t scheduled to arrive until 2015 at the earliest. Years after its introduction, the current Genesis remains an attractive product and a new small sedan would make for a brilliant addition. Now, 3-Series territory is pushing it, but we get the idea.

Conceptually, the 3-Series is a great template to base a new small RWD car after. If it’s affordable, stylish and drives well we could see it generating a lot of sales. Few people switch to Hyundai from brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, but it has gotten sales from those looking for something less flashy and ostentatious. Hyundai and Kia have done a lot to offer choices for those looking for RWD, and a new small sedan will be a much welcomed addition. As for the Genesis, AN reports an all-new model is due late next year as a 2014 model. Given how much Hyundai has moved the ball forward with the current Genesis, it will probably be a stunner.

The current Hyundai Sonata made a big splash when it debuted as a 2011 model. Perennially an also-ran in the segment, the latest iteration was vaulted to the top tier. Styling was a big component in that ascension; “Fluidic Sculpture” was just beginning and the car’s rakish roofline brought to mind the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Being at the forefront of style though means over time designs can become stale. The Sonata is a good looking sedan – on the rest of the lineup Fluidic Sculpture hasn’t worn as well though. It has become a bit overwrought. Apparently, Hyundai agrees. The new Sante Fe crossover debuted a version of the styling language called Storm Edge.

Now that is forming for the basis for the next-generation of Hyundai styling, called Fluidic Precision. The Sante Fe was a breath of fresh air, so we welcome the change in direction. Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik revealed this in a Q & A with Automobile Magazine. He said future designs would be more “mature,” and that “forms might be a little less extroverted.” Good to hear.

Once again Sonata appears to be leading the way for Hyundai styling. Krafcik said the design for the next-gen Sonata has been frozen. The new approach comes after the competition has made similar moves. For instance, Ford has criticized Hyundai’s styling and pioneered an opposite direction with the “One Ford.” The 2013 Fusion is understated and unadorned in its appearance. For once Hyundai has stood out with its current lineup, so it’ll be interesting to see how much the next-generation cars mirror their rivals. As with anything, too much of a good thing is….too much.

Whether a single parent, couple, young or old family, choosing a new vehicle has a far-spanning lists of considerations to explore. Considering the practical criteria such as family size, type of driving and fuel economy, other factors regarding personal tastes of adults along with children goes into the search. The driving experience can be a situation of pleasure as the moments moving between schools, malls, supermarkets and other destinations will be remembered more than one can initially conceive.

The following list of happening 2012 family vehicles combine exciting amenities, relaxing interior and are all IIHS Top Safety Pick certified.

Dodge Charger

A full-sized American car, the Dodge Charger has an exterior design infused with a significant amount of attitude. Freshened for the 2011 model year, the Dodge Charger also sports a more refined interior design that will comfortably seat five passengers. Cruise control, power door locks, dual zone manual temperature control and a six-speaker, Uconnect Touch stereo with a 4.3-inch interface display are all standard. The infotainment technology inside of the Charger can be upgraded to an 8.4-inch touchscreen display that features Garmin navigation and SD card reader slot. Providing more than competent economy with up to 31 miles per gallon in highway travel, the 292-horsepower 3.6 liter Pentastar V-6 power plant can be mated with an ultra-smooth 8-speed automatic transmission perfect for driving while the kids are falling to sleep. A more powerful 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 and all-wheel drive is also available on the Charger sedan when needed (or simply wanted).

For the obsessed Mopar family, it is never too early to teach the children that there is no replacement for displacement. The Charger SRT8 6.4 liter HEMI V-8 engine is a lesson of how 470-horsepower can promptly thrill a schoolyard parking lot. However, the Dodge Charger SRT8’s stingier fuel economy (even with the car’s Fuel Saver Technology) could occasionally add a few minutes onto a commute when gas station stops are required.

The safety equipment array on all Dodge Charger sedans guarantees a full array of airbags supported by occupant restraint controller, all-speed traction control system, automatic headlamps and height adjustable seat belts.

Hyundai Sonata

Sporting well-equipped, reasonably priced vehicles, Hyundai clout as a family-friendly brand has soared. In 2011, a redesigned Hyundai Sonata sedan took direct aim at the long-favoured Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Ford Fusion for the all-around family car crown.

Featuring a 190-horsepower 2.4 liter inline-4, 2.0 liter turbocharged engine producing 274-horsepower and a gasoline/electric hybrid model, average fuel economy for the Hyundai Sonata vehicle range spans from 26 to 37 miles per gallon. Fuel mileage combined with a sticker price just below $20,000 making the Sonata a rational buy when reviewing the household budget. Standard features on the basis Sonata GLS model includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, cruise control and a stereo system that features an iPod-compatible input jack. In addition to that standard equipment, air conditioning and a cabin air filter provides the stylized comfort for up to five passengers. The up-level SE or Limited models of the Sonata provide family-oriented features such as heated rear seats, HD Radio and optional Autonet navigation.

The Hyundai Sonata sedan also boosts sizable cargo space of 16.4 cubic feet with 60/40 split rear fold-down seat availing larger payloads such as skis and snowboards to be securely stored.

Toyota Prius v

For the parents of technology-savvy, Blackberry or iPhone-connected children, the gasoline/electric hybrid Toyota Prius could be a car they may have more familiarity with than the mother and father. Stretched by a little over 3 inches in wheelbase compared to the conventional Prius hatchback, the Prius v was introduced as a more cargo capable variant of the popular Toyota model name. With five-passenger capacity for the typical family, the Toyota Prius v can also fit up to 34.3 cubic feet for their belongings. The Toyota Prius v has a maximum cargo space of 67.3 cubic feet in the rear seats are folded.

The 1.8 liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine combined with the 60-kilowatt permanent magnet electric motor secures a more than adequate launch through the errands of everyday life burning just a gallon of fuel after an average distance of 42 miles. Pitch and Bounce Control of the Toyota Prius v provides ride quality pleasing even the discriminating families. While a large accompaniment of standard features comes loaded on every Toyota Prius v, the optional Entune infotainment system could be an afforded must. A 6.1-inch touchscreen-enabled system, Toyota’s Entune is a wealthy source of in-car and out-of-vehicle entertainment.

Honda Odyssey

All right, minivans are assumed as more of a family necessity than a product of excitement. As opposed to the rather ‘Plain Jane’ vehicles sold in huge numbers during the 1990s, today’s minivans are built to incorporate sound refinement and engineering to an extent they are no longer entry-level family transportation. Entering the minivan business in 1995, Honda’s latest Odyssey is a definition for idealized family motoring.

A tremendously safe vehicle solidified by an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick Rating, the Honda Odyssey minivan can move a family of 7 or 8 with relative home-like comfort. Storage space inside of the Odyssey is plentiful as well as smartly laid out. With a total of 148.5 cubic feet of cargo room available, coin holder, seatback pockets and a center stack storage compartment insures even small items are securely accounted for inside of the Odyssey’s cabin. While the LX trim level features standard equipment such as air conditioning, remote entry system, cruise control and ambient lighting, some of the more thrilling amenities including tri-zone climate control as well as the DVD rear entertainment system can also be obtained on the Honda Odyssey.

A near picture perfect family vehicle for parents and children, it does come as a pricey expenditure. With a dealer sticker just under $30,000 with upgrades available to take the Honda Odyssey past the $45,000 range.

Volkswagen Passat

In their attempt to gain an upscale image for years, the Volkswagen brand in North America had lost the capacity of drawing new families to vehicles wearing snobbish price tags. Volkswagen has turned to greater North American-based production in 2010 in an effort to reduce costs of once-extremely popular cars such as the Jetta and later the Passat.

A mid-sized sedan with starting price under $20,000, the latest-generation Volkswagen Passat sacrificed very little when it came to reducing the sticker cost by nearly $8,000 compared the 2010 model. Almost instantly becoming an element of curiosity, the Volkswagen Passat is one of the few upper-sized sedans priced under $35,000 to offer a diesel engine option. The 2-liter TDI powerplant accompanies the available 2.5 liter inline five-cylinder and 280-horsepower 3.6 liter V-6 gasoline engines. The Passat TDI model naturally produces the best fuel economy by achieving up to 43 mile per gallon highway.

Bluetooth connectivity, automatic dual-zone climate control as well as power windows and door locks are standard on the Volkswagen Passat S trim level. Venturing up the model ladder with the Passat provides access to features such as Fender premium stereo system, navigation and rich woodgrain trim inserts. Especially pleasing to children who have grown out of their car seats, the Passat’s class-leading rear seat legroom will suffice well into teens years.

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Information source: American Honda Motor Company, Chrysler Group, Hyundai Motor America, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Toyota Motor Corporation, VW Group
Photo source: American Honda Motor Company, Chris Nagy, Chrysler Group, Toyota Motor Corporation

While the main players Chevrolet, Toyota and Honda don’t offer hatchback models of their small cars, Hyundai, Mazda and Ford have opted to provide their customers with another choice. For the previous generation Elantra, the hatchback model was dubbed the Elantra Touring. The Elantra Touring was more upscale than the standard Elantra, developed with a focus on the European market, where it is sold as the i30.

This time around Hyundai is following the same formula, but instead is calling it the Elantra GT. Once again the Elantra GT is more upscale, but the car’s fluidic sculpture design fits in cohesively with the overall lineup. One thing we like is the less-wacky and more premium feeling interior that the GT has.

Now’s let get down to the details though; Hyundai has announced pricing for the 2013 model Elantras, and the GT starts at $18,395, versus $17,470 for the sedan. The Elantra GT is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder making 148 horsepower and comes standard with a six-speed manual. It is able to be optioned up pretty extensively. An automatic will set you back $1,000, while the Style Package goes for $2,750 and the Technology Package for $2,350.

Style adds a stiffer sport-tuned suspension, panoramic sunroof, side mirrors with turn signals, leather interior, power drivers seat with lumbar support and aluminum pedals. Technology requires Style (an ill-advised move) and includes a navigation system with seven-inch screen, rearview backup camera, automatic headlamps and dual-zone automatic climate control. A fully-loaded Elantra GT goes for $24,495. Not cheap, but it offers a lot of equipment for the money. Every Elantra GT comes equipped with a unique feature; Driver Selectable Steering Mode. It has three operating modes; Comfort, Normal and Sport. Power assistance levels are adjusted, as well as “on-center build-up feel and steering build-up curves.” We’re interested in trying it out, and haven’t seen another manufacturer try something like this at this price point. The 2013 Elantra GT goes on sale later this month, aimed at the hatchback Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Matrix.

Right out of the proverbial box, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster is an instant contender in the sports economy segment. 

The 2012 Veloster is an all-new unique three-door coupe for Hyundai, and the hits just keep coming for the South Korean carmaker. It was announced last week that Hyundai Motor America can’t seem to keep up with the demand for their Sonata and Elantra sedans that are produced in U.S., and they will need to add close to one thousand new workers to keep up. If the 2012 Veloster is as popular, Hyundai could have another problem with production.

It starts with the Veloster’s three-door unique styling that pulls off the two-door roofline. The third door is on the passenger side, hinged at the front like a regular door. Although the Veloster isn’t the first three-door, it isn’t awkwardly hinged at the rear. The new three-door looks good and the unique styling gets lots of attention on the road.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster comes in two models, both three-door coupes. Veloster M/T ($17,300) uses a 6-speed manual gearbox. Veloster DCT ($18,550) uses the automated dual-clutch transmission. Standard equipment includes a cabin filter, 196-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with iPod and USB jacks, Bluetooth, 7-inch touch screen, power everything, remote keyless entry, 60/40 rear seat, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Two optional packages are available, the Style package ($2000) includes 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille trim, foglights, panoramic sunroof, premium 8-speaker audio system, leatherette seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and alloy pedals. The Tech package ($2000) adds navigation with rearview camera, rear backup beepers, different 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, push-button start, and 115V outlet.

Inside, the leatherette upholstery that comes with the Style Package is very nice, and the interior is comfortable with a sporty feel. Details include a three-spoke leather steering wheel, guages that are easy to read, and digital information that’s easily accessed. With the third-door it’s easy to climb in and out of the back seat, although space is limited with only 31.7 inches of legroom. But total interior volume in the sporty compact segment is class leading.

Driving the sporty Veloster over Berthoud Pass in Colorado was a fun experience. We drove the Veloster through some tight corners without a trace of understeer. The suspension is totally obedient making the car a joy to drive. This car is very light, at 2583 pounds, and that is an advantage. The new 1.6-liter direct-injection engine is super smooth, and the 6-speed manual gearbox is a strong point for the sporty car. The only complaint with the Veloster is the horizontal structural support in the fastback glass liftgate restricts visibility, although the Prius is much worse.

The new 1.6-liter engine produces 138 horsepower, which doesn’t seem like much on paper, but with direct injection, the four-cylinder is powerful enough for just about any driving situation. Fuel economy is a strong point with the Veloster getting an EPA-estimated 28/40 mpg City/Highway with the six-speed standard transmission.

Hyundai has hit a home run with the all-new Veloster. The distinctive styling is appealing, its 1.6-liter engine is powerful and efficient , and the ride and handling make the Veloster with the six speed gearbox sporty and fun to drive. Add in a terrific interior and a starting price of $17,300 and Hyundai has put it all together in a sporty compact model.

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“It looks like a rental car” it is never used as a positive term. That is because rental cars have gotten a bad reputation, with the models sold usually being stripped out, low price specials. Fleet sales – whether to rental car companies, corporate fleets or government operations, generally have a negative impact on public perception. A

That contributes to lower desirability and resale value, which helps create downward spiral with leasing and the like. It generally is a bad deal unless managed effectively, although some manufacturers are happy to take sales wherever they can get. Suddenly General Motors, Ford and Chrysler aren’t pushing cars out to fleets by the hundreds of thousands.

According to Automotive News, Chief Executive Officer John Krafcik wants to reduce Hyundai’s dependance on them. Krafcik says he wants to sell 32,000 fleet vehicles this year. That would peg sales for 2012 at 713,000 units, a 10 percent overall gain from last year and a retail unit swing of 100,000 cars.

That’s a lot of increased retail going on. Being a Hyundai dealer is a good thing to be right now. Apparently, Hyundai has a problem with with capacity though; an inability to make enough cars and get them to dealers. Dealers are reportedly running low on inventory. One of the most interesting tidbits in the article has to do with MSRPs though. It isn’t any secret that most people do not pay MSRP for a car. You can haggle and get a better deal, it’s all part of the experience. So much so in fact, that the average industry discount is a hefty 10 percent off MSRP. At Hyundai, it is at just 3.5 percent. Pretty interesting, and it shows the Hyundai is closer to pricing cars at a level the market thinks is appropriate right now. The next few years will be key as we see how Hyundai aims to sustain the impressive growth it has seen so far.