Elantra Elevates its Value as Best Car under $20k

[Hyundai NEWS]

After already being named the 2012 North American Car of the Year in January, the new Hyundai Elantra took home another top third-party prize recently, when the experts at AOL Autos honored it as this year’s Best Car under $20,000. It was no easy feat, either, since the competition included next-generation rivals like the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus and Mazda3, among others.
“Elantra comes with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing 148 hp and 131 lb.-ft. of torque. All told, the engine gives Elantra more power and better fuel efficiency than competitors like the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla,” said the AOL Autos staff. “Elantra is the best total package and best sedan pound for pound, dollar for dollar, under $20,000.”
Added Brandon Ramirez, senior manager of Product Planning for Hyundai Motor America: “In this competitive compact segment the Elantra continues to receive accolades and praise for its truly industry-leading capabilities, including bold styling, advanced technology and great fuel economy. To be recognized by AOL Autos for ‘Best Car Under $20,000’ is a testament to our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional quality vehicles at an affordable price.”
And Hyundai will soon be delivering more of those exceptional vehicles when the Elantra GT and Elantra Sport Coupe reach dealerships later this year. The GT, slated to go on sale in the summer, brings European-style driving dynamics and the added versatility of a five-door hatchback body style to the Elantra family, while the Sport Coupe, slated for a spring debut, will offer its own engaging driving experience, as well as a surprisingly roomy cabin and the ability to hit 40 mpg highway.