Step inside the 2012 Hyundai Elantra and feel what it’s like to save gas money. Elantra appeals with chameleon-like astuteness, balancing economy and astuteness in equal parts. Delivering further proof of Hyundai’s assurance that they are a brand of the people, Elantra gives drivers what they want: a smart purchase, something not even the best rival slogans can cover up.
Here’s a look at the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. If you’re ready to buy a new Elantra, you can configure one on CarWoo! today.
Hyundai Elantra Trims, Features, and Exterior
Hyundai offers the 2012 Elantra in GLS and Limited models, the latter available with automatic transmission only and starting with a $20,445 price tag. The GLS is offered in both manual, at under $18,000, and automatic, for about $1,000 more.
Standard features on Elantra GLS include 15” steel wheels, cloth interior trim, a 6 speaker CD/MP3 sound system with XM Radio, and a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat.
Elantra Limited counters with 17” alloy wheels, a sunroof, foglights, A/C and a telescoping steering wheel ( both optional for GLS), leather trim with heated front & rear seats, and Bluetooth capability.
Extras for Elantra Limited include navigation on a 7” screen, and a rearview camera.
On the outside, feelings seem to be mixed. Elantra’s overall shape has been made over into what Hyundai terms ‘fluidic sculpture,’ which either looks like a bar of soap or classic art depending on whose eyes we’re borrowing.
Hyundai Elantra Performance
But beauty is always more than skin deep, and what we find under the hood of the latest Elantra is a 1.8L 4-cylinder pushing out 148 horsepower and 131 lb.-ft. of torque. It won’t blow any egg shaped doors off, but maybe 40 highway MPG will.
Hyundai Elantra Fuel Economy
Expect 29/40/33 (city/highway/combined) MPG for the 2012 Elantra. Yes, it’s part of the 40 MPG club, without hybrid assistance. And these eye popping stats come standard whether you choose the manual 6 speed or alternatively, the 6 speed automatic with Hyundai’s SHIFTRONIC technology.
Further distancing itself from the economic masses filled with Chevy Cruzes, Ford Focuses and Honda Civics, Elantra boasts a new Active Eco System for 2012- actually just a button that drivers push to deliver up to 7% more fuel economy. The Active Eco System is optional on Elantra GLS and standard for Elantra Touring. This makes the engine capable and savvy, provided drivers aren’t wagering pink slips on back alley illegal street races.
Hyundai Elantra Interior Highlights
Elantra gets by with a good looking, if not always elegant, interior. Limited models certainly carry more intrigue, but critics are OK with overall space in either trim, though taller passengers may find that the 60/40 split back seat setup is less than ideal for longer legs. Some also warn that the high pitched engine noise can drown out happy thoughts at excessive rpms, but then again, this probably won’t bother most commuters on their way to work or play. Trunk space is a plus at 14.8 cubic feet.
If extra room is of the upmost importance, buyers may want to check out the Elantra Touring, Hyundai’s 5 door cousin to Elantra Sedan.
Hyundai Elantra Safety
Standard on every Elantra are anti-lock brakes with brake assist, stability/traction control, and 6 airbags, including front side impact and side curtain bags. Government crash testing gives Elantra 4/5 stars overall, with scores of 4/5 for both side and rollover crashes and 3/5 for frontal impacts.
Elantra’s Bottom Line
It’s a good buy, especially for the price VS content ratio that Hyundai has been so good at recently. The 2012 Elantra manages to stand out by offering a good base of driver need, and the right add-ons consisting of owner want. Economy comes standard either way. Check out Elantra now.
