Unsung Hero of Fuel-Efficiency: Hyundai Elantra

So, you are thinking about parking or trading in your gas guzzler for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Let us guess: You are considering the Toyota Prius or the Honda Civic or perhaps even the smart fortwo. All fine cars, of course, but we wanted to make sure you are aware of other types of fuel-friendly rides that do not get a lot of publicity for being green, but do offer strong fuel efficiency along with performance and quality.

We call them the Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency.  Some are compact, some are luxury, and some are even SUVs. What they all have in common is that they can go over 400 highway miles on one tank of gas, they have strong MPG for their class, and they are a joy to drive. Important, too, is that there currently is a good selection of each for you to choose from at Checkered Flag.  We mention this because availability of certain small vehicles is starting to get tight, so it is a key consideration.

Today, we begin our series spotlighting these Unsung Heroes with the Hyundai Elantra.

When Flag Raiser, WinsGal and I first talked about profiling the Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency, my thoughts immediately turned to the Elantra. My hubby recently had use of an Elantra for several weeks and he and I both loved its handling, quality, and performance. The slogan for the Elantra is "Compact on the Outside. Midsize on the Inside." And it was true; that is how it felt.

We are not alone in our high opinion of the car. The new issue of Consumer Reports rated the Hyundai Elantra as best among 19 compact sedans it evaluated. When hubby and I were driving that Elantra, we did not know exactly how fuel-efficient it was, but a conversation today with Checkered Flag Hyundai sales representative Jonathan Clouser (pictured here with the Elantra) confirmed what I thought: this is one fuel-friendly car. It gets 462 highway miles on one tank of gas. The highway MPG estimate is 33 and city is 25. The Elantra takes regular gas.

The Elantra, which is four-door, is available in manual and automatic with two trim levels: GLS and SE. It offers a bevy of standard features, including a remote keyless entry system with alarm and trunk release; a tire pressure monitoring system; power windows and door locks; advance dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System as well as front side-impact airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags; tilt steering wheel; and more. The engine is 2.0 liter, DOHC Inline 4-cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing.

Also impressive is the value the car represents. The Elantra starts at about $17,000 and a $1,500 rebate is currently available. The Hyundai warranty continues to impress. It includes 10-year 100-thousand mile powertrain protection.

For the fashion-conscious, there are eight exterior color and five interior color choices. Carbon Grey is the most popular exterior hue, but I especially like the Apple Red Pearl.

So, if you are looking for a comfortable smaller and fuel-friendly ride, put the Hyundai Elantra on your list. Visit Checkered Flag Hyundai at 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 and ask for the Hyundai sales team. You can also peruse the fleet here on CheckeredFlag.com. By the way, if you do stop in at the dealership, be sure to give your good wishes to Jonathan Clouser. He is getting married on Sunday. Congratulations, Jonathan!