Checkered Blog by Checkered Flag is the automotive play place in Hampton Roads Virginia

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Santa Fe

Happy Friday Checkered Blog readers! To start off the weekend on a great note, I'd like to introduce you another one of our Unsung Heroes of Fuel Efficiency, the Hyundai Santa Fe. It's a mid size crossover that provides the functionality of an SUV, but still manages the ride and fuel economy of a car.

I spoke with Checkered Flag Hyundai's Paul Taylor, a sales consultant there, and he says the Santa Fe is a quality vehicle all around. Three trim levels are offered: base GLS (starting at $21,270), SE, and top of the line Limited. FYI: There's currently a $2,500 cash back offer available.

The GLS is powered by a 2.7-liter V6 engine with variable valve timing and dual exhaust outlets, garnering 185 hp. Five-speed manual transmission is standard, while four-speed automatic is an option. Move up to the SE or the Limited models, and it comes equipped with 3.3-liter V6 with standard five-speed automatic transmission. Horsepower gets a boost to 242. Mileage wise, the Santa Fe gets a 24 miles on the highway, and 18 in the city. With it's 20 gallon tank, you can get around 480 highway miles on one fill up.

Paul was very nice in giving me a tour of several Santa Fe models. I was especially fond of the Carolina Blue one pictured here. Inside, the seats look and feel comfortable. The Santa Fe has an ample amount of space for five passengers, but optional third row seating is available on the Limited, which increases capacity to seven.

Each of the Santa Fe models come with a lengthy list of standard features including: deluxe cloth seating surfaces (leather seating is standard on the Limited); tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; cruise control; keyless entry system with alarm; rear privacy glass; and more. See the full list here. It also comes with an AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3- compatible audio system with 6 speakers. Paul also told me about technology options and packages that I'm sure any family would enjoy. The rear seat entertainment package in particular, includes an 8-inch LCD DVD screen with inputs for extra devices such as an Xbox or Playstation!

The Santa Fe also has you covered with safety features. It's a recipient of the IIHS' Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features include: Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Traction Control System (TCS); tire pressure monitoring system; and tilt and active front head restraints. It also comes equipped with a system of airbags (Dual advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and roof-mounted side-curtain airbags).

Paul says the Santa Fe is a great value vehicle. A ton of different options are available to fit every customer's preferences. If you're interested in learning more take a trip to Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information. Have a great weekend!

Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency: Hyundai Azera

When most people think about buying a new vehicle, one of the main considerations made is value. Everyone wants a car that gives the most for their money.  The Unsung Hero of Fuel Efficiency for today has earned a well-deserved reputation of delivering plenty of value. The Hyundai Azera brings an impressive amount of interior space, a long list of features, and a balance of power and efficiency, all at a price that's considerably lower than it's competitors. It was named the "Most Appealing Large Car" by J.D. Power & Associates and "A Consumer's Digest Best Buy."

The Azera is available in two trims: base-level GLS (starting at $24,770) and top of the line Limited. John Peterson, a sales consultant at Checkered Flag Hyundai tells me that the Azera delivers a quiet and smooth ride. The GLS has a 3.3-liter V6 engine and on the Limited is a 3.8-liter. 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, shift interlock and SHIFTRONIC come standard.

Both engines have Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), which helps deliver improved power and fuel efficiency. MPG wise, for a vehicle of its class, the Azera does well with a rating of 18 miles in the city and 26 on the highway. With it's 20 gallon tank, it can get around 520 highway miles.

As mentioned earlier, the Azera boasts a ton of interior space. It comfortably seats up to five passengers. I hopped in the backseat and there's plenty of head and leg room to keep passengers happy. A large-sized trunk and 60/40-split rear folding seats offer ample cargo space. John also noted the exceptional workmanship of the interior.

Standard features on the GLS include: premium cloth upholstery; power front seats; dual-zone automatic climate control; a manual tilt/telescoping steering column with leather-wrapped steering wheel; and remote keyless entry. Step up to the Limited model and the power rear sunshade, electroluminescent gauges, leather seating surfaces and heated front seats come standard. The Limited also comes with a 315-watt Infinity audio system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer and iPod/USB capability. Visit here for the full list of features.

Safety features are abundant as well. The Azera has a total of 8 airbags including: dual front airbags; front and rear-side impact airbags; and side curtain airbags. Other safety highlights are: Active front head restraints; Electronic Stability Control; Brake Assist; Tire pressure monitoring system; and Anti-lock braking system.

If you're looking for a real value, the Hyundai Azera would be a worth-while consideration. John says the Azera has the style and charm of a luxury sedan, but at a non luxury price. See the Azera in person at Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 for more information.

The Hyundai Genesis is Finally Here!

For a few months now we have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Genesis, the new luxury sports sedan from Hyundai. Well, our wait has come to an end and boy was it worth it! The Genesis has made its home at Checkered Flag Hyundai. Seeing this vehicle up close was an absolute treat. Brian Crist, a sales representative there, says that everyone has been asking about the Genesis, and one has already been bought in the few days it has been there. This is the first luxury vehicle from Hyundai, and customers seem to have taken notice. Brian says that people have described the Genesis as having the front end of a Mercedes Benz, the side profile of a Lexus, and the back end of a BMW. I was immediately struck by the Genesis' good looks and as expected, the good looks continued inside.

Brian says the quality of the interior is really what has everyone raving. Once I stepped foot into the Genesis, I understood why. With its soft leather seats and wood inlays, the Genesis delivers luxury throughout. The Genesis is also impressive with its considerable array of features including heated and cooled driver seat, iPod connectivity, and the Hyundai iDrive system. There is much more and you can see the full list here. The most notable though, is the 500+ watt Lexicon premium sound system. Brian tells me that this top-of-the line sound system is found in only one other vehicle, the uber fancy Rolls Royce Phantom.

Two engines are available on the Genesis: 3.8-liter V6 and 4.6-liter V8. It starts at around $33,000 for the base V6 model and maxes out at $43,000 for a fully loaded V8. If you like those numbers, you will be happy with the Genesis mpg ratings too. It gets 27 miles on the highway, and 18 in the city.

Brian says they will initially receive only a limited number of the Genesis, so if you are interested head over to Checkered Flag Hyundai at 3033 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or schedule a test drive at (757) 490-1111.

Unsung Hero: Hyundai Sonata

Believe it or not, but while I was driving home after work yesterday, I passed by a gas station that had regular gas for $3.66! You can probably imagine the chaos that ensued outside with crowds of vehicles waiting in line for their turn at the pump. And honestly, if I had not just filled up my tank, I most likely would have tested my patience in that line too. With gas prices in the area averaging about $3.90 (figure from GasBuddy.com) and climbing, fuel efficiency is a major concern for all of us. If you have a gas-guzzler on your hands and are looking for a fuel efficient change, the Hyundai Sonata is one to consider.

As our Unsung Hero for the day, the Hyundai Sonata gets 32 miles to the gallon on the highway, and 22 city. You will get about 580 miles with its 18 gallon tank. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recognized the Sonata on its "Greener Choices 2008" list. It is also a certified Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEM). Sounds impressive huh? Well, Richard Jakubs, a sales representative at Checkered Flag Hyundai says so, and after a conversation with him, I agree.

Richard (pictured with the Sonata) says the Sonata is an "absolute best buy" for a mid-size sedan. Starting price is $18,120, and there is currently a $1500 cash back rebate. The 2009 Sonata just received an exciting fresh new look, and Checkered Flag Hyundai already has these new models available for customers. On the outside the Sonata experienced minor changes; the bumper, grille, and headlights were given a sharper look. The interior received the biggest transformation. Richard says that Hyundai designers gave the Sonata a nice interior redesign with more features, and an overall richer style (more on that later).

Three trims are offered on the Sonata which are: GLS, SE, and Limited. The GLS model is considered the base, but believe me the distinction does not do it justice. I got a closer look at its interior, and it really does have a luxury feel. I especially liked the new center console and the upscale look of the upholstery. Leather-wrapped steering wheel, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with speakers, and iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks come standard. Just like Richard said, I found myself thinking, "wow this is the base model?." The GLS also includes 16-inch wheels, Tire Pressure Monitoring System; Remote Keyless entry system with alarm; power window; power heated outside mirrors; and solar control glass.

The SE has a sportier look and comes with 17-inch alloy wheels; 8-way power driver seat; steering wheel audio controls; Automatic headlight control; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; chrome window-belt moldings; and a trip computer. The Limited adds on leather seating surfaces; heated front seats with adjustable temperature control; Auto-dimming inside mirror with integrated digital compass; HomeLink integrated transceiver; and more. A navigation system is optional on the Limited. 

All trims come with a standard 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder engine, but the 3.3 liter, V6 engine is an option. Safety wise, the Sonata comes with an abundance of standard safety features including: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control System (TCS); Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Six standard airbags; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH); and Front active head restraints. The 2009 model scored five out of five stars in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s front-and-side impact tests.

Richard says, with the Sonata customers realize that they are getting more for their money. Overall I was truly impressed with all that the Sonata offers. I can only describe it as "eye-pleasing," so I recommend checking it out for yourself at Checkered Flag Hyundai, 3030 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 to speak with the Hyundai sales team.

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!

Genesis: A New Beginnning for Hyundai

Earlier this month, we introduced you to the new premium sports sedan from Hyundai, the Genesis. We just received word that Checkered Flag Hyundai is expecting this awesome car to hit their showroom at the end of June. They will receive several vehicles initially, so you can get a closer look and test drive. Customers will be able to custom order their Genesis and receive it within weeks. So we only have a month to go, but until then here’s what you can expect.

Genesis is first attempt by Hyundai at a luxury sedan. It offers the capabilities and amenities of other luxury sedans, but at a much lower price tag. With an expected starting price of $30,000, Genesis is equipped with features found in rival $60,000 premium sedans. Talk about more bang for your buck!

Several engine options are available for the Genesis, starting with the standard 3.3-liter (268 horsepower, 233 lb-ft. of torque) or 3.8-liter (290 horespower, 264 lb-ft.) V6 engines. Also available is Hyundai’s new 4.6 liter Tau V8,which delivers an estimated 375 horsepower and 324 lb.-ft. of torque. With the Tau you can go from zero to 60 in under six seconds. In a Hyundai!!!

The list of toys and features Genesis offers is extensive and would be the dream of any driver. Standard-features include heated and cooled seats, rear power sunshade, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection, 17-speaker, 500+ watt Lexicon sound system, and even USB/iPod inputs. And to add an even cooler feel, 8-inch screen navigation system, back-up camera, automatic front lighting system, and radar-guided Smart Cruise Control are options too.

We at the Checkered Blog do not see how Hyundai can go wrong with the Genesis. It is a premium car at less than premium price. If you want more information prior to the arrival of the Genesis call Checkered Flag Hyundai at (757) 490-1111.

A Meeting of Minds

Hyundai recently announced that it was teaming up with tech behemoth Microsoft to set up an Automotive IT Innovation Center.  PCMag.com reports that the technology will start being incorporated into Hyundai vehicles in 2010 and resemble the Sync system that Microsoft developed for Ford.  Microsoft has also created a similar system in Europe for Fiat (Blue and Me).  Along with voice control and mp3 friendly jacks, navigation and entertainment related features will also be on the agenda.  Software downloads will be available and users can DIY with a USB plug or take it to their local dealer.  The Checkered Blog will keep you updated.

IIHS 2008 Top Safety Picks

People love lists, or at least that is what I am told.  I like lists because they present us with choice, which is usually a good thing, but not an infinite or unmanageable number of choices which can be overwhelming.  Lists organize the chaotic plethora of options that we consumers have today.

Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recognizes certain vehicles as TOP SAFETY PICKs and puts out, you guessed it, a list.  To achieve recognition as a TOP SAFETY PICK, vehicles must score good ratings in all three Institute tests (40 mph frontal offset, side impact and rear crash protection/head restraint tests) and offer electronic stability control.  Checkered Flag carries the following 2008 TOP SAFETY PICK award winners...

• Audi A6, Audi A3 and Audi A4
• BMW X3 and BMW X5
• Honda Accord (4-door), Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V and Honda Element
• Hyundai Entourage, Hyundai Sante Fe and Hyundai Veracruz
• Toyota Highlander and Toyota Tundra

2009 Hyundai Sonata Now Available at Checkered Flag

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Here is the take from Car and Driver on the redesigned 2009 Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai's best-selling vehicle.  I just spoke with Thom Coyle, Sales Manager at Checkered Flag Hyundai, and he told me they have a great selection currently on the lot.  I asked him which aspect of the new Sonata people were really responding to and he told me that the new "center stack", where the audio and climate controls are located, has customers pretty psyched.  This is the also the first year a navigation system has been available and it is one that you will not find in any other make because it was made especially for Hyundai by LG.  Checkered Flag Hyundai is also offering $1000 factory rebate on the new Sonata and "valued owners" (those who currently drive a Hyundai) can receive an extra $500 rebate.  Give them a call at (757) 490-1111 if you have questions or stop by 3033 Virginia Beach Blvd. to have a look for yourself.   

Hyundai Has a Star on Their Hands

For those of you who share a predilection for movies where the stars are all muscle (wink, wink), know that shooting has commenced on The Fast and the Furious 4, due in theaters next summer. One of the bloggers at the excellent Car Domain snapped these "spy" pics. The LA Times is also reporting that the much-hyped Hyundai Genesis Coupe will have a starring role in the film, marking its introduction to mainstream America. Will you go see it?