2011 Hyundai Elantra fuel efficiency, is this the most cost-efficient compact car?

One of Hyundai’s best-selling cars is the Elantra compact car. Besides new Sonata mid-size sedan, the 2011 Elantra is one of Hyundai’s most admired new releases for many reasons, and one of which is its performance.

With a lightweight, 1.8L, 4-cylinder Nu engine, the 2011 Hyundai Elantra’s power-to-weight ratio is better than any cars in its class, including the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Its standard fuel efficiency is 29 MPG, city and 40 MPG, highway. It has a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.

Some car buyers look at class and design, over performance. The 2011 Hyundai Elantra has both of these. This compact car looks as though it is running at top speed even when parked. Hyundai calls its exterior design, “wind craft,” with a surprisingly spacious interior. In other words, the new Elantra is high-tech both in performance and design.

But there is one feature that truly stands out: its fuel-efficiency. Car enthusiasts may look for a car’s performance and design when looking to buy one, but experts say that price and fuel efficiency should be considered.

“When purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle, consumers should consider two factors – price and annual cost of fuel,” said Jesse Toprak, vice president of Industry Trends and Insights at TrueCar.com. “If you’re looking for the most cost-effective and fuel-efficient car, the Hyundai Elantra is the clear winner.”

A number of organizations consider the 2011 Elantra as a “class-above” other compact cars when it comes to interior volume, modern design, fuel economy, and comfort. It is equipped with Hyundai’s standard safety package, which includes Vehicle Stability Management system, Electronic Stability Control and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering -MDPS.

TrueCar, Inc. focuses on supporting the automotive industry by educating consumers and empowering car dealers. With over 4.000 certified car dealers in its network, TrueCar is recognized as a leading authority on new car pricing, trends and forecasting.

Recently, TrueCars.com named Hyundai Elantra as one of Top 10 most fuel-efficient cars. With a starting price of only $14,830 and only $531 more to fill up annually, the Hyundai is the only non-hybrid car in the list. Based on fuel economy and annual cost of gas per 15,000 miles, TrueCars.com says the Elantra is 32percent cheaper than the 2011 Toyota Prius.

According to Mike O’Brien, Product and Corporate Planning vice president of Hyundai Motor America, “The all-new Elantra, with its 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway standard fuel economy rating, is a perfect vehicle for consumers looking for an affordable solution to rising gas prices. Elantra is at the core of Hyundai’s fuel economy strategy. In February, 20 percent of all Hyundai vehicles sold achieved 40 mpg on the highway thanks in large part to Elantra’s success.”

Hyundai has plenty of tricks up its sleeves, and the Elantra is one of them. No car manufacturer has ever thought of producing a compact car that is as comfortable and spacious as a midsize car and as cost-efficient as a hybrid. Hyudai’s goal is to achieve a corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) rating of at least 50 mpg by 2025.