2011 hyundai elantra gls
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra's low-speed manners make it a great car for urban environments. For the 2011 model year, nearly the complete cabin tech package is available at the entry GLS level. The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan, although there is a related four-door hatchback known as the Elantra Touring. The sedan has been redesigned for 2011 with improvements in fuel economy, design and features. Two trim levels are available: GLS and Limited. The GLS comes equipped with 15-inch wheels and higher-rung features like heated mirrors, power accessories and a six-speaker audio system with iPod/USB interface. Options include air-conditioning, cruise control and Bluetooth.
The Limited upgrades to 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated front and rear seats as standard equipment, with options including keyless ignition/entry, a navigation system, a rearview camera and a premium audio system.
Either Elantra is powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 rated at 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. GLS models offer a six-speed manual transmission standard, with a six-speed automatic as an option. The Limited includes the auto as standard equipment. Elantras sold in California or states with California emissions standards get a car that's SULEV/PZEV-certified, which lowers power output to 145 hp and 130 lb-ft of torque.
Slide inside the Elantra and you'll find a cabin that transcends most others in it class. A stylized center stack and controls lends some flair to the cabin, and the materials, while not best-in-class, offer a rich look. Ample headroom and a smaller-diameter steering wheel contribute to the interior's spaciousness. The Hyundai Elantra also scores points with its high fuel economy and distinctive styling. If you're looking for a new small car, the latest Elantra is a great choice.
Used Hyundai Elantra Models
Prior to the new, redesigned model, Hyundai offered the fourth-generation Elantra that ran from 2007-'10. Having established the Elantra as a legitimate contender in the compact segment with its previous-generation car, Hyundai updated the Elantra's styling, improved its handling and ride quality, and revamped the interior to near-premium levels.
Two main trim levels were available: GLS and SE. The GLS came reasonably well equipped, though it lacked stability and traction control. Those came standard on the SE after 2007. The SE also had more features and a sport-tuned suspension. In your used-car search, you might also encounter the top-line Elantra Limited ('07 only) and the Elantra Blue, which was an entry-level model offered for 2010 only.
The fourth-generation Elantra came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. Cars sold in California-emissions states could have cleaner tailpipe emissions (PZEV) but were rated for 132 hp.Changes were minimal for this car. For 2009, the Elantra received enhanced suspension and steering tuning, along with new interior instrument and radio displays. A USB/iPod audio jack also became available. But in general, we were very impressed by this car and praised its roomy and comfortable interior, agreeable ride quality and value for the dollar.
The previous (third) Elantra generation was produced from model years 2001-'06 and represented a considerable step up from the earlier cars. The sedan was bigger inside and out, and revised sheet metal gave it a more upscale look. Reliability and overall quality were also much improved. The standard features list was generous for the car's price, and included amenities like air-conditioning, full power accessories, side airbags, 15-inch wheels and an AM/FM cassette player. The 2.0-liter engine generated 135 hp (138 after 2003) and was mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.
An Elantra hatchback, the Elantra GT, was also offered starting in 2002 and came with additional standard features, including leather seats and a CD player. Initially, the sedan was available only in base GLS trim, but by 2003, Elantra sedans could be purchased in two trims -- GLS and the top-of-the-line GT. Although it still lacked the refinement of segment leaders like the Honda Civic, the third-generation Hyundai Elantra shone as a solid choice for buyers seeking maximum value for their money.
The second-generation Elantra built from model years 1996-2000 -- is probably best avoided, though it did at least take a turn for the better from the forgettable original. The car got a welcome boost in power with the addition of a new engine, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder capable of 130 hp and 122 lb-ft of torque. Airbags were added to the safety features list, and a wagon body style was also offered. The Elantra's engine was upgraded yet again in model year 1999, to a larger 2.0-liter. Overall, the second-gen Elantra represented a decent buy in the economy car segment. It wasn't as polished as the offerings from Honda, Nissan or Toyota, but it was well-equipped and fun to drive.
The first-generation Elantra was produced from model years 1992-'95; during this period, Hyundai's hauler was available as a sedan only. Sadly, the car's build quality and reliability reflected its bargain-basement price. Elantras from this era were notorious for being sloppy in most of the areas that matter. They were none too quick either, as all models were motivated by a 1.6-liter inline-4 good for 113 hp and 102 lb-ft of torque.
The all-new, totally redesigned, 2011 Hyundai Elantra now takes its proper placement just below the new Sonata when it comes to size. Entering into its fifth-generation, the new 2011 Elantra gets its styling cues directly from the bigger Sonata, which is not a bad thing at all considering how well perceived the Sonata is.
When it comes to vehicles going up against the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and new Chevy Cruze, they better bring their A-game. Hyundai has nothing to worry about because that is just what they did; they brought out unique styling, and decent performance with superb gas mileage all wrapped up in a trusted economic package.
With dimensions almost on par with a current model Honda Civic sedan, the new Hyundai Elantra provides just enough interior room and a great ride for an economy car. A 106.3-inch wheelbase contributes to its comfy ride around town. On the outside consumers and onlookers will notice slightly bug-eyed headlights and curvaceous lines flowing through the rest of the body all the way to the rear wrap-around taillights. From a reasonable distance, some people may actually mistake the new Elantra for a Sonata.
Fuel efficiency is always a major selling point for any economy vehicle especially when gas prices are hovering around $4 a gallon. Nothing to worry about in the new 2011 Elantra. Its gas sipping 1.8-liter four-cylinder does not compromise power for great gas mileage figures. The 2011 Elantra’s new powerplant gets an estimated 29mpg city and 40mpg highway. Power output is rated at a very competitive 148 horsepower and 131 foot-pounds of torque. At times while driving the Elantra it seemed as if it had more power than printed in the books according to my butt dyno. In other words, the Elantra had plenty get-up-and-go for a small car. Of course the high-pitched buzz sound from beneath the low sloping hood under high RPM was a reminder that I was still driving an economy car. 0 to 60mph time comes in around 8.9 seconds. Power is directed through a well cooperative 6-speed automatic transmission. It kept the 4-cyl engine right where it needed to be for optimal power.
When it comes to performance of a small car, the only fault I noticed in the Elantra is that we never actually saw the stated EPA estimated miles-per-gallon figures. I will admit that some of this was due to my heavy foot but even when I was consciously driving conservative I only averaged 34.5 mpg on the highway traveling at a steady 70mph. Elantra GLS trimmed test vehicle had a few creature comforts that you normally could only find on premium and luxury vehicles. Nowadays these options, such as a 6-speed automatic, iPod/USB ports, power heated outside mirrors, and hands-free voice recognition Bluetooth connectivity come as standard equipment on many vehicles classified as small economy cars. Of course these features do not turn the new Elantra into a luxury vehicle, but it sure does a nice job of imitating that image at times.
Small cars usually have an issue with passenger space. The new Elantra is somewhat of a mixed bag but it provides ample room for the driver and front passenger. It is a different story for the back seating areas, as the headroom is somewhat limited. Truck space is at a respectable 14.8 cubic feet. All interior controls are easy to read and operate. A greater part of the dashboard is an amiable looking plastic with the exception of a padded upper dash area. The gauge cluster is among the best in the industry for a small car having bright (almost too bright at times) white lighting with blue accents and red needles.
Hyundai not only remains to be a commendable contender when it comes to competing against other midsized and luxury cars, but they have stayed aggressively competitive when it comes to economy cars. Many consumers still relate to Hyundai as a leader in the economy car segment. They would be surprised to see that some of the new Elantra’s characteristics were slightly influenced by bigger, more luxurious cars in the lineup.
With a price starting at $14,830, the new Elantra GLS is a basement bargain that can be optioned out with luxury amenities to mimic a well-appointed midsized car. Our Elantra GLS test vehicle came in at $18,480, which is almost $4,000 north of the base price due to added Preferred Equipment Package (16-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free w/ voice recognition, illuminated vanity mirrors).
SPECIFICATIONS
- Price: Base Elantra GLS $14,830 As-Tested $18,480
- Engine: 1.8-liter 4cyl 148hp/131 ft-lbs torque
- Drive: FWD
- Wheelbase: 106.3in.
- Total length: 178.3in.
- Total width: 69.9in.
- Total height: 56.5in.
- Track: f/r-61.5/62in.
- Turning circle: 34.8ft.
- Headroom: f/r-40/37.1in.
- Legroom: f/r-43.6/33.1in.
- Fuel tank: 12.8 gallons
- 0-60mph: 8.9 seconds
- EPA cargo volume: 14.8cu.ft.
- Curb weight: 2,701lbs.
