The All New 2012 Hyundai Azera

The 2012 Hyundai Azera, available soon at Gartner Hyundai in Aurora, IL is the 5th vehicle in Hyundai's line-up to feature the Fluidic Sculpture design, first seen in the 2010 Hyundai Tucson. 

The Azera was once Hyundai's top of the line sedan.  In recent years though, its role has been the "stepping stone" or "bridge" from the Sonata Limited to the Genesis Sedan.  The Sonata Limited offers most of the ammenities available on the Azera, just in a smaller package.  While the Genesis offers more "bells and whistles", a smoother ride and quieter cabin, in a much larger package.

However, with the new fluidic sclupture design, the Azera should be a sedan that sells not because it is a stepping stone, but rather, because it will be a car that people truly want to drive and be seen driving.  The new Sonata design has already proved that fact over and over again.

Gartner Hyundai expects this newest arrival from Hyundai in either January or February of 2012.  The 2012 Azera will make its debut in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  Initial price points have been rumored to start off around $32,000, which is comparable to the current 2011 Azera Limited (the current GLS model starts just over $26,000 including destination).

Hyundai is currently offering a site that allows you to build your own 2012 Azera, and is also asking for your feedback via a survey at the end.  I built my dream Azera, and I must say, it looks stunning in Venetian Red Pearl with the Camel Interior.  Of course, I added the Premium Package which includes the Panoramic Sunroof, Xenon Headlights, Ventilated Seats, and the Infinity Sound System.  All together, Hyundai is guestimating my new car at $36,500.

An ideal is defined as an excellent or perfect example.

In the past couple of years, Hyundai have made the effort to become much more than just the car company that is known for their great warranty. The emphasis has been put on providing quality vehicles with excellent fuel efficiency and an even better price.

Those efforts have paid off in spades, with critics and customers alike espousing the virtues of the Korean automakers. Hyundai is setting sales records each and every month, and their trophy cabinet is full to the brim.

This week, that cabinet got a little fuller when AutoPacific, an automotive research and consulting firm, presented Hyundai with two Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA) in the Compact car and Large Car segments. It was the Elantra 2012 which beat out rivals such as the Ford Focus, Mazda 3 and Volkswagon Jetta in the compact contest, and the Azera beat out Toyota Avalon, Dodge Charger and Ford Taurus in the large segment.

Hyundai also had three of their vehicles (Sonata, Genesis Coupe, Accent) perform well in their respective categories, and finished second overall in the Popular Brand rankings, coming in behind Chrysler. There was also good news in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards with Hyundai with 3 winners (Genesis, Elantra, Sonata) in different categories, plus a win in the first ever President’s Award for All-Time Highest Satisfaction.

 AutoPacific go through a painstaking process of going through 72,000 surveys from owners of new cars and trucks purchased in the US in the first part of 2011. That is then measures against owner expectation and the reality that the car provides across 15 different categories.

“Having our Elantra 2012 and Azera sedan recognized for AutoPacific’s 2011 Ideal Vehicle Awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication that goes into all the vehicles in the Hyundai lineup. At Hyundai, we strive to exceed customer expectations in safety, quality, value and performance, and look forward to continuing to develop more award winning vehicles as we bring the 2012 Accent and Veloster to market this year,” told to the press Scott Margason, director of Product Planning at Hyundai Motor America.

Visit Gartner Hyundai, a Premier Chicago Area Hyundai Dealer, to test drive either the Elantra or Azera today. Gartner Hyundai is conveniently located in Aurora, IL on Ogden Ave, one block west of Route 59. 

Sure, there are more factors to a new car than just looks alone, but let's face it, looks help.  And, one can also argue that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". However, when was the last time you turned your head to look at the silver Ford Taurus driving down the road? 

The "All New" 2012 Toyota Camry goes on sale October 3, 2011.  With Toyota battling external factors such as the affects of recession, an earthquake, an unfavorable currency exchange, and, of course, their recall crisis, the manufacturer has decided to play it safe.

The 2012 Toyota Camry has not changed its dimensions at all; same size front to back, top to bottom.  The body panels have only mild changes, and the powertrain (with the exception of the new hybrid) is just a carry over from previous years.

The base Toyota Camry L will start out at $22,715 (including freight), up $710 from last year.  It will include Bluetooth, a/c, power windows and locks, cruise, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, 6 speaker CD with AM/FM, tire pressure monitoring system, and a 2.5L-inline 4 cylinder engine with 178 horsepower; 20 less than the base Hyundai Sonata.

No doubt, the 2012 Toyota Camry will still be in the top of the mid-size segment.  After all, Toyota builds nice, quality cars, no question about it.  But, with changes in the market, competitors, such as Hyundai, building completely redesigned models with more power and better fuel efficiency, Toyota can simply not rest on its laurels.

The 2012 Hyundai Sonata, for example, starts out $1,260 less at $21,455.  And, just like the Camry L, the Sonata GLS includes:  Automatic Transmission, Blue Tooth, AM/FM with CD and USB port, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Cruise, Tilt and Telescoping Steering Wheel, and Power Windows, Locks, and Mirrors.  However, the 2012 Hyundai Sonata also adds:  Steering Wheel Radio Controls, Sirius XM Radio, a more powerful 2.4L inline 4 cylinder engine with 198 hp (vs. 178 on the Toyota), and the All New Blue Link Telematics System (a hybrid of GM's Onstar and The Ford Sync Program). 

And don't forget, all Hyundai's come standard with America's Best Warranty...5 years or 60,000 miles Bumper to Bumper, 10 years or 100,000 miles Powertrain, and 5 years Roadside Assistance.  A far cry from Toyota's standard 3 years or 36,000 miles.

The Hyundai Sonata has been winning awards like crazy, including the coveted, 2011 International Car of the Year.  Additionally, Sonata sales at Gartner Hyundai in Aurora, IL are at an all time high. So much so, we can barely keep them in stock, and have customers on a waiting list just to get the exact color and trim level they want. Maybe these are just some of the reasons, Hyundai has recently surpassed both Toyota and Honda in Brand Loyalty, according to Kelley Blue Book.

Gartner Hyundai is pleased to be your Premier Chicagoland Hyundai Dealer.  Gartner is conveniently located in Aurora, IL on Ogden Ave, just one block west of Route 59.  Test drive the award winning Sonata with up to 40 mpg at Gartner Hyundai today

                                                                                        By David Undercoffer

The 2012 Accent, which comes as a sedan and hatchback, takes all the metrics that the auto-buying denizens of the world actually need and rolls them into one not-so-giant ball of pragmatism.

Legroom and headroom will fit the people's tallest passengers, and cargo capacity on both the sedan and hatchback Accents is on the higher end of the segment.

One small drawback to the five-door Accent's interior is that although the rear seats do fold (all Accents come with 60/40 split rear seats), they don't fold completely flat as in the Honda Fit.

Yet my biggest qualm with the ergonomics is on the five-door Accents. The styling of the hatchback is such that the angled rear window opening is too small for worthwhile visibility. I felt like I was squinting every time I looked in the rear-view mirror.

Blame what Hyundai calls "fluidic sculpture," a design term meant to evoke constant motion that is now found on several of its recent cars and compact sport-utility vehicles. The Accent's glass hatch is so narrow because it's styled to follow the rising belt line on the side of the car. Also, the angles of this Accent's rear suggest some of that fluid sculpture may have frozen a bit.

Up front, the Accent looks like exactly what it is; the younger, smaller sibling of the Elantra with the same kind of bug-eyed smile.

The Accent's biggest design accolade goes to the sedan, which manages to be a well-proportioned sub-compact. This isn't easy to pull off; the Ford Fiesta sedan looks like a miniature hat you'd make your Shih Tzu wear.

On the road, the Accent drives and handles with straightforward purpose. The automatic transmission is clearly geared toward efficiency, and will upshift with according zest. Meanwhile, the manual transmission's shifter has a very light feel to it and would be an asset for those learning to shift or anyone rowing their gears through the sea of Los Angeles traffic.

Maximum horsepower comes at a high 6,300 rpm, so expect the engine to get noisy when you need to really push the car.

A Honda Fit will be more fun to drive in terms of initial pep and enthusiasm for corners, but Hyundai says it tuned the Accent for a wider range of drivers, and the car is certainly a competent, comfortable performer all around.

In fact, all around is an appropriate term for the 2012 Accent as a whole; it's all-around good. It's what the people need, in the form that they need it in.

If only what the people want were so easy.

Gartner Hyundai in Aurora, IL, proudly offers all trim levels of the Accent, including the Accent GS Hatchback, the Accent GLS Sedan, and the Accent SE Hatchback.  With EPA estimates of 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, the Accent has proven to be quite popular among Chicagoland Residents looking to pinch a few pennies at the pump. 

No matter what your needs; primary vehicle, commuter car, second car, first new car, etc., Gartner Hyundai has an Accent that will fit your needs.  Visit us in Aurora today, and experience the Gartner Hyundai Difference.  Remember, "We Treat You Like YOU Own The Place!!!"

The 2012 Hyundai Accent was America's best-selling sub-compact car in July. 

This was no surprise to Gartner Hyundai, as we couldn't keep the Accents in stock. It's been a few years since we had a list of customers just waiting to get their hands on a vehicle, and both the Accent and Elantra have taken this to the extreme.  "I guess this is a good problem to have," said Brian Schwarz, our Hyundai Sales Manager.  "However, I will be happier when I walk outside and see rows and rows of Accents just waiting to find a new home," he concluded.

"The All-New Accent outsold two great small cars we really respect in July - The Honda Fit and Ford Fiesta," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America.  "In fact, it was the best-selling sub-compact in the industry last month, its first full month of sales.  It's a good indication that consumers are connecting with our new design, 40-mpg fuel economy, and the Assurance Trade-In Value Gaurantee.  It's a Great recipe for this economy."

The 2012 Accent's all-aluminum 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder engine uses the latest engine technology to deliver a class-leading 138 horse-power and 123 lb-ft of torque and best-in class standard 30 mpg city and 40 mph highway fuel economy rating.  The engine's most notable feature is its use of Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), a first for the sub-compact category.  By precisely controlling the injection of fuel, GDI allows for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions.

The 2012 Accent will be the fourth nameplate in the Hyundai lineup delivering 40 MPG on the highway, includeing the Sonata Hybrid, Elantra and Veloster, due to arrive in dealerships in the next several weeks.  Accent's class-leading standard fuel economy is an example of Hyundai's dedication to improving fuel efficiency with advancements to traditional gasoline powered vehicles.

T MINUS  10..9..8...
                             7..6..5...
                                         4..3..2.....

BLAST OFF!!!

Ok, I've never actually been in the cockpit of a Space Shuttle at launch time.  However, I have had the pleasure of driving the new 2012 Hyundai Genesis R-Spec Sedan with the Tau 5.0L V-8 engine that produces 429 horsepower and 376 lb-feet of torque.  And, after my initial test flight (drive), I would say that the Genesis R-Spec is probably a close second to a space shuttle launch, and quite possibly a step above a roller coaster in terms of speed and power.

All kidding aside, though, the Genesis R-Spec is definitely a joy to drive. The R-Spec provides a nice balance between the smooth, soft ride of a Luxury Sedan and that of a performance based vehicle, whether that car be a coupe or sedan.   The Genesis sedan, with all 429 horses, delivers Power (yes a capital P) whenever the driver demands.  0-60mph, 35-55 mph, or for those speed demons, 65mph to "Infinity and Beyond"....  OK, maybe a slight exageration on the last one, but oh well, just trying to get a point across. 

Contrastly, even though the R-Spec delivers more than ample power, this luxury sedan from Hyundai hasn't forgotten its roots. The overall ride of the Genesis R-Spec is right on par (if not above) with the competition.  When driving at a normal pace, the Genesis seems to glide seemlessly over the road, exterior noise is virtually non-existent, and the driver and passenger seats literally welcome its occupants like a concierge at a 5-star hotel.

I think Warren Bush of the Washington Post summed the Genesis R-Spec up best.  "The car speaks for itself.  It moves you - quickly, smoothly, minus all of the macho-boy exhaust noises some manufacturers find mandatory in the production of performance automobiles."

He also exclaimed, "The overall Genesis R-Spec package is well worth the price -- lots of power exquisitively delivered, deft handling that rivals anything in its class, a beautifully appointed passenger cabin of supple leather and wood-grain accents gifted with every conceivable electronic amenity, all at a base price under $50,000.  That's remarkable, simply remarkable."

And finally, yes, as Mr. Bush is exactly right in terms of price.  The R-Spec starts off at an MSRP of $46,500 (before destination), and because just about every possible feature in the car is standard equipment, $46,500 is pretty much the ceiling also.  Just some of the impressive standard features are: an 8" Touch Screen Navigation System, a 528 Watt - 17 speaker Lexicon Stereo System with an in-dash 6-disc DVD Changer, 19 Inch Sport Wheels, Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, Smart Key with Push Button Start, Rain Sensing Wipers, Intelligent Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Rear Electronic Parking Aid with Camera, Heated AND Cooled Seats, and a Power Glass Tilt and Slide Moonroof, just to name a few.

The Genesis R-Spec truly is one stop luxury performance shopping.  Not like other manufacturers (who shall remain nameless) that offer a performance luxury sedan that starts out under $50K, but by the time one adds all the "Must Have/Most Wanted" items, the true sticker totals over $60,000 plus.

So, if luxury means more about the way an automobile drives, performs, feels, etc., teamed with the amenities said vehicle has to offer, versus the emblem on the hood, take the Genesis R-Spec out for a spin.  You won't be disapointed.

By:  Jennifer Paine

Gartner Hyundai - A Premier Chicago Equus Dealer

Gartner Hyundai of Aurora, IL is proud to be one of the select few Authorized Equus Dealers in the Chicago Market. At Gartner, we staff a dedicated Equus Champion Team to ensure the level of service meets or exceeds the expectations of the astute luxury car buyer. Additionally, Gartner Hyundai is pleased to share the latest Equus Award.

J.D. Power and Associates designated the 2011 Hyundai Equus as its most appealing large premium car in the 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study℠ as Hyundai soared in the annual owner survey. In its 16th year, the APEAL study examines owners’ assessments of the design, content, layout, and performance of their new vehicle. Vehicles and their brands are scored on a 1,000 point scale.

The Equus exceeded 900 points in this year’s study, achieving the highest APEAL score of any model in the industry. Equus outscored all other luxury premium sedans and performed considerably better than the segment average in the categories of vehicle exterior, storage, and audio/entertainment/navigation.

“The Equus has the distinction of being the highest-performing model in the 2011 APEAL Study,” said J.D. Power and Associates. “The Hyundai Equus has achieved an impressive introduction into the marketplace from a performance, execution and layout perspective.”

Overall, Hyundai was the most-improved nameplate in the industry and moved up 13 rank positions and 33 points to place 15th in 2011. This is the highest Hyundai has ever ranked in the APEAL Study, finishing ahead of all the Asian and U.S. domestic non-premium brands. The improvement is driven primarily by two of its redesigned models, the Sonata and Elantra, which improve by 57 and 35 points, respectively.

“We are thrilled with the recognition of Equus and the Hyundai brand as a whole in this year’s J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study,” said Frank Ferrara, executive vice president, Customer Satisfaction, Hyundai Motor America. “With the success of our Equus flagship and the unique appeal of our dynamically designed and fuel-efficient Elantra and Sonata, we’re continuing our quest to satisfy all types of American car buyers.”

Additionally, in the tightest race in the study, the Hyundai Sonata finished second by just two points – 818 v. 816 – in the midsize car segment.

If you are interested in the Hyundai Equus, please contact Gartner Hyundai.  And, for your convenience, we can arrange to have an Equus driven to your residence or office for a personalized "one-on-one" test drive and product demonstration. 

Audi - Aston Martin - Ferrari - HYUNDAI

Yes, you read right.  The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is hanging out with the likes of Aston Martin, Audi, Ferrari, Jaguar and Maserati.  MSN Autos recently named the Hyundai Elantra (along with the others that were just mentioned) one of the 10 Most Beautiful Cars currently in the market.

MSN Autos states, "If cars were living beings, the newest Hyundai Elantra might feel out of place amid rare and expensive European sports cars.  But just look at it: There simply is not a line or curve wrong with this new Korean compact sedan.  Say what you will, we think this bright, new design truly belongs here."

The Elantra styling praises don't stop with MSN either.  Ann Job, a writer for the Associated Press exclaims, "The attractive Elantra sedan is arguably the best-looking smallish sedan in the country."  She even complimented the Elantra's interior by stating, "There's nothing gimmicky about the guages or controls, and the overall sense, for anyone who remembers earlier Elantras, is that the Elantra has moved upscale in a big way.

And to sum things up, MSN Autos said it best.

"What makes a car beautiful?  Is it flowing lines, pleasing proportions, a clear identity, a strong sense of character, exquisite details -- or a mixture of all of the above?  True, assessment of beauty ultimately remains in the eye of the beholder, yet its truest manifestations always seem to elicit unanimous praise and approval.  We (MSN Autos) have looked far and wide to choose the most beautiful production cars of the last few years, and agonized over a list of 10 standouts. The fact that most are European will not come as a great surprise, but the inclusion of a compact sedan from South Korea should raise a few eyebrows."

For a complet list of cars that made MSN's list, click on the link below.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slideshow.aspx?cp-documentid=1175094#1

The all new 2012 Hyundai Elantra is available at Gartner Hyundai in Aurora IL.  Not only does the Elantra look great, but is also a sensible choice.  A nicely equipped Elantra GLS with automatic transmission retails for roughly $18,000.  Add a Navigation system, upgraded alloy wheels, rear-view camera, and a 360 watt-premium audio system, and the MSRP is just a touch over $20,000. 

For current Hyundai Owners and enthusiasts, including everyone here at Gartner Hyundai, Hyundai's latetst award from Kelley Blue Book was not that big of a surprise.  Still a great achievement, but the writing was already on the wall.

Kelley Blue Book announced yesterday that Hyundai had taken the #1 spot in brand loyalty, beating out Honda and Toyota, on kbb.com for Q2, 2011.  Automakers have struggled recently to retain loyal customers due to the economic downturn and consumers becoming more aware of issues such as fuel prices and safety recalls.

Hyundai has remained successful through agressive marketing campaigns combined with innovative product redesigns like the successful Sonata and Elantra. In the second quarter of 2011, Hyundai’s brand loyalty was at 52.3 percent while Honda followed with 49.7 percent and Toyota came in third at 47.7 percent. Kia and Mini are the only two brands that have gained loyalty year-over-year, thanks to attractive redesigns and additional models within their respective lineups coupled to aggressive marketing campaigns.

“Hyundai’s product renaissance is benefitting the company not just by attracting an all-new customer base, but by helping them to retain current loyal Hyundai owners, as well,” said Arthur Henry, market intelligence manager for Kelley Blue Book.  ”This latest brand loyalty analysis from kbb.com is a testament to the power of attractive vehicle designs and intriguing marketing in the minds of in-market car shoppers as they consider their next vehicle.”

Gartner Hyundai has seen first hand the number of repeat Hyundai buyers.  We hear comments everyday like, "This is my 4th Hyundai", "I drove a Honda for years, but I am so happy I went with Hyundai".  But, the comment we still hear alot, usually from first time Hyundai buyers is:  "Wow, I can't believe this is a Hyundai!" 

Hyundai has come along way in the past two decades, and as far as Gartner Hyundai can tell, this is merely the beginning.  With additions like the new Veloster and 2012 Azera coming soon, on top of their already fantastic line up, Hyundai is definitely a force not to be taken lightly.  If you haven't experienced Hyundai yet, or it's been awhile, do yourself a favor and take a look.  See for yourself what all the "Buzz" is about.  Visit Gartner Hyundai, your Premier Chicagoland Hyundai Dealer, today.

Car shopping can without a doubt be a daunting process at times. Although a lot of dealers now practice ethical sales processes, and with so much information on the internet, an educated consumer can usually pick out the "Bad Apples" from the bunch, car buying can still cause a headache or two for some.

Aside from all the obvious car buying obstacles, i.e. what kind of car to buy, how much can I afford, am I getting a good deal, etc.....there are a few less thought of hurdles that some may encounter.

For example, have you ever spoke to a salesperson, and they are just rattiling off features, most of which are acronyms, and the salesperson never really bothers explaining what they stand for, let alone, what they do?  Of course, there are the more common namestays like ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes), but does everyone really know what TPMS or OCS stands for, and better yet, what are the benefits of these features?

Well, at Gartner Hyundai, we try everyday to make car buying easier and more enjoyable.  So, whether you visit us, or someone else, here is a list explaining some of the most common car acronyms in the market today.

·         ABS  =   Anti-lock Braking System.  Benefit = allows driver to maintain steering control during a hard braking situation.  The steering wheel will never lock up.  ABS automatically “pumps” the brakes for the driver.

·         CVVT = Continuously Variable Valet Timing.  Benefit = CVVT offers the benefit of having independent control over the intake and exhaust valves of the engine, creating better performance, and usually better fuel economy.

·         OCS  =  Occupant Classification System.  Benefit = a set of sensors detect the weight, seating position, and whether or not the passenger is wearing a seatbelt.  Based on that data, in conjunction with dual-stage airbags, the OCS tells the airbag whether or not a child or adult is sitting in the seat, AND how the airbag (if at all) should be deployed in the event of a collision.

·         TPMS = Tire Pressure Monitoring System.  Benefit = The TPMS will alert the driver if one of the 4 tires is at a lower pressure than the other 3, reducing the chance for flats, blowouts, and also increased fuel economy since all 4 tires will be at the same and correct pressure.

·         EBD  =    Electronic Brake Force Distribution.  Benefit = EBD keeps the tires from locking up in a hard braking situation.  Additionally, oversteering by the driver is prevented by maintaining the proper brake force to the inner and outer wheels.

·         MDPS= Motor Driven Power Steering.  Benefit = MDPS works with the electronic stability control (ESC) of a car to provide handling assistance in slippery conditions or sudden cornering.  It can also deliver some counter steer to help the driver maintain control.

·         ESC =     Electronic Stability Control.  Benefit = ESC is a computerized technology that improves safety of a vehicles stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help “steer” the vehicle where the driver intends to go.  Braking is applied to wheels individually.

·         TCS =     Traction Control System.  Benefit = TCS momentarily applies the brakes to one of the drive wheels whenever the wheel speed sensors indicates a wheel is going faster than the others during acceleration.  Thereby keeping constant and equal speed to all wheels, equaling better traction and stability.

·         GDI =     Gasoline Direct Injection.  Benefit =  GDI is a variant of fuel injection using highly pressurized gas that is injected via a common rail fuel line directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder as opposed to the conventional multi-port fuel injection that happens in the intake tract, giving the engine higher fuel economy and a high power output.

·         DRL =     Daytime Running Lights.  Benefit = DRL keeps the vehicles headlights (usually on a lower beam) during the day, making the vehicle more visible to oncoming traffic.

·         HAC =   Hillstart Assist Control.  Benefit =  HAC stops the car from rolling back for the first few moments of a hill start, up or down by automatically maintaining brake pressure.

·         FATC =  Fully Automatic Temperature Control.  Benefit = works just like the thermostat in one’s house.  Keeps the vehicle’s interior cabin at a specific temperature by automatically regulating the fans and blowers.

Gartner Hyundai, conveniently located in Aurora, IL, just one block west of Route 59 on Ogden Ave, is your Chicago, IL Hyundai Destination.  Our certified Hyundai Product Specialists will be more than happy to fully explain all the features AND benefits of the Hyundai car or crossover of your dreams.  Whether you’re looking for the fuel-efficient, 40 mpg Hyundai Accent, Elantra, Sonata Hybrid, or the new Veloster, to the luxurious Hyundai Genesis or Equus, Gartner’s staff will do their best to exceed your expectations.

The Newly Designed 2012 Hyundai Accent - Following In The Footsteps of Sonata and Elantra.

By Chris Woodyard, USA Today

Following sales home runs with revamps of its formerly bland Sonata mid-size and Elantra compact sedans, Hyundai used its now-familiar recipe to remake its entry-level subcompact Accent by:

*  Making it a bit bigger to be roomier inside.
*  Adding features more commonly seen in larger and more expensive cars.
*  Using high-tech powertrain upgrades to increase gas mileage, making the new
    Accent capable of 40 mpg highway.
*  Amping up its looks in the distinctive new swoopy Hyundai style.  (Also known as
    Fluidic Sculpture Design)

Now Accent, just arriving at dealers, including Gartner Hyundai, could shake up the subcompact segment pupulated by rivals such as the Honda Fit and new For Fiesta, as well as the Toyota Yaris.  Coming soon are a redone Nissan Versa and all new Chevrolet Sonic.

A bare-bones sedan version, with manual transmission and a few amenities, starts at $12,445.  The automatic-transmission sedan, which also adds AC and other features, starts at $15,195.  Shipping adds $760 to each.  A five-door hatchback with a stick starts at $14,595 plus shipping.

The Accent will test Hyundai's recent record for designs that launch with big sales:

The new Sonata mid-size sedan took off after its introduction a year ago and by last month, it was the 13th-best-selling vehicle in the U.S. according to Autodata.

The restyled Elantra compact introuduced earlier this year was the 10th-best seller last month and dealers were having a hard time keeping them in stock.  Hyundai has brought in some from South Korean plants to supplement inventory from its Alabama plant, which is funnion flat out making Elantras and Sonatas.

The Accent, made in South Korea, is Hyundai's third model rated at 40 miles a gallon on the highway, following the Elantra and Sonata Hybrid.  A fourth, the new Veloster coupe, is due this fall.  The old Accent with manual got just 34 mpg highway.

The new Accent also has a respectable 30 mpg city rating.  The higher mileage numbers came through better aerodynamics, a weight cut, low-resistance tires and electric power steering.

But the 1.6-liter, 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine alone accounts for a 6.1% increase in gas mileage.  Hyundai added direct-injection technology usually considered too expensive for entry-level cars.  The engine is mated to new six-speed automatic and manual transmission.

Gartner Hyundai in Aurora, IL stocks a complete line of the Hyundai Accent.  Gartner also offers a limited lifetime warranty to supplement Hyundai's already outstanding warranty; 5 years or 60,000 miles Bumper to Bumper, 10 years or 100,000 miles Powetrain, and 5 full years of Roadside Assistance.

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra gets 29 miles per gallin in the city and 40 on the highway.

Today's youngsters might be forgiven for assuming that the television was born flat, that music always fit in a digital postage stamp or that economy cars have always been safe, stylish and stuffed.

These innocents have no reference point for the visual and mechanical calmities of yore.  Names like Pacer and Escort, Omni and Citation, will be met with blank looks, as will tales of hardier genereations sanding away rust or trudging through snow when another tiny junker died in the breakdown lane.

Coming from Hyundai, whose own samall cars once seemed as disposable as butane lighters, the redesigned 2012 Elantra shows how thoroughly things have changed.  As more Americans embrace small cars as a hedge against fuel prices, automakers are returning the hug with compacts that perform believable impressions of larger, pricier machines.

They're typically a tad slower and their 4-cylinder engines a bit luder; a passenger may suffer the indignity of having to manually adjust a seat.  But details aside, these cars have really grown up.

They've become larger and stronger, with remarkable levels of technology, equipment and crash protection.  And while the Elantra doesn't shake up its class as thoroughly as the midsize Hyundai Sonata did last year, it challenges the leaders for the first time.

Without a doubt, and despite some minor flaws, the Elantra delivers the most adventurous styling, a leading warranty and the most features for the price.

Hyundai intends to fully redesignt the Elantra every four years, illustrating the Darwinian competition among small cars.  In the last year, four other all-new compact cars have come to market:  the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic, adn the 2012 Ford Focus.

And 40 m.p.g. hasa suddenly become the sine qua non for small sedans and hatchbacks.  The Elantra chins that bar as well; 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway.

With Hyundai rebuilding its lineup like a billionaire team owner on a free-agent binge - bringing seven new models to market over 24 months - the Elantra follows the recent Santa Fe and Tucson crossovers and Sonata and Equus Sedans.

the Elantra has adopted, from the Sonata, the so-called fluidic sculpture design theme.  The description is clumsy, but the results are handsome:  from its friendly-alien face to its roller-coaster wheel arches, the Elantra's body has a cascading flow.

The swell-and-flow continues inside, in an expensive-looking cabin that shares class honors with the Chevy; it's also more youthful feeling and less monochromatic than the Cruze.  Two big climate-control knobs are stacked like a pretty wedding cake, with blue - and red-frosted accents.  The engine start button and driver's gauges glow in ice blue, and a piano-black finish plays over the shifter and its housing.

And where Hyundai used to crib shamelessly from Leus for its interior styling, it has apparently raised its sights:  the fan control knowb, with its tactile knurled-metal finish, is straight from the Bently playbook.  All the controls, in fact, are pleasing to the eye, hand and brain, including Hyundai's fine touch-screen navigation system.  There's notably good storage space, including a deep center console box, and 12-volt and USB/iPod connectors in an open cubby at the base of the dashboard.

The head-scratcher is the absence of either power seats or automatic climate control, even as options.  Some problems finding the just-right driving position, and the seat custhion may be a tad too short for some.

As with most new "compacts,: the Hyundai doesn't just push size boundaries, it demolishes them.  The Elantra is only an inch longer and nearly two inches lower tha before, riding a two-inch-longer wheelbase.  Yet Hyundai has carved out more interior volume than in the larger Nissan Maxima.

The Elantra is classified by the E.P.A. as a midsize sedan, joining the Cruze, Jetta, Focus and nissan Sentra.  The result is a sedan with the most front legroom in the class and one of the roomiest trunks at nearly 15 cubic feet.

On paper, the Hyundai has its internals in order as well.  You get four-wheel-disc brakes with brake assist, compared with cheaper rear drums on the Jettan and some other competitors.  A new 1.8-liter 4 cylinder engine delivers a healthy 148 horsepower.  The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission developed in-house that is especially nimble and refined.  And in a neat twist to the usual stability-control functions, the electric steering can automatically dial in a few degrees of countersteer to steady the car when it begins to lose traction or veer off course.

The engine is an especially eager revver, but gets vociferous in its upper register. The ride can be a little choppy over rough stuff compared to the Cruze.  Yet, the steering is accurate, and the ride is still enjoyable, although a little rough at times.

For Hyundai, the bottom line is still the bottom line:  the Elantra costs less than its main competitors in a budget-minded class where every dollar counts.  Though it has more standard features than the Civic or Cruze, including those four-wheel disc brakes, the Elantra costs about $1,000 to $2,000 less, depending on the model. 

Starting at $15,955 for the GLS with a manual transmission, the Elantra rises to $23,505 for a loaded Limited.  Tat prices includes a single opiton, a $2,100 Premium Package whose features include that intuitive touch-screen navigation system, a backup camera, a 360-watt  premium audio system and a proximity key that allows you to open the doors and start the engine with the key in your pocket.