CONFIRMED FOR 2011:
ACCENT: The base-model Accent has been renamed from Blue to GL; at $10,705 including destination, it's still the least-expensive car in America (undercutting the Nissan Versa by $35). GS models get a better stereo, while the racy SE version loses its standard sunroof, which drops the price by $850. A new Accent will be introduced for the 2012 model year.
AZERA: The Azera gets refreshed styling, including LED fog lights, as well as a few interior improvements. Engine tweaks and a new 6-speed automatic transmission improve fuel economy; 3.3 liter Azeras are now rated at 20 MPG city/29 MPG highway (an 11% improvement), while the 3.8 is rated at 18 city/28 highway (around 7% better).
ELANTRA: (photo) Hyundai's staid and sober compact sedan has undergone a transformation much like the Sonata (see below), trading its anonymous styling for sleek new sheetmetal. Power comes from an all-new 148 horsepower 1.8 liter engine. The high-lux interior is one of the new Elantra's highlights.
ELANTRA TOURING: SE models now come with leather seats.
EQUUS: (photos) The Equus ("eh-koos") is a high-end luxury sedan that Hyundai sells in its home market of South Korea. Hyundai recently released this new version of the Equus based on the Genesis Sedan, and it's coming to the US for 2011. The Equus will feature the 385 horsepower Tau V8 from the Genesis Sedan along with an air suspension.
Read more:
GENESIS COUPE: Although the Genesis Coupe has only been in production for a single model year, Hyundai is already making improvements, including upgraded interior materials to give the cabin a higher-quality feel. A new 3.8 R-Spec model mimics the track-ready 2.0 R-Spec, with the addition of the V6 engine. Navigation and automatic climate control can now be ordered on the 2.0T Premium model.
GENESIS SEDAN: The 4.6 liter V8 gets a 10-hp increase to 385 hp, and V8 models now come with the Technology Package (navigation, Lexicon stereo, Bluetooth, adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control) as standard equipment.
SANTA FE: Limited models get an improved stereo.
SONATA: (photo) The all-new Sonata's shapely styling is a sharp contrast to the conservative shape of the previous-generation Sonata. Base engine is a 198 horsepower direct-injected 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine; in place of a V6, the Sonata 2.0T gets a 274 hp turbocharged 2-liter engine.
Read more:
- 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 test drive and review
- 2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T test drive and review
- More photos of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
SONATA HYBRID: (photo) The Sonata is the first Hyundai in the US to feature a hybrid drivetrain. Hyundai calls their system Blue Drive, and it uses lithium-polymer batteries which, according to Hyundai, offers superior packaging and power-delivery performance compared to lithium-ion batteries. Fuel economy estimates are 37 MPG city, 39 MPG highway, and the Sonata Hybrid is distinguished from other Sonata models by a unique trapezoidal grille.
TUCSON: A new entry-level Tucson GL is powered by a 165 hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine; fuel economy estimates with a 6-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel-drive are 23 MPG city/31 MPG highway, slightly better than the 2.4 liter engine found in other Tucsons. (The 2.0 is also available with a 5-speed stick, but EPA estimates are the lowest of any Tucson at 20/27). All Tucsons get an improved electronic stability control system. All-wheel-drive models now come with heated seats, GLS models get a long list of new standard equipment, while Limited models now include an auto-dimming rear view mirror and high-tech shock absorbers that improve ride quality.
VERACRUZ: GLS models get a sunroof, power tailgate, and auto-dimming mirrors as standard.
BEYOND 2011:
2012 ACCENT: An all-new Accent is on the way for the 2012 model year. The new Accent will sport modern styling in the vein of the new Sonata and Elantra, and is expected to achieve 42 MPG on the highway.
2012 VELOSTER: The Veloster is Hyundai's new front-wheel-drive coupe, due for the 2012 model year. The Veloster will get a direct-injected engine and a twin-clutch automatic transmission. Hyundai predicts a 40 MPG EPA highway rating.
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