Edmunds Daily
Hyundai
October 28, 2009
Aimed squarely at the tuner crowd, Hyundai has pulled the took the wraps off its new Genesis Coupe model: the 2.0T R-Spec. The R-Spec should appeal to drivers seeking additional performance by adding a track-tuned suspension, 19-inch wheels with summer tires, a Brembo braking system, a Torsen limited-slip differential and R-Spec badging. In an effort to reduce cost and weight, the R-Spec goes without Bluetooth, automatic headlights, cruise control, a trip computer, chrome interior accents and steering wheel audio controls. These additions and deletions result in a very reasonable $24,500 base price - just $1,750 more than the base Genesis Coupe.
Fittingly, Hyundai debuted the R-Spec at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas - the center of the universe for aftermarket parts, customizers and tuners. Check out Inside Line's SEMA coverage for the latest news from the show floor.
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- Mark Takahashi October 28, 2009, 10:45 AM
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- Hyundai
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- Genesis Coupe, Hyundai, R-Spec
October 8, 2009
With an eye on improving fuel economy without reverting to pricey hybrid technology, Hyundai has managed to make modest gains in mileage by squeezing the most out of their existing Accent and Elantra models.
The 2010 Hyundai Accent receives lower friction engine components, aerodynamic improvements, lower-rolling-resistance silica tires and a "smart" alternator management system to improve fuel economy. The new entry-level Accent Blue goes a few steps further by revising transmission gear ratios and lowering the ride height. The Blue's resulting 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway is identical to other Accents, which see a 4% increase in city mileage and 3% highway increase over 2009 models. Through it all, the 2010 Accent retains its title as the least-expensive new car available in the U.S., coming in just under $10,000 for the Blue. Details on the Elantra were divulged a few weeks ago, with similar results.
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- Mark Takahashi October 8, 2009, 2:00 PM
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- Hyundai
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- 2010 Hyundai Accent, Blue
October 1, 2009
The Hyundai Genesis sedan has been an unqualified hit with both journalists and consumers alike. Inside Line editors have found little to complain about in their long-term Genesis V6. It was even on my short list when I was car shopping a couple of months ago. Although I ultimately went in another direction, I would recommend the Genesis to others almost without equivocation, and have repeatedly done so.
There is no question that value and luxury share the headliner on the Genesis marquee. With the availability of a Lexicon audio system, adaptive front lighting and a cooled driver's seat (among other luxury niceties), the Genesis leaves luxury buyers with little to want for. With a loaded sticker price of $40K, the V6 Genesis offers luxury and performance that under-cuts the competition by more than $10,000 in some cases.
However, there is more to life than sticker prices. Finance and lease rates can greatly impact the actual monthly payment buyers see in the F&I office. Hyundai is offering some attractive rates for both buying and leasing, along with some other incentives, and you can read about them after the jump.
Continue reading...
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- Lee Scott October 1, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Deal of the Week, Hyundai
- Technorati Tags:
- Deal of the week, Hyundai Genesis, Incentives & Rebates, Low Lease Rates
September 23, 2009
Some cars get more credit than they deserve, while others languish in obscurity because of any number of factors -- lack of brand prestige, poor advertising, odd styling. Yet here are five from popular segments that are certainly worth a test drive.
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- James Riswick September 23, 2009, 3:00 AM
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- Buick, Ford, Hyundai, Subaru, Test Cars and Car Reviews, Volvo
September 21, 2009
Taking a page from the Chevy Cobalt XFE, Hyundai has introduced a new entry-level trim for its Elantra compact sedan that promises improved gas mileage over the regular model. With a starting price of $14,145, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue is essentially a base Elantra that features a "smart" alternator management system, lower friction engine components, revised transmission gear ratios, engine calibration changes and a manual transmission shift indicator. A five-speed manual is the only transmission available, whereas the GLS and SE trim levels come standard with a four-speed automatic.
However, most of the Blue's mileage enhancement features have been carried over to those other Elantra trims. As such, the fuel economy differences between them are negligible. Estimated mileage for the Elantra Blue is 26 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, and increase over the 24/33 achieved by the '09 base Elantra with manual. The auto-equipped GLS and SE now achieve 26/34, which is an improvement over last year's 25/33.
The Elantra Blue is now the cheapest car in its class, undercutting the Cobalt XFE while boasting standard features the Chevy doesn't offer like power windows and locks, and four-wheel disc brakes.
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- James Riswick September 21, 2009, 8:43 AM
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- Automotive Consumer News, Hyundai
September 18, 2009
The latest highlights from Edmunds.com and its blogosphere.
AutoObserver: After Much Ado, U.S. to Get Mazda 2
Three years after its arrival in other markets, the subcompact Mazda 2 will finally make its way tp this side of the pond. Based on the Ford Fiesta, it has garnered praise and awards since being introduced in 2007.
Inside Line: Full Coverage of 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show
Lots of excitement at Germany's biggest new car show and Inside Line was there to cover it all. Green cars were of course on display, but there were an overwhelming supply of performance cars: Ferrari Italia, Audi R8 Spyder, Aston Martin Rapide, Mercedes SLS and Dodge Caliber. OK, maybe not the last one.
Straightline: Photos of the 2011 Hyundai Sonata
No other automaker makes such great leaps from one generation to the next than Hyundai. While the current Sonata made huge strides in quality, reliability, performance and comfort, the all-new 2011 edition goes even further in those areas while adding an ample supply of style.
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- James Riswick September 18, 2009, 1:00 PM
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- Edmunds Roundup, Hyundai, Mazda
September 14, 2009
By Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor
Photos by Kurt Niebuhr
What do you get when you pit the least expensive sedan in the market against the least expensive hatchback? For starters, you get zero radios and six window cranks, but happily, the story doesn't end there -- in the end, you wind up with more than you'd likely expect from this humblest of segments.
Both choices in our ultra-low-budget-economy-car comparison -- the Hyundai Accent GS Base hatchback and the Nissan Versa 1.6 sedan -- are available for thousands less than you'd pay for a base-model Honda Fit. Of course, sacrifices had to be made in the pursuit of such extreme frugality. The Versa was equipped with optional air-conditioning and antilock brakes, but the Accent wasn't. And as mentioned, neither car had a radio or power accessories like windows, locks and mirrors.
So there is some compromise involved, but with these cars, you won't have to compromise too much -- low price doesn't always go hand-in-hand with low quality.
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- James Riswick September 14, 2009, 12:00 AM
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- Comparison Road Tests, Hyundai, Nissan
September 10, 2009
Did you miss out on the Cash for Clunkers program? Fear not, since Hyundai just announced they will be award an additional $1,000 on top of your trade-in towards a new Santa Fe or Sonata. It's a pretty sweet deal when you also consider the company's ongoing cash-back rebates ($2k for Santa Fe, $3k for Sonata) and the Santa Fe's promotion of a year's worth of gas locked-in at $1.49/gallon. Just like Clunkers, these deals won't last - promotions are good only through September 30th.
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- Mark Takahashi September 10, 2009, 12:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Hyundai, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
August 26, 2009
Not content to wait for the Federal government to begin phasing in stricter roof-crush requirements in 2012, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) already conducted its version of the test for micro and minicars.
The results? The tiny Smart ForTwo has the strongest roof, the Chevy Aveo, the weakest. Full results are at right. (G = Good, A = Acceptable, M = Marginal.) None of the cars tested ranked "Poor."
Stronger roofs are expected to cut down on the deaths and injuries suffered in vehicle rollovers. Although rollovers aren't the most common form of crash, they are the most lethal, killing some 10,000 people each year.
So the IIHS is getting tough. Starting with the 2010 model year, a vehicle must earn a "Good" rating in the roof crush test in order to qualify to be an IIHS Top Safety Pick -- an important award that automakers use to tout their safety chops. The new requirement will drive some automakers to improve their roof strength ahead of the federal requirement, which won't be fully phased in until 2016.
For details on the minicars test results, click here. To learn how roof crush tests are conducted, click here.
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- Joanne Helperin August 26, 2009, 9:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Safety, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, MINI, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Chevy Aveo, IIHS Roof Crush Test, IIHS Top Safety Pick, Minicars, Smart ForTwo
August 6, 2009
Ouch, that still hurts! The 2009 Honda Accord sustains $1,507 in rear corner damage -- better than the 2007 Accord.
In new, low-speed crash test results, none of the six midsize sedans tested by the IIHS scored "Good." The 2009 Mazda 6 was judged "Acceptable," the 2009 Hyundai Sonata and 2009 Honda Accord were "Marginal." The 2009 Nissan Maxima, 2010 Ford Fusion, and 2009 Chevrolet Malibu? All rated "Poor."
The 3 and 6 mph tests were designed to see how the cars' bumpers protect fenders, headlights, trunks, grilles and other parts from costly damage. The lowest estimated repair cost from the test was $742 on the front of the Mazda 6; the highest was $3,494 on the rear of the Chevy Malibu. Repair costs are influenced by both the price of replacement parts and the complexity of repairs.
"Consumers buy midsize cars for practical reasons. There's nothing practical about a $1,000-plus repair bill after a minor bump in commuter traffic," says Joe Nolan, Institute senior vice president.
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- Joanne Helperin August 6, 2009, 10:25 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Maintenance, Car Safety, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan
- Technorati Tags:
- Bumper Test, Crash Test, Honda Accord, IIHS, Midsize Sedans
July 10, 2009
Summer usually mean more money spent on gas. So vehicle manufacturers, already offering record-level incentives, are adding "price protection" for fuel costs as a way to get you to buy a car this summer.
For example, Hyundai recently offered a Gas Lock program, part of the Hyundai Assurance program, in which new-car buyers will get 12,000 miles of gas at $1.49/gallon, slightly higher for midgrade and premium. Suzuki also announced Free Gas for Summer for purchasers of the Suzuki SX4, with gas cards worth $270 or $290, depending on the model you choose.
Some of these programs are worth it; other times they come with strings attached that make it difficult to determine their value.
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- Joanne Helperin July 10, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Car Buying, FAQ Friday, Hyundai, Suzuki, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
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- Azera, Free Gas for Summer, Gas Card, Gas Lock, Hyundai Assurance, Sonata, Suzuki
July 7, 2009
The Hyundai Elantra is a good replacement vehicle for someone turning in a clunker.
Hyundai is rolling out a new program that allows car buyers to use the "Cash for Clunkers" program before the bill even goes into effect.
The Korean manufacturer has tried to separate itself from the competition by offering creative incentives for car buyers such as the "buyback program" for people afraid of losing their jobs and defaulting on their car payments.
A Hyundai spokesman said that buyers can now bring in a clunker (any car getting less than 18 mpg combined EPA mileage and newer than 1984) and take advantage of the $4,500 or $3,500 government incentive. The bill goes into effect July 24 at which time it was assumed that the trade-in process would begin.
It appears that Hyundai is putting itself at risk of having the government decide that some of the clunkers taken on trade do not qualify for the program even though they have already given the credit to a new car buyer.
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- Philip Reed July 7, 2009, 8:12 AM
- Categories:
- Car Buying, Car Negotiating, Hyundai
- Technorati Tags:
- buyback, Cash for clunkers, Elantra, EPA, fuel economy, Hyundai, incentives, MPG
July 3, 2009
Independence Day weekend means dealers are trying to move older vehicle inventory off their lots to make room for new models. This year, dealers are doubly pressed to move inventory because of months of sluggish car sales. So this 4th of July is a great time to bargain hunt.
Expect to find specials everywhere you look, but here are three of note:
Hyundai has a new Gas Lock program on most models bought or leased through August 31st. It guaranties $1.49/gallon regular fuel for your next 12,000 miles.
Not to be outdone, Suzuki is offering Free Gas for Summer on the Suzuki SX4 sedan or crossover. Manual transmission customers get an extra $2,000.
GM's 72-hour sale is underway, with 0% for 72 months finanancing on many of their 2009 models and 60-month 0% financing on the rest. Must take delivery by July 6th.
Make sure to check our Incentives and Rebates page to find out all the incentives you qualify for. Often, you'll have to choose between the lowest financing, cash back, and/or the gas programs. Do the math to figure out what's best for you.
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- Joanne Helperin July 3, 2009, 6:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Buying, Fuel Economy, General Motors, Hyundai, Suzuki
- Technorati Tags:
- Cash for Clunkers, Free Gas, GM, Hyundai, Suzuki, Vehicle Inventory
June 30, 2009
Hyundai is adding a new perk to its Hyundai Assurance program: Gas for up to 12,000 miles at $1.49 per gallon for regular fuel, slightly higher for midgrade and premium. Called Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock, the program covers most models leased or purchased between July 1 and Aug. 31.
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- Joanne Helperin June 30, 2009, 1:35 PM
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- Car Buying, Fuel Economy, Hyundai, Tip of the Day, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
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- Gas Lock, Gas Prices, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Assurance
June 4, 2009
The upstart Hyundai Genesis Coupe has been garnering all sorts of attention recently. Much to the detriment of Hyundai's other sports coupe, the Tiburon, which has been around in its current form since 2003.Taking a hiatus for the 2009 model year until an all-new replacement is available, the 2008 Tiburon's styling is still eye catching and fairly unique when compared to other sport coupes.
Edmunds' editors liked this combination of upscale and eye-catching looks with interior controls that "would do a Honda proud" along with a price and warranty that most competitors can't touch. While it is down on power when compared to the competition, Hyundai has some great offers that they hope will make you overlook that deficiency. Find out about them after the jump.
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- Lee Scott June 4, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Categories:
- Deal of the Week, Hyundai
- Technorati Tags:
- Deal of the week, Dealer Cash, Financing, Hyundai Tiburon, Incentives and Rebates
May 21, 2009
Hyundai recently announced a new incentive program that gives customers the option to receive their cash back through a VISA debit card. This program began on May 15, and is good until June 30, 2009.
Earlier this year, Hyundai introduced their Assurance program to protect car buyers who might lose their jobs in a troubled economy. The incentives package proved very successful and was later imitated by other automakers. It will be interesting to see if they are breaking new ground with this innovative debit card plan.
The customer cash will be deposited monthly on a debit card and works just like a VISA gift card.
This program can be helpful to consumers who already have a sizeable down payment. They can use the extra cash to pay for gas or help with their monthly payment. However, we expect that most consumers will prefer to have the customer cash included at the time of the purchase. It is important to have as much equity in the vehicle to offset its depreciation and keep you from being "upside down." In this way, if you need to trade it in, or sell it for cash, you will have more freedom for your next vehicle choice.
Here is a list of eligible models, and the amount of cash back you would receive:
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- Ron Montoya May 21, 2009, 2:11 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Car Buying, Hyundai, Vehicle Incentives and Rebates
- Technorati Tags:
- customer cash, Hyundai, Vehicle Rebates
May 4, 2009
Hyundai cars, such as the Genesis pictured above, outsold Nissan during April while Ford outsold Honda. Go figure.
When oh when will the "pent-up demand" for cars kick in and flood the lots with qualified and, yes, confident buyers?
That happy day is bound to come eventually since four million Americans postponed car buying last year. And as April sales indicated, we are on track to see only about 9.3 million Americans buy a new car.
But will the bubble burst in time to save Chrysler/Fiat? And what about GM?
More important for you, if you are part of that pent-up demand, is this the time to pull the trigger on that new car?
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- Philip Reed May 4, 2009, 2:01 AM
- Categories:
- Car Buying, Car Loans and Financing, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Fuel Economy, Hyundai, Pontiac
- Technorati Tags:
- Bankruptcy, Car sales, Chrysler, Fiat, Hyundai, Nissan, pent up demand, Pontiac
April 21, 2009
Hyundai has issued recalls on almost 1 million vehicles covering four separate campaigns.
*The first and largest of the four recalls is nationwide. It concerns a potential brake lamp defect and affects up to 531,894 vehicles. The recalled models include the 2006-'07 Accent, Entourage and Sonata; the 2007 Azera, Elantra and Santa Fe; the 2005-'07 Tucson; and the 2007-'08 Veracruz. The Hyundai Recall Number is 092.
*The other three recalls are corrosion-related, and are limited to areas of the country where salt is used to de-ice roads during the winter. The affected models are the 1999-'04 Sonata; the 2001-'04 XG300; the 2001-'04 XG350; the 2001-'03 Elantra; the 2003 Tiburon; and the 2001-'03 Santa Fe. The Hyundai Recall Numbers are 089, 091 and 090.
For further details, contact the Hyundai Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-633-5151, or NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
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- Warren Clarke April 21, 2009, 4:32 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Hyundai
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- Hyundai, Recall
April 14, 2009
The 2009 Ford Flex is not your mother's minivan.
Look up the word "dowdy" in the dictionary, and you'll probably see a picture of a Honda Odyssey (or any one of its segment-mates). Happily, minivans aren't the only choice these days for drivers seeking safe family transportation that seats up to eight.
Check out our top 10 minivan substitutes if you're looking to break away from the sliding-door set.
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- Warren Clarke April 14, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Buick, Car Buying, Chevrolet, General Motors, Hyundai, Infiniti, Tuesday's Top 10 List
- Technorati Tags:
- Crossovers, family car, minivan
This new weekly feature for Edmunds Daily about car repair and maintenance is written by Tom Torbjornsen, the popular host of America's Car Show on satellite radio. April is National Car Care Month!
Dear Tom,
Please help my sister and I settle a disagreement. Which of the following is the proper procedure for using the emergency brake?
(A) Stop the vehicle. With a foot on the car brake, put the emergency brake on, and then put the car in park. (B) Stop the vehicle, put the car in park, and then put the emergency brake on. Many thanks.
--Tammy and Cher from LA
Tammy and Cher,
(A) Stop the car, apply the e-brake first, and then put the car in park. By following this procedure, when the car is put into park there will be no excessive stress placed on the parking pawl (a spring-loaded pin that locks into a slotted plate inside the transmission). On a side note, use the emergency brake frequently, even when parking on a flat surface, to keep it working properly. Best to you both.
much more Q&A...
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- Ron Montoya April 14, 2009, 11:00 AM
- Categories:
- Automotive Technology, Car Maintenance, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Toyota
- Technorati Tags:
- Brakes, maintenance tips, Tom Torbjornsen
April 8, 2009
As its official on-sale date draws close, the 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe has got many automobile enthusiasts in a frenzy (just not those in charge of casting cars for the latest Fast and Furious flick). To keep the buzz going strong, Hyundai invited members of the automotive press to put the spicy-as-kimchee coupe through its paces at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch, just outside of Las Vegas.
In general, we here at Edmunds evaluate vehicles based on real-world driving on public roads. For this event however, we were encouraged to take the Genesis Coupe to its limits on a racetrack, a short autocross and a highly entertaining drifting exercise. Since much has already been written about the Genesis Coupe on Edmunds and Inside Line, we'll be looking at it here from a different slant.
Continue reading...
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- Mark Takahashi April 8, 2009, 1:00 PM
- Categories:
- Hyundai, Test Cars and Car Reviews
- Technorati Tags:
- 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
March 9, 2009
We like the Genesis, both coupe and sedan. However, Genesis sedan is clearly going after a different demographic than the coupe. This is especially true when you consider the price and feature difference between a top-of-the-line V8 sedan vs the turbo-four coupe. The former has the potential to attract buyers of $60K vehicles while the latter will start at $22K and will attract (for lack of a better term) the "Fast & Furious" set.
Does a luxury or premium buyer want to be in the same dealership as some sideways-baseball-cap wearing kid? Or visa-versa? If I am looking at a Genesis sedan, do I want to see some high-school kid looking to buy the coupe of the same name? Does that dilute the cachet they are trying to build around the sedan? Acura took this question into consideration when they decided to drop the RSX coupe from the line, in favor of a more upscale image.
Yes, they are mechanically related, but one would never know it by looking at them side by side. So, do you think Hyundai would have been better off giving the sedan and coupe different names?
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- Lee Scott March 9, 2009, 3:00 PM
- Categories:
- Automotive Consumer News, Hyundai
- Technorati Tags:
- Coupe, Hyundai Genesis, Premium, Sedan
