The compact car segment has long lived in the shadow of midsize sedans, but that may soon change as gas prices continue to creep up and as consumers take a look at a segment which has improved tremendously in recent years.
New or updated for 2011 are several models including the Chevrolet Cruze, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra. The next generation Ford Focus, a strong seller worldwide, is also being updated for the 2012 model year.
Equipped, Not Stripped
These cars are not bare-bones models that were available a generation or two back. These days, customers want many of the same amenities found in larger, upmarket models, something automakers are obliging them with.
Things like MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity. Premium audio systems. Side curtain airbags and specially tuned suspensions. Leather seating surfaces and even wood trim. Yes, why should upscale perks be available exclusively on top of the segment models?
Of course, you’ll pay for these amenities, but that isn’t stopping buyers from considering these cars. Given that people are keeping their cars longer, why not get great gas mileage and truly enjoy your car?
Sonata Design Theme
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra is an absolute head turner, incorporating the same fluidic design as the midsize Sonata. Powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with six-speed automatic transmission, this stylish sedan gets 29 mpg around town and 40 mpg on the highway, which seems to be the new threshold automakers are gunning for. That represents an 18 percent increase in fuel economy over the 2010 model, an outstanding year over year improvement in efficiency.
Inside, the Elantra offers interior room equivalent to what is found in a small, midsize sedan. Buyers can choose to include a touch-screen navigation system with rear view camera and, in a first for this segment, rear seats are heated — not just for front passengers.
Premium Safety Controls
Electronic stability control, introduced with this model in 2007, is back and has been joined by other vehicle safety features including vehicle stability management which handles electronic stability control and power steering. Start to lose control of your car and the Elantra counter steers to bring your car back under control. Four-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes and brake assist also do their part to keep this car grounded.
While passenger volume is mid-size equivalent, cargo volume is generous too, offering 14.8 cubic feet of storage space. Again, that number is what you find in many larger sedans, a feat accomplished thanks to fluidic engineering which takes advantage of every possible design space available.
