2013 Hyundai Elantra Gls on 2040-cars

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Why Kia doesn't need a premium brand

Hyundai's creation of the Genesis luxury brand means it and fellow Korean brand Kia have finally hit the mainstream in the U.S. – as far as products are concerned – after nearly three decades of trying. Which is about as long as it took Toyota and Nissan to roll out Lexus and Infiniti, respectively. It's history repeating itself. Genesis is supposed to be the way Hyundai's premium models get the respect they deserve, without carrying the baggage of a name associated with frugality. Hyundai has, in fact, built up a reputation over the last decade or so for cars that compete head-on with class leaders, rather than aim to be 90 percent as good for 75 percent of the price. And because Kia shares a number of components with Hyundai, its vehicles have also steadily become not only better mainstream vehicles, but have continued to aim higher than their price points. Does Kia need to follow now in its parent's steps with a prestige brand to market its most expensive models? I'm aware of the Kia K900, the company's deepest foray into luxury territory notably occupied by Lexus. Kia, however, has consistently been pushing this $60,000 full-size luxury sedan along with $0 down, low monthly payment lease deals. Turns out there really aren't many people looking for a full-size Kia luxury sedan. Or maybe they're just waiting to get it for $20,000 in a couple of years. Consider the K900 and Genesis when I convince you Kia already makes upscale cars to rival those with premium badges. They just don't happen to be its most expensive model. Shortly after Hyundai's announcement it would spin its luxury models off into the Genesis brand, I spent a few days with a 2016 Kia Sorento SXL. And I'm willing to call it a more convincing attempt to get people out of luxury cars than the K900. Driving the Sorento is not an emotional experience. You feel parental driving it, thinking you might've forgotten to pick your kids up until you remember you don't actually have kids. But after settling into the nicely stitched and perforated leather seats, you respect its comfort, quiet and amenities. The headliner is soft, the stitching on the dash top is convincingly real and everyone is impressed by the sharp graphics on the touchscreen and the slick powered shade that reveals an expansive glass roof. A Kia Sorento costing more than $46,000 sounds absurd until you wonder how much better an Acura MDX or Lexus RX350 is when those cost as much as $10,000 more.

Hyundai recalls Elantra to fix stability control system

The Basics: Hyundai will recall 155,000 examples 2011 and 2012 Elantra with production dates between October 29, 2010 and October 25, 2011. The Problem: A malfunctioning yaw sensor for the electronic stability control system can cause the application of one or more of the brakes and cut power to the engine, as well as the illumination of the ESC indicator light. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: Dealers will check the ESC sensors and update the ESC calibration free of charge. If You Own One: Hyundai is expected to notify affected owners about the recall beginning February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151, citing Hyundai's number for the recall, 137. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Report Receipt Date: DEC 23, 2015NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V871000Component(s): ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROLPotential Number of Units Affected: 155,000Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor AmericaSUMMARY: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.CONSEQUENCE: If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.REMEDY: Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov. Featured Gallery 2011 Hyundai Elantra Limited: Review View 23 Photos News Source: National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationImage Credit: Copyright 2016 AOL Recalls Hyundai Safety Economy Cars Sedan

Hyundai prices Nexo FCEV crossover within dollars of Toyota Mirai sedan

CarsDirect got hold of order guides for the 2019 Hyundai Nexo, revealing the price for the base Blue trim as $59,345. That includes the $1,045 destination fee. The Limited trim adds another $3,500, for $62,845. Since the Nexo is the only crossover FCEV in the segment, two sedans represent its closest competition, only one of which can be bought at all and is on sale right now. The Toyota Mirai costs $59,285 after destination, $60 less than the Nexo. The Honda Clarity FCEV is lease-only, and Honda's site says the fastback won't arrive until mid-2019. Hyundai won't offer any options for either trim, but both trims get generous spec. The Blue version has LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, synthetic leather, heated seats, and a bundle of driver assistance tech. The Limited bumps up to 19-inch wheels, plus a hands-free liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, eight-speaker Krell audio, a power sunroof, and niceties like remote parking assist. A couple of months ago, Hyundai announced three dealers in California, the only state where it will be sold: Van Nuys and Tustin in Southern California by the end of the year, and San Jose in Northern California getting inventory early next year. The crossover will be eligible for the California Clean Vehicle Rebate of $5,000, and perhaps more important, the HOV sticker that allows travel in carpool lanes regardless of the number of vehicle occupants. The Nexo uses a 95-kW fuel cell to recharge a 40-kW battery. A single electric motor produces 161 horsepower and 291-pound-feet of torque, pulling the Nexo from 0-60 in 9.5 seconds. The two trims are rated for two different ranges, the Blue going up to 380 miles, the Limited getting up to 354 miles. Broken down, the Nexo Blue returns 65 mpg-e in the city and 58 mpg-e on the highway, the Limited makes slightly smaller returns of 59 city and 54 highway mpg-e. The range numbers beat the 312-mile range of the Toyota Mirai and bracket the 366-mile range of the coming Honda Clarity FCEV. Based on our first-drive review, what the Nexo lacks in gusto and driving dynamics it makes up for in interior room, a huge bonus considering the overall industry. Even so, while the price and the specs aren't out of place for the market at the moment, probably the best the Nexo can do is make a huge splash in an infinitesimal pool. And provide HOV stickers. Related Video: