2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0t Limited Sedan 4-door 2.0l - Fully Loaded on 2040-cars

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Hyundai, Kia want to improve fuel economy by 25 percent

Hyundai and sister company Kia are giving themselves a little bit of time to make up a lot of ground in the fight for better fuel economy. We wonder if a recent multi-million fine might have something to do with this public target. The connected South Korean companies are vowing to increase their fleetwide fuel economy by 25 percent by 2020, Reuters reports. This will be done by further advancing their powertrains, looking at other ways to reduce weight, upgrading diesel engines and improving transmissions. That will all take money, but Kia and Hyundai will have $300 million less to invest thanks to a recent fine of more than $300 million from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Justice and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for incorrect fuel economy numbers on around 1.2 million vehicles from the 2011-2013 model years. The civil penalties – $100 million of the total – are the largest in EPA history. In late 2012, Hyundai and Kia admitted to overstating the fuel economy of a number of models and said they'd change the official MPG figures and compensate owners. Hyundai spokesman Chris Hosford confirmed to AutoblogGreen that the company set the dramatic fuel-economy improvement targets. In the US, where Hyundai and Kia are operated as separate entities, Hyundai "remains committed to meeting the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) requirements that have been set out by the US government," Hosford said The EPA recently released a report on fuel-economy and put Hyundai fourth in overall fleetwide fuel economy in the US among vehicle makers for the 2014 model year. The top three were Mazda, Honda and Subaru.

More than a half-million Hyundai, Kia compacts recalled for brake light problem

Hyundai and Kia will recall more than a half-million compact cars in the U.S. starting next year because of a brake-light problem. The recall covers more than 390,000 Hyundai Elantras from the 2013 and 2014 model years, and more than 134,000 Kia Forte cars from 2012 through 2014. The Associated Press, citing documents the companies filed with the federal government, reports that a polymer stopper pad between the brake pedal arm and the light switch can deteriorate and keep the brake lights on when the brakes aren't actually engaged. The problem also means a driver can shift out of park without stepping on the brake pedal. Neither automaker reported any crashes or injuries stemming from the issue. Dealers will replace the stopped pads starting Jan. 30 for Kia and Feb. 8 for Hyundai.Related Video:

2016 Hyundai Elantra gets new Value Edition [UPDATE]

Update: Hyundai informs us the 2016 Elantra Value Edition actually collects $1,550 in equipment together for $550 more than the Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment Package. The next-generation Hyundai Elantra reportedly debuts at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, but there's still quite a while before the updated model arrives at dealers. To keep the sedan somewhat fresh among a crowded fielded of competitors, Hyundai is giving the 2016 model year a new Value Edition and some small tweaks to other trims. The 2016 Elantra Value Edition rings up for $19,700, plus $825 destination, and all of them come with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 145 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque along with a six-speed automatic. To earn its budget-friendly name, Hyundai claims the new trim bundles $1,000 in features for $550 more than the Elantra SE with the Popular Equipment Package. On the outside, these models get a sunroof, chrome beltline molding, and turn signals in the side mirrors. The improvements are a little more extensive inside with a tilt-and-telescoping, leather-covered steering wheel, push-button start with proximity key, and heated seats. In addition to the Value Edition, the Elantra Limited now gets standard push-button start with a proximity key and dual climate zones. Hyundai claims that it's a $600 value, but the $21,700 price is the same as last year. Finally, the Elantra Sport is losing some features to lower its price. The trim now retails for $1,350 less than last year at $20,250 with the 173-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder and six-speed manual or $21,250 with a six-speed automatic. However, to make that savings possible, the leather seats and power sunroof are no longer standard features. The interior now has cloth upholstery. The 2016 model year Elantras should arrive at dealers in May. 2016 ELANTRA ADDS NEW TRIM LEVEL AND MORE VALUE 15/05/15 from Hyundai New Elantra Value Edition provides $1,000 in value savings; Elantra Limited gets more standard features FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 11, 2015 – Today, Hyundai Motor America announced the 2016 Elantra, featuring product improvements and new value-focused packaging updates. Elantra continues its high value proposition as a strong choice for shoppers in this highly-competitive segment, validated by several coveted accolades over the model's lifecycle. Elantra ranked highest in its segment for initial quality in the influential J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS).