Report: Hyundai readying "Sonata-lite" for China

Filed under: Sedan, China, Hyundai

Smaller Sonata or larger Elantra? Either way, Hyundai is indeed working on some sort of vehicle to slot between its two sedans in China.

The intent, according to Reuters, is to create a vehicle that is smaller and more affordable than the current Sonata but still roomy and upscale enough for middle-class buyers looking to trade up from compact cars. Two people with direct knowledge of the new Hyundai have reportedly referred to this vehicle as "Sonata-lite."

Frank Ahrens, a Hyundai spokesman, confirmed to Reuters that the automaker intends "to produce a new model sized between the Sonata and the Elantra." Hyundai has no plans to offer this model in any other markets.

By adding this new model, Hyundai hopes to regain some of the market share that it's lost in China during the first half of 2012. The new "Sonata-lite" is expected to launch sometime in 2014.

Hyundai readying "Sonata-lite" for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe priced from $17,445*

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Budget, Hyundai

Remember when Hyundai was a 98-pound weakling? Now it's become a muscle-bound bully, going and picking fights with the likes of Honda. As if the launch of the Elantra Coupe isn't enough of a slap in the face of Honda's two-door Civic, Hyundai's press release announcing pricing calls out Civic repeatedly.

"At $17,445 shoppers will discover best-in-class fuel economy, and more horsepower and interior space than Civic Coupe," reads the release, which draws further comparisons between the Elantra and Civic, while mostly ignoring other competitors.

The base Elantra Coupe is the GS model, which, when you add the $775 destination charge, will cost *$18,220. For that price you get air conditioning, heated seats, a stereo system with satellite radio and steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth, keyless entry, 16-inch alloys and a few other common features. With its six-speed manual and 148-horsepower, 1.8-liter four cylinder, the Elantra Coupe GS is good for 40 mpg on the highway, according to Hyundai. Pricing on the GS climbs to $18,445, excluding destination, when you add an automatic transmission.

Hyundai will also be offering the Elantra Coupe in SE trim, with a base price of $19,745, excluding destination. The SE models have a sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch alloys, plus leather and a sunroof, among other niceties. A Technology Package with navigation and a better audio system will run $2,350, but will only be available on the automatic transmission-equipped SE, which starts at $20,745, excluding destination.

Scroll down to read the full press release.

Continue reading 2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe priced from $17,445*

2013 Hyundai Elantra Coupe priced from $17,445* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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