Hyundai Elantra GT: 2013's Best Automotive Value

Popular Mechanics posted this article on why the Hyundai Elantra GT is the best-value vehicle in 2013. The long and short cover the Elantra GT's practicality alongside its sporty features - originally designed to be just a European vehicle. The GT is also the first Hyundai to use the Driver Selectable Steering Mode (DSSM); letting the driver choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport. The DSSM system has the ability to alter torque buildup through the steering wheel depending on the mode it's in.

The best part: it starts at just over $19K.

Want in on the action? View our Hyundai Elantra GT inventory here.


Info via Popular Mechanics

Hyundai Makes the Rounds with its New Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

Hyundai has been making the rounds around Europe with its ix35 Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle. Check out this video of Quentin Willson (Top Gear co-host) and his "Hydrogen Journey" below.



Video and info via Hybrid Cars

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Car Seat Check

Kicking Tires of Cars.com posted a "car seat check" for the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport. For the check, they used a Graco SnugRide 30 rear-facing infant safety seat, a Britax Roundabout convertible child-safety seat and a Graco high-back TurboBooster seat. Before testing, they adjusted the front seats to hold a six-foot driver and five-foot-eight passenger. Here's what they have to say:

The latch system is successful. There are two sets of lower anchors in the seats, which aren't set too deeply but the cushions are firm and block access. The booster seat sits snugly in the slightly-bolstered seats. Kids who are trying to buckle up themselves may have a slight issue since the buckles sink slightly into pockets in the leather.

In the rear-facing position, the convertible seat needed some extra room so the passenger seat had to be moved forward. The five-foot-eight passenger still had comfortable room. In the forward-facing position, the head restraint pushed the seat forward; so either the head restraint must be removed or the seat can be angled slightly back to accommodate the seat.

The infant seat needed more space as well; the front passenger seat had to be moved up once more. Kicking Tires says that two car seats fit comfortably in the second row. This IIHS Top Safety Pick turns out to be a child-friendly vehicle as well :)

If you'd like to take a look, please view our 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport selection here.


Info & image 1 via Kicking Tires
All other images taken in house (Burlington Hyundai, VT)

2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Earns IIHS Top Safety Pick

Announced in October, the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest honor as a 2012 Top Safety Pick. "Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in moderate overlap frontal, side, rollover and rear impact evaluations. Azera, Elantra, Sonata, Genesis, Equus, Tucson and Santa Fe are all 2012 Top Safety Picks," according to the Hyundai website.

The 2013 Santa Fe has numerous features that helped it earn the accolade. It's equipped with Hyundai's Active Driving and Safety Dynamics technologies, which are there to help drivers avoid accidents by giving them enhanced control in adverse situations. This includes an optional Active Cornering Control AWD system, Vehicle Stability Management System, Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control, as well as Hyundai's Driver Selectable Steering Mode; giving the driver three modes to select from - Comfort, Normal and Sport.

"Safety continues to be a top priority at Hyundai, so we are thrilled to see our brand new Santa Fe on this important and prestigious list," said Hyundai's Vice President of Corporate and Product Planning Mike O'Brien. "Hyundai is committed to developing and providing the best in both passive and active safety technologies. This IIHS Top Safety Pick confirms that the Santa Fe is both versatile and a safety leader in its class."


All information via Hyundai