The all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra will boasts 40 mpg, a $15,500 starting price and will be built in the U.S.

Hyundai hopes the 2011 Elantra, unveiled today at the Los Angeles auto show, plows into the small-car market as effectively as the remade Sonata did in the mid-size category, where it’s become a fast-seller. Last month it was fourth-best-selling mid-size, closing fast on Nissan’s Altima.

To achieve the goal, Hyundai’s set Elantra’s starting price at what it considers a tempting $15,500 including shipping, and will be able to advertise 40 mpg on the highway.

Hyundai tried to make the Elantra stylish, hoping it reminds you of the sleek Sonata, but making some folks think instea of the Honda Civic – not necessarily bad.

Jake Fisher of Consumer Reports magazine says he thinks the Elantra is one of the most significant cars of the auto show.  It’s a stylish, basic car that achieves a lot of its fuel efficiency through weigh savings in contrast to glitzier cars with fancy, expensive electric drive systems.

Hyundai’s carved out considerable leg and knee room in the back seats.  In a quick sit-test at the show, we had lots of spare room in the back even sitting behind a six-foot-plus driver.

Elantra weighs 2,661 pounds, light enough that it should be well-motivated by the 1.8-liter four-cyllinder rated 148 hp and 131 lbs-ft of torque/  It’ss be available with a six-speed automatic – tare in this size and price class – or a six-speed manual.  It’s built at Montgomery, Ala., and will be shipped to dealers by year’s end.

Hyundai hopes the 2011 Elantra, unveiled today at the Los Angeles auto show, plows into the small-car market as effectively as the remade Sonata did in the mid-size category, where it’s become a fast-seller. Last month it was fourth-best-selling mid-size, closing fast on Nissan’s Altima.

Glenbrook Hyundai 4801 Coldwater Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825

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