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Hyundai to Offer Fuel-Miser Editions Of 2009 Accent And Elantra

By Rex Roy
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2008 Hyundai Accent GLS

2008 Hyundai Accent GLS

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Hyundai didn't get to be the world's fifth-largest auto manufacturer by not knowing how to produce cars that the market wants. While other manufacturers are currently meeting the demand for higher-mileage vehicles with expensive technologies (hybrids and diesels), Hyundai is taking another approach--they're going downmarket, big time.

For Hyundai, Blue is the new green, and the company will introduce the Accent Blue and Elantra Blue editions that will be less expensive and deliver higher mileage than the non-Blue iterations. The mileage increases will come from de-contenting the cars to remove weight, a perpetual enemy of high mpg. For example, air conditioning will be optional and heavy electric window lifts will be replaced by lighter (and quaint) hand cranks. Tires will also be selected to maximize mileage instead of grip, and suspensions will be lowered to improve aero at the expense of some ride comfort.

Unlike Porsche's marketing strategy (where they charge more when they remove content), the Blue models will each be the least expensive models in the Accent and Elantra lines.--Rex Roy
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2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS

2008 Hyundai Elantra GLS

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Comments (4)

  1. gslippy Posted: 11/24/2008 1:14pm PST

    This is an excellent strategy. Who really wants to pay $5k to $15k extra to save a little on gas? I'd rather pay less, and you also get the benefit of a simpler mechanical package with less to break.
    GM/F/C: Are you guys listening? Guess not....
    Way to go, Hyundai!
     
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  2. Ed Posted: 11/24/2008 2:10pm PST

    This is a LONG OVERDUE Improvement.
    FOr many years, Hyundai offered too many cheapo econoboxes whose MPG was far worse than that of the far more upscale and refined compact cars such as the Honda CIVIC and the TOyota Corolla.
    Even after these improvements, I bet the crude engines will STILL not match the MONUMENTAL MPG of the two above automotive ICONS.
     
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  3. David Posted: 11/24/2008 2:18pm PST

    If Hyundai keeps this up, they will rule the world. I have long said Hyundai is the company to beat in the automotive world. Look at their lineup now, smart, affordable, safe and reliable. Genius!
     
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  4. Ed Posted: 11/24/2008 3:39pm PST

    Smart???? Hyundais are SMART? NO THEY ARE NOT!
    The HONDA FIT is smart. REALLY Smart design. as well as most Honda hatchbacks the last 30 years.
     
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