2010 Hyundai Elantra Blue gets 35 mpg on the highway, prices start at $14,145

2010 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai has released a new entry-level for the 2010 Elantra called the Elantra Blue. The model is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine, which helps it return an estimated fuel-economy of 33/35 mpg (city/highway)

With prices starting at $14,145, standard features include power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, tinted windows, two 12V outlets and tilt steering wheel.

Opt for the $1,700 Comfort package and you can enjoy air-conditioning, a 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters, iPod/USB/AUX connection and cruise control.

The 2010 Hyundai Elantra is also available in two other trim levels including GLS ($16,895) and SE ($17,845).

Follow the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Hyundai Elantra:

2010 Hyundai Elantra 2010 Hyundai Elantra 2010 Hyundai Elantra

Press Release:

ELANTRA BLUE MODEL LEADS HYUNDAI’S MOVE TOWARD FUEL EFFICIENCY LEADERSHIP

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 09/17/2009

The award-winning Elantra enters 2010 an improved weapon against volatile gas prices with the all-new “Blue” model achieving a highway fuel economy rating of 35 miles per gallon.

Smart engineering enhancements to the rest of the 2010 Elantra lineup improve fuel efficiency by up to four percent. These new fuel economy numbers give Elantra an advantage in price-per-MPG ratio, making it an even stronger value for 2010.

Base MSRP w/o Freight

Hwy.

Fuel economy

$/MPG

2010 Elantra Blue

$14,145

35

$404

2010 Corolla M/T

$15,350

35

$438

2009 Civic M/T

$15,505

34

$456

2010 Focus M/T

$15,995

35

$457

2010 Cobalt XFE M/T

$14,990

37

$405

To make the Elantra Blue, engineers added a “smart” alternator management system, lower friction engine components, revised transmission gear ratios, engine calibration changes and a shift indicator to last year’s Elantra GLS manual. This new high mileage Elantra will be indentified with unique “Blue” badging. From the “Blue” edition, the rest of the Elantra line receives its lower friction engine components, “smart” alternator management system and an improved lock-up torque converter to maximize fuel economy at highway speeds.

2010 Elantra Manufacturers Suggested Retail Pricing

Model

Engine

Transmission MSRP

Blue

2.0L

Five-Speed M/T $14,145

GLS

2.0L

Four-Speed A/T $16,895

GLS

2.0L PZEV

Four-Speed A/T $16,895

SE

2.0L

Four-Speed A/T $17,845

SE

2.0L PZEV

Four-Speed A/T $17,845

Note: All prices in this release do not contain a freight charge of $720.

THREE TRIM LEVELS

The Elantra is now available in three distinctive trim levels with the addition of “Blue” to the lineup.

ELANTRA BLUE ““ THE PERFECT COMPACT CAR

The Elantra Blue edition delivers outstanding fuel economy without adding thousands of dollars to the price. In fact, Elantra Blue is the lowest priced Elantra in the lineup. The Elantra Blue also practices Hyundai’s high-value approach to standard equipment. Elantra Blue has a remarkable array of desirable features for a model with an excellent price-per-MPG ratio. The Elantra delivers outstanding standard safety technologies in its segment, with six airbags, ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), active front head restraints and adjustable head restraints for all seating positions. A partial list of other standard features includes: power heated mirrors, power door locks, power windows with driver’s one-touch down, remote keyless entry with alarm and trunk release, variable intermittent windshield wipers, multiple storage areas, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, tachometer, tinted windows, two 12V outlets and tilt steering wheel. Air conditioning, 172-watt AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio system with tweeters and in-glass antenna, iPod®/USB auxiliary inputs and cruise control are available options as part of the $1,700 Comfort Package.

ELANTRA GLS

The Elantra GLS takes all the equipment from the Elantra Blue equipped with the Comfort Package and adds a four-speed automatic transmission, dual front illuminated vanity mirrors with sunvisor extensions, fog lights and a windshield shade band. The only option is a $900 power sunroof.

ELANTRA SE ““ ADDING A SPORTY FLAVOR

The sport-oriented SE adds all the equipment in the GLS plus ESC with Traction Control and Brake Assist, 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55R16 tires, sport-tuned steering and suspension, leather shift knob, telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls and trip computer. The $1,150 SE Premium Package adds a power sunroof and heated front seats.

WARRANTY

The all-new Hyundai Elantra lineup is protected by the Hyundai Advantage, America’s Best Warranty™. Coverage includes five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper protection, 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, and seven-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation coverage. In addition, Elantra buyers receive 24-hour roadside assistance coverage at no extra charge for five years (no mileage limit), which includes emergency towing, lockout service and limited coverage for trip-interruption expenses. There is no deductible on any of this coverage.

– By: Kap Shah