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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
---
Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.
2008 Hyundai Accent GLSEnlarge PhotoHyundai 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
---
Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.
2008 Hyundai Elantra GLSEnlarge Photo
Hyundai to Offer Fuel-Miser Editions Of 2009 Accent And Elantra
Hyundai to Offer Fuel-Miser Editions Of 2009 Accent And Elantra
By 
Rex Roy November 24th, 2008
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Responses (4 total)
By gslippy #1, Posted: 11/24/2008
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!
By Ed #2, Posted: 11/24/2008
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.
By David #3, Posted: 11/24/2008
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!
By Ed #4, Posted: 11/24/2008
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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