What it is: a highly stylized, three-door sports coupe, the 2012 Hyundai Veloster is intended to attract young professionals and students alike.

What we like: the bold and aggressive style will not leave you without an opinion, which is a good thing for Hyundai. A lot of features that are often the most expensive cars, premium sports an inner feeling, and great fuel economy.

What we dislike: While the competition in its segment, true enthusiasts may want to kick a little more under the hood. Average basis and stereo sound quality.

Snap Judgement: The Veloster may be the most stylish Hyundai ever, and with an attractive modern fuel economy, interior and excellent service, would be very difficult to find better prices at this time.

Exciting sports coupe Korea are almost as common as hot days, warm in the Pacific Northwest, or the three-door car passengers. But a couple of days in the tail of the summer, I was the beneficiary of the three.

Hyundai is synonymous with good cars, attractive. The formula has led to become the largest automaker worldwide fifth, which is fine, but fails in the range was a car type of personality. A car that was not neutral. A car that was attractive and pleasant, but forced to do a double take. A car that divisive, and apologize later. That car is this car.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster is meant to trend younger, but we believe that the Veloster could end up attracting a wider audience, including the popular Ford Fiesta does. The Veloster can count on Scion tC and Honda CR-Z as competitors, and may even attract a limited budget Mini Cooper and Volkswagen Beetle owners less concerned with the heritage of the brand.

2012 Hyundai Velosters a traditional manual transmission will start $ 17,300, and dual clutch models start $ 18,550. Two packages are available. A $ 2000 style package updates the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, 18 inches, adding a better sound system, chrome on the grill and wrapped steering wheel and leather shift knob, leather seats and reinforced plastic coatings doors, among other things.

The technology package is an additional cost of $ 2,000 on top of the styling package. It includes inserts painted alloy wheels 18-inch backup sensor warning, navigation with rear view camera, automatic headlights and starter button. Three levels of telematics services Blue Link packages are available for subscription, offering everything from roadside assistance to Pandora radio and features hands-free voice.

At first glance the Veloster is appropriate, aggressive and a bit cheeky. Send your attention, draws the eye in the body as you explore and follow the lines. The style takes the signals from the popular and very lost, Honda CRX, with some accents of the most modern and more expensive Nissan 370Z. In the driver's side, the body is definitely a sport coupe, but the two passenger side door does not seem crowded or out of place. The third recessed door handle is barely perceptible, hidden in the rear pillar is Veloster.

A center dual exhaust and a panoramic glass roof at the rear give the appearance of a sports car. Hyundai signature hexagonal grille in the front, and some new elements "fluid sculpture" design we've seen in the new Hyundai are present, but the Veloster almost seems to be a generation ahead in its exterior aesthetics. It would be nice to think of the many looks we got in the way had anything to do with us, but people took the liberty of doing a walk around when they were parked, so the Veloster may have played an important role. The car does not turn his head. What they're thinking, I can not tell me.

The first model was leading the pack in style, and accents of leather and skin, along with an attractive dash and instrument panel, the car gave a fresh and modern. The seats, with the combination of soft synthetic leather and fabrics were elegant and comfortable, while decidedly sporty. The Veloster has ample space and a spacious cabin unexpected, especially on the front. Although there is enough legroom for rear seat headroom under means taller passengers may want to avoid the back seat. Cargo space is adequate, and with the rear seats folded is more than enough. On the negative side, rearward visibility is poor, and has nothing to do with a cloud of smoke that we were at times - the word forest fires burning somewhere nearby - but he's a victim of the design attractive exterior.

Audio controls and air are logical and accessible. The shifter is conveniently at hand, which offers smooth shifts and short and effortless. Some may want a more pronounced sense of change with the manual transmission. The interior materials were a mixture of smart, polished and hard, soft and comfortable materials mixed with the cabin in general had a premium sports, are more often associated with more expensive cars.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster has a 1.6-liter, 138 horsepower engine, shared with the recently introduced Hyundai Accent. The Veloster, which is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, a transmission type most commonly associated with an increased price of vehicles. In little more than 2,500 pounds, is extremely lightweight sports coupe, which helps the front-drive small car by car to get the most out of your small engine. We handle both six-speed manual and six-speed dual clutch models Portland, Oregon, in the northeast along the historic Columbia River Highway, along the Columbia Gorge and the Bridge of the Gods in the state of Washington. The route gave good preliminary indications of what is Hyundai Veloster.

Narrow roads winding through the historic landmark on the northern Oregon Columbia River found the gearbox double clutch very smooth, almost imperceptible changes. The six-speed manual is sporty, but really had to go hard on the accelerator to get a response and an extra boost of energy. Although not fast, the Veloster is still fun to drive. Torque through mountain passes, which flew for the streams and greener reflux in the Federal Reserve ... although these days, including Arizona drivers could make the same claim.

The corners are Veloster confidence and the engine had a slight hum, nice when accelerated. Yes we have detected a low hum of dual-clutch models at highway speeds, and no significant road noise, especially in the secondary roads in the region, despite decreases when we are in smoother surfaces. The brakes were sharp and sensitive, with an aggressive mix of city and highway driving, still a star averaged 36 mpg. Barreling down Interstate 5 on the following day, the Veloster blocked the wind noise, but the sound emanating from the road was still present in the cabin. On the road from the Veloster units like an economy car, but in several diverse units Veloster was prepared for the challenge, offering a sporty feel as involved with the road.

The 2012 Hyundai Veloster impressed us with its commanding looks and sporty interior. Driving was fun, though in truth the aggressive styling promises more than the economy car engine can deliver. But shoppers in this segment should give the Veloster a look. If you're looking to pony up about 20k, there aren't many options that would give you more than this sporty three-door.

We're anxious to get behind the wheel on our local roads where we can really gauge road noise, tinker around with the stereo a little more, and see what kind of mileage we average in our Southern California commute. We're also curious to see if the car will turn as many heads around car-conscious Los Angeles, a true test for the highly styled Veloster.

The 2012 Hyundai Tucson again largely the same, with a spacious cabin and cargo space for its class, many standard features and great fuel economy. When Hyundai first arrived here in the U.S. in 2005, shared many design elements elsewhere in the Hyundai line-up seen such exaggerated wheel arches and a creased cap. The overall result was a model that looked like a miniature Santa Fe, but with softer lines.

The second generation Hyundai Tucson arrived slightly larger in 2010 and has a convenient slot for himself with some additional features and improved styling. A refresh of the current Tucson is expected in 2013. Tucson was one of the first Hyundais the company "fluid sculpture 'design philosophy, reflection.

There are two four-cylinder engines to choose from, either a 2.0-liter or a 2.4-liter, the base transmission is a five-speed manual, with a 6-speed automatic as an option. Available models are the GL, GLS and Limited, the 2.0-liter is only offered in the GL.

Body Variations: Crossover SUV

Engines: 2.0-liter inline-4, 2.4-liter inline-4

Transmissions: Five-speed, six-speed automatic

Models: GL, GLS, Limited

The 2012 Tucson is slightly improved what was already good fuel economy, to get 32 ​​mpg on the highway GLS and Limited trim on the automatic transmission. The automatic transmission uses an ECO-active system that functions to fuel the engine as efficiently as possible changes. More changes will come for the 2013 models.

The new Tucson gives Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design philosophy, with curved body lines and a youthful appearance. Sharp lines define the vehicle style, like the bold front end with its hexagonal grille, aggressive lower intake and sculpted hood. The Tucson offers 18 - inch alloy wheels.

Of the Tucson's cabin is as modern as from the body, becomes very attractive. There's enough legroom for a variety of drivers, and an overall feeling of space. The controls are easy to distinguish. Leather is standard on the Limited. So the dual-zone automatic climate control with an ionizer CleanAir, cruise control and heated front seats.

The Tucson is impressively fast given its engine class. Hyundai's extensive use of lightweight steel and curb weight helps keep the crossover agile. The 2.4-liter engine pushes the Tucson to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 16.7 seconds at 82.8 mph, 60 mph from stop in the 120 meters.

All 2012 Tucson come standard with electronic stability control and traction control. His four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist, and downhill. Six airbags come standard: dual front, driver and front passenger side, and front and rear curtains with rollover sensor.

2.0-liter: 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway (manual), 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic)

2.4-liter (FWD): 22-23 mpg city/31-32 mpg highway (automatic)

2.4-liter (AWD): 21 mpg city/28 mpg highway (automatic)

Hyundai received numerous complaints about a lack of safety and infotainment system in their vehicle. So as expected, it was Hyundai's focus while designing the 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Hyundai gave fans what they wanted by making standard on all Sonatas Blue Link, an OnStar-like technology that provides a safety, service, and infotainment system features. Blue Link provides up-to-the-minute traffic information, links to emergency services along the way, and helps your Sonata if you can not find. Based on the Sonata 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is calibrated again this year, making it more economical. It now receives 24/35 mpg city / highway, placing the saloon at the top of the middle class sedan segment for fuel. The 2.0T Sonata also gets a boost mpg, 34 mpg highway, compared with 33 for the 2011 model. The Sonata has a high strength steel body and six airbags. Only in his second year on the market, the Sonata has become one of the top sellers in the midsize sedan segment with the base, turbo, and hybrid models.

Body Style: Sedan

Engines: 2.0L I-4 2.4L I-4 2.4L I-4 + electric

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Models: GLS, SE, Limited, 2.0T, Hybrid

The 2012 Sonata has some new features. Blue Link is added to all Sonata models. The three-part panoramic sunroof is now standard on the Sonata Limited. Other important additions include a new seven-inch touch screen navigation system with HD radio technology, and a rear backup camera is now available on the SE with the roof and navigation package. Fuel consumption is improved for the regular Turbo model and Sonata.

The 2012 Sonata is long and low, with Hyundai's "Fluid Sculpture" design. The entire length of this vehicle is a Hyundai signature chrome accents on the back of the rear side window on the top of the headlights. The front is overtaken by the big chrome grille. Hyundai offers a 16 -, 17 - and 18-inch multi-spoke wheels.

The Sonata has a classic décor, and a very large one at that. It has a cargo volume of 16.4 cubic feet, and an interior volume of 120.2 cubic feet. The EPA classifies the Sonata as a large vehicle, such as the slightly larger Honda Accord. A new seven-inch touch screen navigation system is available this year.

The Sonata has a best-in-class weight-power ratio, resulting in good performance. It is 25 percent stiffer in torsion and 19 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than the previous generation model, but it is lighter at £ 3,199 for a basic model. Sonata has no less than 198 hp. Enthusiasts would choose the 274-horsepower turbocharged model considered.

The 2012 Sonata has a high strength steel body and six airbags: two before, front-mounted side-impact and front and rear curtain. The Sonata also features a state-of-the-art braking system to the electronic brake force distribution and brake assist covers.

GDI 2.4 M / T: 24 mpg city / 35 mpg highway

2.4 GDI A / T: 24 mpg city / 35 mpg highway

2.0T A / T: 22 mpg city / 34 mpg highway

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a sporty rear-wheel drive coupe with two available engines. The 3.8-liter V-6 provides a formidable 306 hp. A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 210 hp. The Genesis Coupe, especially the 3.8-liter V-6 coupled to a six-speed gearbox is driven at the enthusiast end of the Hyundai range.

Several models are available with either engine, and there is noticeable difference in performance. The Genesis Coupe has a sport-tuned suspension, and is loaded with segment-leading safety features including front airbags, front seat side airbags, side air curtains and active headrests. The interior features high quality materials, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, chrome and treatments available on some of the models.

The sporty coupe is a strong selection of Hyundai and is similar to the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and even the Nissan 370Z.

Body style: Two-door coupe

Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, 3.6-liter V-6

Transmissions: six-speed manual, five-speed automatic, six-speed automatic

Models: 2.0T, 2.0 R-Spec, 2.0 Premium, 3.8 R-Spec, 3.8 Grand Touring, Track 3.8

The Genesis Coupe was virtually unchanged for the 2012 model year. The 2013 model year is expected to receive a hard refresh.

182.3 cm in total, Hyundai's sports coupe is bigger than you might think, about the size of a Ford Mustang. The most distinctive styling cue is the slight notch at the bottom of each side window. 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, 19-inch wheels and Brembo brakes are optional on the track and the R-Spec finish.

The Genesis Coupe is a sporty cabin and premium materials are abundant throughout. Although technically it seats four people, has tight rear seats. Styling options range from youthful and sporty to more upscale. Leather is available and tasteful metal accents are used in grain. Navigation and 10-speaker audio available.

Still visible in the 2012's has great handling and a sporty driving style. The 3.8-liter engine is by far the better option here, not only is it a powerful, but it is more refined, too. And when equipped with the manual gearbox, the 3.8-liter is a particularly fun to drive. The automatic transmission-equipped models are not nearly as exciting, even when using the manual mode. Steering response, and the 3.8-liter engine propels the Coupé to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds (6.8 to 2.0T).

The Genesis Coupe received high grades on tests, government cash. Functions such as driver and passenger airbags, seat-mounted side bags and window curtain airbags are standard. So stability control, traction control, ABS with electronic brake force distribution and Brake Assist and a tire pressure monitoring system.

2.0T: 20-21 mpg city/30 mpg highway

3.8: 17 mpg highway mpg city/26-27

2.0T Coupe

Sticker Price: $23,500

Grand Touring Coupe

Sticker Price: $29,750

Premium Coupe

Sticker Price: $26,750

R-Spec Coupe

Sticker Price: $24,500

Track Coupe

Sticker Price: $32,250

Hyundai developed its all-new Hyundai Genesis sedan to compete against Lexus and they did so by borrowing directly from the playbook Japanese luxury brand's offering value, quality, performance and luxury for a lower price than the established luxury brands. And for 2012, Hyundai has the Genesis was better with the addition of a performance-themed R-Spec model and direct-injected 5.0-liter V-8 engine. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan comes with a choice of a 3.8-liter, 333-horspeower V-6 and two V-8s: the first is 4.6-liters and makes 385-hp and the second is the all-new 5.0-liter producing 429-horsepower one. Both the 3.8 and 5.0 liter engines with direct injection offer. The 4.6-liter V-8 is port injected, and carries over from last year. All engines are supported by a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The Genesis V-6 engine offers a competitive 29 mpg on the highway. The Genesis sedan rides on a 115.6-inch wheelbase and is 196.3 inches in length. It's about the same size as the Toyota Avalon, but unlike Toyota's flagship, the Genesis is rear-wheel drive. It features a spacious, well appointed interior and comes with an impressive list of standard features for thousands less than competing models.

Body styles: Sedan

Engines: 3.8 V-6, 4.6L V-8, 5.0L V-8

Transmissions: 8-speed automatic

Models: 3.8, 4.6, 5.0 R-Spec

The 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan gets a new trim level to the top of the range: the new 5.0 R-Spec, bigger and more powerful 5.0-liter V-8 engine available. . The 4.6-liter V-8 is the mid-range option for the 2012 Genesis, while a new eight-speed automatic transmission replaces last year's six-speed automatic transmission for better acceleration and fuel efficiency. The 3.8-liter V-6 gets direct injection for more power and greater fuel efficiency. Headlamps have been redesigned and now LED accents. A Lane Departure Warning system is now optional. The taillights and exhaust tips are also new. Power-folding mirrors have been added and now with puddle lights.

From the Genesis sedan syle is modest, yet attractive, and has undergone minor updates for the 2012 model year. It sports a new, more aggressive grille and front bumper. The headlights and taillights were freshened with LED accent light and dark chrome inserts added to the headlights. The rocker panels are also updated, and the exhaust tips and rear bumpers have also been reviewed for a leaner look. A new Twilight Blue Pearl paint replaces last year's Sapphire Blue Pearl. New 17-inch wheels are available on the 3.8-liter and 5.0 R-Spec has a unique 19-inch wheels.

Leather seats are standard on the 2012 Hyundai Genesis, and feature eight-way power adjustable on the side of the driver and four-way adjustment on the passenger side. Both front seats are heated. For 2012, new interior wood grain colors Black, Beige and Saddle leather interiors have been added. The Genesis sedan has a spacious and comfortable interior and large trunk.

Motor Trend tests the Genesis with the 4.6-liter V-8 resulted in a 0-60 mph dash in 5.7 seconds and the quarter-mile pass in 14.1 seconds at 102.2 mph. It managed to stop from 60 mph to 113 meters. Control is smooth and precise, but the highway ride quality is usually stiff. The new 2012 5.0 R-Spec model posted faster times: 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 107.1 mph. Handling for the 5.0 R-Spec is made, but feels more like than the sports-luxury sedan-like.

Standard safety on the 2012 Genesis sedan includes ventilated discs and solid rears, four channel, four sensor ABS, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), traction control and tire pressure monitoring. Front airbags, dual front side-impact airbags, rear side airbags, and front and rear curtains are also standard. Electronic active head restraints help prevent whiplash. New for 2012 is a lane departure warning system (LDWS) available on the Technology suite 3.8, 4.6 and 5.0 R Spec models. It also has eight sensors on the front and rear bumpers, combined with a rear backup camera to help with parking.

3.8: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway

4.6L: 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway

5.0L: 16 mpg city/25 mpg highway

The 2012 Equus is Hyundai for the second year in the premium luxury segment. When the Korean automaker's first Equus debuted last year, more than a few eyebrows. The public and some of the more wealthy German and Japanese car manufacturers in the segment were used to seeing from Hyundai to produce good fuel-efficient cars more than the status quo are offered at a given price. But a luxury car of the caliber of the Equus "was unexpected.

In his second year, the Equus continues this theme, and gives a Hyundai luxury sedan with more goodies than the usual $ 60,000-plus price tag of the vehicle against which it competes. A new 5.0-liter V-8 engine offers 44 hp more Equus, bringing the total to a leading 429 horsepower. The new engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that allows for better acceleration, and the most impressive performance with an upgrade for the Equus still has the previous model fuel.

The top-of-the-line Hyundai is available in two models, the Signature and Ultimate. The Equus takes on the usual standard bearers with excellent interior materials and fit and finish to impress. The cab is roomy and quiet as any. Japanese and European cars are similarly equipped tens of thousands of dollars more.

Body Style: Sedan

Engine: 5.0-liter V-8

Transmissions: 8-speed automatic

Models: Signature Equus, Equus Ultimate

In just his second year available, the Equus has a new engine, Hyundai's most powerful ever. While the previous 4.6-liter V-8 produced a competitive 385 horsepower, the one knock on the first Equus, apart from luxury brand heritage, was that the performance is still a bit shy of the European competition. Hyundai has no chance with the follow-up, delivering a blistering 5.0-liter V-8 capable of 429 horsepower.

In addition, an in-house developed eight-speed automatic transmission fitted to the new engine to improve acceleration and fuel economy comparable to the original Equus account. Further changes are satin-finish chrome exterior accents, and standard rear-window sunshades on the Ultimate model.

The Equus is a big sedan with simple, attractive but conservative styling. Absent are the more aggressive lines of Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design featured on some of the other cars in its lineup, but who do not like the aggressive lines of the 7-Series and S-Class is hot to the Hyundai luxury offerings.

The cab interior is spacious and luxurious Equus. High-quality interior materials are used. Thick acoustic glass ensures a quiet cabin, even at higher speeds. The front seats are heated and cooled with a massage function on the driver's seat. Rear seat passengers are far from ignored, as are heated rear seats and lean. Climate and audio controls are front and rear, and premium audio is equipped with a Lexicon 17-speaker sound system. The Ultimate Equus model replaces the rear seat for two heated, cooled and massaging chairs.

Air suspension with variable settings ensure the Equus to absorb road imperfections and if the next luxury sedan, but in sport mode, the large frame squat down and adds significant dynamics on the other stately ride. Cornering is sufficient, but is not something to brag about or be embarrassed by. The main complaint of the model last year was that the Equus is not the acceleration of some of its competitors, a situation put right with the new engine and eight gears to offer.

Four-wheel discs with ABS plus Brake Assist and stability control are standard. There are nine airbags: two front, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact, roof-mounted side-curtain and a driver knee airbag. The Equus' VSM manages various safety systems at once.

EPA Fuel Economy

15 mpg city/23 mpg highway

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring is a value-minded, hatchback / sedan. More traditional design than some of the latest automaker to offer what may be missing the Touring in prominent positions in pizzazz it makes. In many cases, an Elantra Touring same features as the competition end up costing less. This can be attributed to the belief Hyundai in pairs a lot of equipment with competitive pricing.

The Touring is powered by a 2.0-liter 138 horsepower engine that can be linked to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. There are two models: base GLS and the more upscale SE. What is immediately clear how the cabin is spacious and comfortable. Offering spacious and cushy seats for front and rear passengers, the Touring is a pleasant way to get across the city. Cargo room is excellent, and with the seats folded, you're compromising compact SUV territory. The Touring has a solid build quality, better than expected handling, excellent visibility while driving, and many of the standard functions. People who enjoy the conservative styling, this spacious carrier gives a glimpse.

Body style: five-door hatchback / wagon.

Engine: 2.0-liter, four cylinder

Transmissions: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic

Models: GLS, SE

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring is largely unchanged. Volcanic Red and White Pigeon join the color palette. Touring now includes 16-inch alloy wheels on the preferred package renamed. A new roadside assistance kit is optional. Keep the back in place and you will find 24.3 cubic feet of space and 65.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded. The Elantra Touring is expected to be redesigned for next year, and are in the U.S. similar to the new European Hyundai i30.

Styling is homey and no frills compared to the more modern and dynamic design Hyundai Elantra. Although they share the Elantra name, the hatchback is not yet received updated facade, which is expected for the 2013 model. Those who prefer a more conservative, traditional hatchback will Touring humble attitude. The newest model gets 16-inch alloy wheels on the Preferred package to replace the standard 15-inch wheels. Two colors are new for 2012: Volcanic Red, White and Dove.

The current Elantra Touring is a simple, versatile, value-minded carrier. The cabin is very spacious, with comfortable seating for both the front and rear occupants. Large cargo space available, besting some compact SUVs. The Touring offers easy to use controls, for example, climate institutions are large and close at hand. The cabin is simple and unadorned. Leather seats are available on the Elantra Touring SE. Cruise control and a cooled glove box are options.

The current generation Elantra Touring's 2.0-liter, 136 horsepower, four-cylinder engine offers a surprisingly fun-to-drive sedan experience. Steering is light, but the sporting driving dynamics provide a lively ride and decent cornering. The five-speed manual provides an extra touch of sportiness, but we would recommend that you wait for new powertrain options for the Elantra, which is projected to be both powerful and economical. We also expect a hybrid option at some point for the hatchback.

In government crash tests, the Elantra Touring was the highest score, with five stars in frontal crash tests. Four-star ratings were given for side-impact tests. Elantra Touring comes standard with six airbags: two for front and side curtain. His four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, and tire-pressure monitoring. Traction and stability control are optional.

GLS Touring, SE Touring: 23 mpg highway mpg city/30-31

The Elantra continues to value-minded, compact sedan in the 2012 model year. This sedan offers many features that are standard, but still keep the low price of $ 15,955. Hyundai has adapted to the current rise in gas prices by adding a system that not only makes ActiveEco smoother throttle response, increases fuel consumption by 7 percent, 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The Elantra is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. Hyundai Elantra is equipped with six airbags and a state-of-the-art braking package. The Elantra is a stylish compact sedan is a good choice for buyers who want a commuter car park. Choosing the Limited trim level and you get amazing opportunities to get a decent price, such as leather seats that are heated in the front and outer rear seats, too. Those who want a more sporty driving experience might consider looking elsewhere.

Body Style: Sedan

Engines: 1.8L I-4

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Models: GLS, SE, Limited

The 2012 Elantra comes with a few tweaks. New features for 2012 include a dual-shell horn for better sound quality, steering calibration and optional roadside assistance kit. There are also three new color choices: Shimmering White, Midnight Black, Indigo and night. The GLS preferred package now includes fog lamps and a passenger side sun visor extension.

Like the Sonata and the all new Velo Star, the Elantra Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design features, a variety of hard surfaces the illusion of constant motion to give the automaker said. The Elantra is quite similar to the Sonata, both with the same lines and a tight roof. It is also equipped with Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille and swept-back headlights. Fifteen-, 16 - or 17-inch wheels are available as well as fog lights.

The interior of the Elantra is basic but well designed. A telescopic steering wheel available is offered for 2012. Also heated seats remain available in the front and rear seats - a feature not found on many cars at every price. The interior also offers plenty of storage compartments.

The 2012 Elantra is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. This sedan weighs 2661 pounds, making the Elantra a best-in-class power to weight ratio of 18.0. Although the Elantra is still a fast car, the more exciting with the standard six-speed gearbox.

The Elantra comes standard with six airbags: two before, front-mounted side-impact and front and rear curtain. It is also equipped with electronic brake force distribution that automatically adjusts the braking force on the front and rear based on vehicle loading conditions. The Elantra has front and rear crumple zones, as well as internal dual beams placed in the rear doors.

EPA Fuel Economy

Elantra: 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway

The Accent is Hyundai's budget-minded subcompact car and it has been completely redesigned for 2012 in an effort to provide a more luxurious appearance and quality to supply the lowest priced offer. The new 2012 Hyundai Accent comes with the full line of Hyundai's standard equipment, including standard disc brakes on all four wheels - a class exclusive.

Body style: Four-door sedan, five-door hatchback

Engines: 1.6L I-4

Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Models: GLS, GS, SE

The Accent is all new for 2012 and win Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design language. The four-door sedan body style remains, but the three-door hatchback has been replaced by a five-door hatchback. The wheelbase has increased 2.8 inches more interior space. The Accent gets Hyundai's new "GAMMA" 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower on tap. Last year, five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions are replaced with new six-speed manual or automatic available in flavors. A number of passive and active safety features are standard for the Hyundai Accent, including four disc brakes.

The Accent finally gets Hyundai's' fluid sculpture "design theme, making the system can get family resemblance to its larger Elantra and Sonata siblings. Overall Accent hatch is a smart, contemporary look that should appeal to a broad spectrum of the budget-minded car buying public. The Accent sedan also has a fresh look, but it's not as fat as the slightly larger and more expensive Elantra. The 2012 Accent rides on a 2.8-inch longer wheelbase and is now 3, 5 inches overall compared to the 2011 model.

Like the exterior styling updates, the accent was on the inside. The dashboard of the monochromatic "tech" design with the better-than-average class of plastic trim give the interior a more luxurious look than the price indicates. The premium cloth seats are nicely supportive. Air conditioning is standard on the GS and SE trim levels, but optional on GLS. Rear leg room feels bigger than its competitors. The sedan has a trunk with 13.7 cubic feet trunk. The folding rear seats increase the Accent hatchback cargo capacity of 21.2 cubic meters to 47.5.

Accent the class-leading 138 horsepower and 123 lb-ft of torque helps speed up the highway without much drama. The Motor Trend test team obtained a 9.2-second sprint to 60 mph the Accent SE hatch. Ride quality is on the firm side, but the treatment has helped balance the standard stability control. The 2012 Accent electrical control has a minimum of effort, but the feeling is more consistent compared to the model it replaces. When it came time to stop the four-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with four hubcaps and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), the subcompact comes to a halt with aplomb.

Hyundai offers a long list of standard safety features, including: six airbags (front impact, front seat-mounted side impact and curtain side-effect), front-seat active head restraints, Hyundai's Collision Load Dispersion Mechanism, back bar, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , Traction Control, Vehicle Stability Management and Motor Drive Power Steering (MDPS). Focus of the anti-lock brakes (ABS) also feature Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) and pulled the Accent SE we tested from 60 mph to 128 meters.

GLS: 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (manual), 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (automatic)

HS: 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (manual), 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (automatic)

SE: mpg city/40 mpg highway (manual), 30 mpg city/40 mpg highway (automatic)