The 2011 Car Year is among us and it’s featuring some great models; some that are new or maybe some current models that are getting a little “kick in the pants” so to speak!  Hyundai is right in the mix when it comes to producing some quality and affordable autos.  Over the years they’ve come out with the Tiburon, Elantra, Chicago used Hyundai Genesis Coupe, and so much more!  A few Hyundai’s are headlining the roster for the 2011 CY.

Brand new to the Hyundai family is the 2011 Equus.  It’s in the luxury car class and is shaping up to be a great buy.  It’s in the process of being rolled out to your used Hyundai Chicago dealership this summer and has a lot of offer.   Certainly not the cheapest of Hyundai’s, it’ll start off in the mid-$50K range, so for that price tag, you know it carries many luxurious features.  For example, it will have many exterior parts made of chrome and LED lights that often signify a luxury car.  The interior will also be very stylish with leather seating and a leather dashboard.  The seating will be accented by French stitching on the instrument panel.   This sounds like Hyundai as we’ve never seen it before!

Another great car on the lot now at your Chicago used Hyundai Genesis Coupe dealer is the 2011 Sonata.  This is a solid choice when looking for a nice mid-size sedan.  Found in the same class as the Camry and Accord made by Toyota, the Sonata features a 2.4 liter, 4 cylinder engine that gives 198 horsepower in the base option.  The Sonata comes in three trims: base GLS, SE (sportier), and the Limited, which is the most luxurious.  All three options are front wheel drive and come with standard safety features like plenty of front and side airbags, traction control, and electronic stability control.

It will be interesting to see how the luxurious Equus does in its class, since this is Hyundai’s first big venture into these uncharted waters.  They feel confident that they’ve established themselves as a great brand.  As for the Sonata, the 2011 model looks like a great choice that should stack up well against its competitors!

Hyundai has always been considered (though not really been) something of a second class citizen in the automotive world compared to Toyota and Honda.  A producer of small, inexpensive knockoffs is a charge leveled at Hyundai so often it might be mistaken for a branding strategy.  Even its latest offering the large luxury sedan called the Equus has been questioned all over by that deafening, infinite-headed beast known as the blogosphere, as to whether it can truly compete with the Lexus LS460 and the Mercedes S-Class.  For starters, by pricing it much less (it’ll come in around the mid-$50,000 price tag), doesn’t that diminish an aspect of its luxury appeal?  Guess we’ll soon find out, as the Equus is due to go on sale this fall. 

But getting back to Hyundai’s brand perception, this idea of inferiority has seemed to be a prevailing one among the press and citizenry alike, and yet someone out there must be thinking the brand’s doing good work (besides new and used Hyundai Chicago dealers, of course).  In case you missed it, Hyundai is the world’s fastest growing automaker.  According to the L.A. Times, the Korean automaker’s profit was $1.37 billion for the first quarter of this year, its best quarter ever.  It boasted strong sales in India and China—China, you might recall, recently overtook the US as the biggest automobile market in the world.  Yes, from Beijing to Kashmir new Elantras and Accents are flying off the lots; from L.A. to Chicago, used Sonata and Santa Fe models are being driven down every block.

There hasn’t been a better time in Hyundai’s history than right now and its executives sense it.  There is blood in the water.  Hyundai is taking direct aim at the auto leaders (i.e., Toyota) to become the number one automotive brand in the world—the Equus being put into direct competition against the LS460 is no coincidence.  Hyundai, due in part to Toyota’s struggles with identity and perception over the past few months, recently earned the #1 spot in brand loyalty according to Kelley Blue Book marketing intelligence data.  That means those who sell their used Hyundai in Chicago or anywhere else in the U.S. are likelier to buy within the brand (56.3%) than those owning and selling Toyotas, Hondas, etc.

So, yes, it’s good to be Hyundai right now, whether in Beijing or Chicago.  Used Sonata and Elantra dealers are saying the same thing, as are new Accent and Genesis dealers.  Everyone should be feeling good about Hyundai.  Everyone, that is, except their competitors.

Going green is the thing to do these days, even car companies have jumped on the bandwagon.  It’s a good wagon to be on- helping the environment is something we need to do if we want to keep Mother Nature around for us and our children to enjoy!

A few months ago, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid showed its face at the New York Auto Show.  It has a modern/futuristic design setting it apart from other new and used Hyundai Chicago models.  The term Hyundai uses is “Fluidic Sculpture” to describe the design, who’s main job is to make the hybrid more aerodynamic.

A few features on the Sonata hybrid that set it apart from the current Hyundai Sonata include eco-spoke wheels, hexagon shaped grille, and aerodynamic bumper fascias.  This just names a few of the features that help this Sonata reduce drag and air flow, which can weigh on a car, forcing it to expel more harmful emissions and use more gas.

The Sonata Hybrid contains the “Hybrid Blue Drive” technology that Hyundai developed to make this car more ecologically sound.  There are nine specific features that make up this system. Unfortunately, we cannot go into all of them in detail here, but that would be a great reason to make a trip to your Chicago used Hyundai dealer and get the most up to date information!

I can tell you a few of the features that are part of the blue drive technology.  First, the Sonata hybrid contains a 30kW electric motor that works along with a fuel-efficient Theta II 2.4-liter engine.   The electric motor in this hybrid is different from other hybrids in that it’s made of lithium polymer instead of Nickel-metal/ lithium ion combination.  The polymer batteries take up less space and are overall better quality.

The fuel economy of the hybrid is also very good.  It is said to get 39 mpg on the highway and 37 for city driving.  A 2009 Chicago used Hyundai Sonata Limited model I came across had 32/22 fuel capacity, which is still good, but the Hybrid’s offerings are better.  Who can dispute saving some cash on gas!?

Hyundai engineers have been hard at work developing and perfecting a system they hope will leave other hybrid’s in the dust.  I will be curious to see how this Sonata does when it arrives at your favorite dealership!

Hyundai is really establishing itself as a leading car company.  They have accomplished a major feat by surpassing Toyota and Honda in the Brand Loyalty Category.   Based on information received by a Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study, around 56% of Hyundai owners are looking at new cars within the brand.  Honda is still at the number 2 spot, while Toyota slipped to 3rd place, due to all the recent brand recalls for that automaker.  This is great news for your used Hyundai Chicago dealer, this news should help keep loyal customers coming and hopefully gaining some new ones!

Hyundai’s recent success can be attributed to several things. They’ve released the 2010 Tucson and the 2011 Sonata that are great autos.  I also like the 2010 Chicago Hyundai Elantra Touring.  Hyundai has a great warranty program for buyers to take advantage of as well as their outstanding Assurance Program.  Let’s take a look at what some Hyundai models have to offer.

The 2010 Tucson went on sale early this year and is an awesome compact SUV.  It has quite a bit of cargo room, more than some of it’s same class competitors.  Great news if you have kids to tote around, or like to take weekend road trips!  It also has a beautiful new exterior, that Hyundai is referring to as “fluidic sculpture”, with sloping lines and a modern looking front grille and headlights!

The 2011 Sonata is also at your local dealerships and has much to offer.  Pricing wise, it starts out around $20K, a little higher than the 2010 Chicago Hyundai Elantra, which starts out at $17K for a base model.  The newest Sonata features Hyundai’s in-house developed Gasoline Direct Injection Engine, which helps the 2.4 Liter engine reach it’s maximum potential.  This Sonata can comfortably seat 5 and has wireless capabilities, MP3 connectivity, and a nice stereo system.

There certainly is a lot to be said about Hyundai’s line-up of great cars and SUV’s.  Even if a used Hyundai Chicago is more your style, your local dealer is happy to hook you up with one.  See for yourself why this brand’s loyalty is on the rise!

One area that has been upgraded is the engine.  The new ones offered are 3.3 L or 3.6 L V8′s.  How does this compare to other Chicagoland used Hyundai models?  I took a look at some 2008 and 2009 models and most of them came with V6 engines.  The selection I viewed included an ’09 Sonata GLS, a 2008 Veracruz, and an ’09 Sonata Limited edition.

The 3.3 L engine is found on the entry-level Azera model, the GLS.  For an entry level engine, it still gives good horsepower of 260 and 233 lbs.-ft of torque.  If you opt for a bit more power, you can step up to the model with the 3.6 L engine.  You can find 283 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque that one.  For a sedan, I think these two options are very good.  I could see myself cruising around in one these Azeras.

The new Azera is also getting better fuel economy.  The GLS will get you around 20 mpg in the city and 28 for the highway.  The Limited (with the 3.6 L engine) provides a driver around 19/27.    Other used Hyundai Chicago models that I saw did not get quite as good gas mileage.  For example, a 2009 Sonata GLS sedan I spied was listed at 18/22 mpg. Less money spent at the pump for your 2011 Azera means more cash for those things you enjoy!

What are some other additions to the new Azera that might not be found on other Chicagoland used Hyundai cars and SUV’s?  The bumper fascia is new and gives the car a cleaner look.  The lighting is also more modern, with LED lighting in the front and rear lights.  The sedan also comes with fog lights, to keep you safe in a very difficult driving condition.  Engineers for the Azera have also added 17 inch wheels and have made the design so that the car performs well on the roads!

The 2011 Azera will be at your used Hyundai Chicago dealer soon.  Meanwhile, other new and used Hyundai models are a great option if you are looking for a decently priced, quality automotive!

Hyundai has had something up its sleeve for the past say, 4 years, and it’s gonna take hold in the next generation of the Chicago Hyundai Sonata.  The 2011 model will be the first to have the Theta II Gasoline Direct Injection engine that Hyundai has been working on in it’s South Korea plant.

The engine’s specifics are as follows.  It will give the Sonata 201 HP and 184 pound-feet of torque.   It’ll be a 2.4 L with four-cylinders and the compression ratio will be 11:3:1.    A fuel pump that has a high pressure will send fuel to the injectors and allow the car to get the horsepower and torque it can.  Another advantage of the Theta II, over the engine in your used Hyundai Chicago, is that it gives around 10% better fuel economy.  That means more money in your pocket!

Besides new engine technology, what will be found in your 2011 Chicago Hyundai Sonata?  To start with, it has been redesigned.  It’s curvier and has more arcs, being termed “fluidic sculpture” by architects for Hyundai.  A family sedan with a little flair seems like a good thing!

Powertrain choices will be plenty with the new Sonata.  Manual and automatic options are available and the mpg will fall around 23/35 for automatic and 23/34 with the manual.  Those are mpg’s I could live with in a sedan.  Hyundai also says that a Hybrid version will be developed.

The 2011 Sonata coming out later this year and the 2010 Sonata currently at your used Hyundai Chicago dealer have many amenities to offer the right buyer. They are also affordable  and reliable cars.  Consider buying a Hyundai today!

This attractive auto was officially unveiled earlier this fall in Korea.  It has a sportier and sleek look that will most likely woo in the younger, hipper, 4 door sedan buyer versus other used Hyundai Chicago models.  The car is long and low and has an updated grill.  The whole structure of the car is very elegant looking, patterned off of the “fluidic sculpture” design that was first used on the Genesis Coupe. 

Also, the Chicago Hyundai Sonata will be more powerful on the roads.  It is said to be getting a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that packs more punch that the current four-cylinder mill found in the Hyundai brand. 

Currently, this newly updated model is being sold in Korea as a 2010 model, but most likely won’t be sold in the United States until 2011 at the earliest.  This is due to the fact that here in the US the Sonata’s received some modest upgrades for 2009 that are still doing well for the company. 

Hyundai is definitely an up and coming automotive company, providing it’s drivers quality vehicles that are priced right and safe to drive.  Your local dealer will have new Sonatas,as well as other great Chicago Hyundai used cars for sale now.

This Hyundai Illinois is the first in the world that can run on the liquified petroleum and is also able to run via lithium-ion polymer batteries. Some positive aspects of this type of battery are that it costs less to make, holds a higher density of energy, and is overall a more reliable battery. To include some facts on the LPI HEV model, this car boasts a 114 hp 1.6 L four-Cycling LPI engine with a 20 hp electric motor. One thing a driver will notice is that the Hyundai Illinois does not reach higher speeds as quickly as other luxury car models, due to the lower horse powered motor. But, it is still an exciting car to own!

In addition, the driver who travels approximately 12, 400 miles a year will save around $1,000 in gas costs by purchasing the Elantra LPI HEV versus a regular Elantra. In a time when we are all looking to save money, this is an added bonus to this exciting hybrid.

Soon to join LPI HEV Hyundai, is a Chicago Hyundai Sonata Hybrid that will be out in 2010. The makers for this car company are also excited about this model. Their ultimate goal is to make their hybrid cars more fuel efficient than Toyota and Honda by the year 2015. This will not be an easy feat to accomplish. The system that will be used in the Hyundai Sonata is called a parallel hybrid system. This means that the wheels are powered by the gasoline engine, the electric motor, or depending on the road conditions, both power sources can be used together. This model will also feature a lithium ion battery.

Please visit your local Hyundai store to check out these exciting hybrids and other Used Hyundai Chicago models.

Hyundai's Gas Promotion Just in Time

With summer driving season upon us, and recent attacks on Nigeria’s oil pipelines (the U.S. imports almost half of Nigeria’s production of light crude, which is the oil used in gasoline refining), gasoline has returned to the headlines as energy analysts predict higher prices at the pump, which may just end up paying dividends for Hyundai. Already benefiting from an increase in attention after edging Toyota in J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study, which measures problems in the first three months of owning a new vehicle, as reported by buyers, the Korean automaker implemented a summer promotion on Tuesday, June 30, 2009, guaranteeing buyers of its vehicles one year’s worth of gas at $1.49 per gallon.

Compounding previous offers, the gas guarantee should help Hyundai boost its share of the U.S. auto market, which has already jumped from 2.9% to 4.2% so far this year. This year Hyundai initiated its “Hyundai Assurance” program guaranteeing that buyers can walk away from a new-car loan, with no adverse effect to their credit rating, if they lose their jobs. Already offering one of the most charitable warranty programs in the industry, Hyundai proceeded to buy a series of extremely high-audience TV ad buys, such as the Super Bowl and the first ad spot on CNN after then-President-elect Obama’s election night acceptance speech.

With Japanese companies engaged in a downward spiraling battle with the economy, and Detroit automakers regrouping, Hyundai is trying to increase its market share amid the recession with promotions that are hitting home during tough economic times for all.

Research has demonstrated that nearly 40% of potential new-car buyers were staying away from the market explicitly because of uncertainty around future gas prices. Chris Perry, director of marketing communications at Hyundai, says: “Our programs are designed to address consumer needs, the ones they are talking about around their kitchen tables.” Indeed, while Hyundai’s Assurance program increased Web interest when it was launched last January, fewer than 10 buyers have had to take advantage so far, the company says.

In order to take advantage of the discount gas offer, called Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock, consumers must buy or lease a new Hyundai by August 31, 2009. Perry says used Hyundai Chicago is also sponsoring advertising reminding new-vehicle buyers of the Hyundai models that qualify for the Federal government’s Cash for Clunkers program (which gives consumers up to $4,500 trade-in value for trading in old vehicles that get below 18 mpg for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles). “We already are marketing our vehicles that qualify on our Web site, and we will add it to our ads as the government program rolls out.”

After purchase new Hyundai in Chicago, the buyer registers a Visa, MasterCard, American Express (or Discover credit card, or a Visa or MasterCard check card), at hyundai.pricelock.com. Once activated, the consumer receives a new Hyundai Assurance branded card to be used for all future fill-ups. The consumer is billed $1.49 per gallon of regular grade gasoline, regardless of the price at the pump, with Hyundai paying the difference. (The driver may elect to purchase mid-grade gasoline for $1.64 per gallon or premium gas for $1.79 per gallon as well, though all eligible Hyundai vehicles are factory-certified for regular fuel.).

The card ranges between any gas station in the Voyager credit -card network, which covers 93% of gas stations nationwide, including brands such as Exxon (XOM), Chevron (CVX), BP (BP), Shell, Texaco, and many more. Consumers are eligible for a maximum number of gallons, equal to 12,000 miles divided by the EPA combined fuel economy rating for the qualifying model.

* Chicago Hyundai dealer says buyers who opt for the gas discount have to subtract $1,000 from any rebate offered on its individual models. That may mean many buyers will pass on the gas discount.

Last Saturday I ventured out to a Hyundai dealer in Chicago to test drive the 2009 Elantra Touring.  It’s one of those models that I’ve thought looked smart and fun to drive but just never had gotten around to exploring.  I’m glad I finally did.

I was immediately impressed by the car’s unexpected zip and tight steering, which I unintentionally tested via a rather quick-paced, illegal turn.  My little blunder exposed two things–the car’s very responsive handling and my accompanying salesman’s responsive nervousness.  So I had covered cornering, steering and braking in one shot.  All seemed great.  Now I stood first in line at a red light, and I felt it was the appropriate opportunity to check out the giddy-up.  The Touring responded with enthusiasm.  The 141-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder won’t show up in Fast and Furious 8, but its acceleration has enough gusto to satisfy.

The Elantra Touring provides a driving experience I would term “simple elegance.”  No, it’s not a luxury car, and isn’t priced like one, but the Touring accomplishes everything it’s supposed to with surprising ease and refinement.  You buy it because it’s affordable, because of its great fuel economy and because you need the cargo space.  The Touring dependably delivers all of those things and more with a very unassuming dose of indulgence.

Part of that quiet indulgence comes by way of an extraordinary amount of features for a car under $20,000–including a really good audio system (which is more of a loud indulgence), power windows, heated power mirrors, to name a few of my favorites.

The Touring also has an available Premium Sport package—including power sunroof, heated front seats and 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels—that goes for a still-extraordinarily priced $20,500.

Topping off the benefits is a very important aspect–safety.  The touring comes loaded with standard safety features like curtain airbags and front side airbags.  First-in-class traction and stability control are also standard on the Touring, which means for the Hyundai Elantra Touring Chicago, with its snowy roadways, is home.

Any car buyer who values space and fuel efficiency will find the Elantra Touring appealing.  Add the Touring’s capabilities to Hyundai’s 10-year warranty and Hyundai Assurance Plus program, and it’s a very attractive option.

As I pulled back into the Chicago Hyundai dealership, I seriously thought about trading up for one because the car really fits my needs nicely–having the ability to transport cargo, to get good highway mileage and to totally pump the tunes.

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