Hyundai Elantra named 2012 Canadian Car of the Year

Compact sedan earns both Canadian and North American Car of the Year titles

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) today announced that the Hyundai Elantra has earned the title of "2012 Canadian Car of the Year" during a press conference at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. The Elantra was selected as the winner from a group of three finalists which also included Hyundai's Accent subcompact.

"The all-new Elantra was simply the single most important new vehicle that Hyundai has ever launched," said Steve Kelleher, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "The Elantra competes in Canada's critical compact segment, so for it to win Canadian Car of the Year is vindication for all the effort Hyundai designers and engineers invested into the project. We wanted to bring Canadians a new take on the compact sedan; one with great style, quality, safety, and incredible fuel efficiency. So, we couldn't be more proud that AJAC agreed it should win Canada's highest automotive award."

Each year AJAC names the best new cars in eight categories following an intensive one-week event known as "Test Fest." From these eight winners, three finalists are selected before the highest-rated vehicle is chosen as the overall "Canadian Car of the Year." Last October, the Accent, Elantra, and Veloster were named Best New Small Car under $21,000, Best New Small Car over $21,000, and Best New Sports/Performance Car under $50,000, respectively. With three wins, Hyundai took home more AJAC Canadian Car of the Year category awards than any other manufacturer.

The announcement of Elantra's Canadian Car of the Year victory comes just over one month after the car was named the 2012 North American Car of the Year during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. As the Genesis luxury sedan earned both titles in 2009, this marks the second time in four years that a Hyundai vehicle has won both awards back-to-back.

Since its introduction, the all-new Elantra has helped redefine what consumers expect in a compact sedan. Featuring Hyundai's signature "Fluidic Sculpture" design inside and out, Elantra has established itself as a style leader in the segment. What's more, in keeping with Hyundai's "Modern Premium" philosophy, Elantra makes high-end features like heated rear seats and a touch-screen navigation system with rear-view camera available at an accessible price. A full complement of safety features including four-wheel disc brakes, six airbags, and a myriad of active safety systems are included as standard equipment.

Elantra is powered by a 148 horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine paired to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Working in conjunction with the highly-aerodynamic exterior styling, this efficient powertrain helps Elantra achieve its class-leading standard highway fuel economy rating of 4.9 L/100 km without the need for an expensive "Eco" package. With a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $15,849, Elantra offers unmatched value in the compact sedan segment.

With sales of 44,930 units, the Elantra was the second best-selling passenger car in Canada during 2011. Further bolstering the nameplate's appeal, Hyundai Canada announced today at the Canadian International Auto Show that a two-door Elantra Coupe and five-door Elantra GT hatchback will join the line-up this summer.

Hyundai Auto Canada, established in 1983 and headquartered in Markham, Ontario, is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout Canada by Hyundai Auto Canada and are sold and serviced through more than 200 dealerships nationwide.

For interviews or additional information, please contact:

Oles Gadacz, Public Relations Director, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Chad Heard, Public Relations Manager, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Patrick Danielson, Public Relations Specialist, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Office: [phone], Email: [email protected]