Safe and Fuel Efficient 2011 Hyundai Elantra Earns IIHS “Top Safety Pick"

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/26/2011 - The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded the 2011 Hyundai Elantra a “TOP SAFETY PICK”— achieving the highest rating of “Good” in all crash test categories including front, side, rollover and rear crash protection.  Additionally, in order to be considered for an IIHS “TOP SAFETY PICK,” a vehicle must also feature Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which Elantra has offered since 2007.

IIHS recently evaluated 13 small cars with Elantra being one of the six to be named a “TOP SAFETY PICK.”  The 2011 Elantra, with a standard 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating, demonstrates that vehicles don’t have to compromise efficiency for safety.

“Elantra safety has improved tremendously over the years with the vehicle now earning IIHS’ top safety distinction,” said David Zuby, the IIHS’ chief research officer. “The big things the automakers have done to improve crashworthiness are designing better front crush zones to manage crash energy, stronger occupant compartments to limit intrusion, and stronger roofs to better protect people in rollovers.”

The 2011 Elantra takes compact car safety to the next level with the introduction of Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). Similar to the one found in the Hyundai Equus, VSM optimally manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS). Elantra features six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.

The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package including four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

“Hyundai is committed to applying the most effective life-saving vehicle technologies and the all-new Elantra is no exception,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The 40 mpg highway 2011 Elantra is proving that compact cars can be fuel efficient while offering tremendous safety.”