Valerie Menard

Valerie Menard is a freelance writer and published author with 16 years of reporting about the auto industry for Latino publications.

Car Review: 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

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Aug 262016

Summer’s winding down and in Texas that means convertible season is about to begin. The selection in this segment has dwindled over the years but one little roadster celebrated 26 years of success this year. For 2016, the Mazda MX-5 Miata gets a whole new look and improvements. On a recent test drive of the MX-5 Grand Touring for Latino Traffic Report, it made me smile just looking at it, and from ear-to-ear after getting behind the wheel.

While the convertible still requires a manual release rather than an automatic one, the cloth top is light so it can be done quickly and easily—with one hand in my case.

As expected, the diminutive Miata is fuel efficient, but the fourth-generation MX-5 adopts SKYACTIV Technology for a 25-percent greater fuel-efficiency and drops 150 pounds to make it faster and save even more gas.

The test model powertrain included a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine matched to the SKYACTIV six-speed manual transmission. It had an EPA estimated rating of 27 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. I averaged 31.2 mpg during the weeklong test. While the manual transmission ramps up the Miata’s sporty performance, a six-speed automatic transmission is also available.

A double-wishbone front suspension further enhanced performance as well as a lightweight but rigid rear multilink setup.

Known for a driving experience best described as “zoom-zoom,” Mazda was also one of the first to offer safety technology that had been reserved for premium brands, like a blind-spot monitor. On the top-of-the-line Touring model that I tested, Mazda goes further by adding rear cross traffic alert as a standard feature, along with the blind spot monitor. Sadly, these features are not available on the Sport and Club trims.

All three MX-5 trim levels, however, come equipped with air conditioning, a push-button starter, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio and speed controls, power door locks, USB input, Bluetooth wireless phone pairing and audio streaming, a leather shift knob, and as an added bonus, a CD player. The Touring adds heated leather trimmed seats, a Bose audio system and Mazda Connect infotainment system (standard on the Club trim as well) with a seven-inch color touch screen, and navigation. The number of radio presets was limited to twelve and couldn’t be set while the car was in motion, an odd inconvenience.

Probably the greatest appeal of the Miata, besides the open-air ride, is its value—it’s one of the most affordable convertibles in its segment. Pricing for the 2016 Miata MX-5 starts at $25,735. The as-tested pricing came to $31,315.

Sí: The Miata is a fun and affordable roadster, packed with lots of features.

No: Safety features like a blind spot monitor should be available on the lower trim levels and I need at least 40 presets on a radio.

MINI Defy Labels Campaign Features Olympian Balderas

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Aug 182016

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Latino Traffic Report has learned that lightweight boxer Carlos Balderas Jr. of Santa Maria, California, is one of several athletes featured in MINI USA’s “Defy Labels” campaign that debuted during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The star-studded campaign launched earlier this year but the television spot featuring Olympians launched August 1 on the official MINI USA YouTube channel, focusing on athletes and the labels they’ve overcome to become what they are today.

“We specifically selected these remarkable athletes because they are different. Their stories are not what you would expect,” explained Tom Noble, department head, MINI Brand Communications. “In the end, it’s not about the labels people give you, it’s about who you are and what you overcome. It’s about being an individual and creating your own path, something we as a brand know a lot about. These Olympians and their stories offer important lessons that reveal the power of the human spirit to surprise and inspire.”

In addition to the spot itself, the campaign also includes a series of eight unscripted interviews telling honest and revealing stories about how some of the country’s most elite athletes rose from extraordinary circumstances to achieve success in their fields. The videos were launched on July 21st on MINIUSA.com/DefyLabels. They star Balderas, Serena Williams, boxer Claressa Shields, fencer IIbtihaj Muhammad, volleyball player Jake Gibb, rugby player Carlin Isles, weight-lifter Morgan King and swimmer Cullen Jones.

USA Boxing has not recorded a lightweight medal win at the Olympics since the 1996 Atlanta Games. Balderas was well on his way to a medal after winning the first two preliminary rounds. On August 12, he faced Lazaro Alvarez of Cuba in a quarterfinals bout. After three rounds, the top-seeded Alvarez won by unanimous decision, ending the American boxer’s Olympic medal bid.

“I’ll be supporting my teammates like they’ve been supporting me, and we’ll be out there until the last day,” he told Chris Kudialis of The Tribune.

CUV Launch: 2017 Kia Sportage

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Aug 092016

Introduced in the early nineties, the Sportage is Kia’s longest-running nameplate. Redesigned for 2017, Kia recently introduced the all-new Sportage in San Diego and Latino Traffic Report was there. With striking new looks, the Sportage adds more standard equipment for 2017 as well as new safety technology.

The compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV) handled curves deftly at the launch, but its new exterior really grabbed attention, particularly at the first stop—the Julian Pie Company in Julian, California. The original apple pie with cheddar cheese was delicious!

Designed in Germany, it’s no surprise that the new Sportage inspires a comparison to other German brands—I found myself referring to it as the “baby (Porsche) Cayenne.” Still, Kia’s design cues remain front and center starting with the “tiger-nose” grille in the front fascia. The headlights sit higher than on the previous Shortage, but the fog lamp array on each side really stands out.

Improved ride and handling comes from a stiffer structure, new suspension, and advanced driver assistance systems. The available intelligent all-wheel drive (AWD) can be added to every trim ($1500) and features a 50/50 locking center differential and torque vectoring. The Driver Mode Select (DMS) that gives the driver three choices—Normal, Sport, or Eco—improves performance on all models.

Offered in three trim levels (LX, EX, and SX Turbo), the Sportage can be powered by a choice of two four-cylinder engines—a 2.0-liter inline-four turbo with 240 horsepower (237 on AWD models) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The base model LX and the EX come with a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine that produces 181 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines have been retuned for better fuel efficiency and are matched to an updated six-speed automatic transmission.

At the launch we drove AWD and front wheel drive (FWD) versions of the SX Turbo equipped with a sport-tuned suspension and paddle shifters.

Longer by 1.2 inches, the new Sportage has a roomier interior with seating for five. It’s also available with additional appointments for a more luxurious cabin and a range of technologies including UVO eServies and telematics, AppleCar Play, and Android Auto.

The SX Turbo included leather seating with ventilated and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Harmon Kardon audio with Clari-Fi, an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a panoramic sunroof with an opening that is 4.1 inches longer than the outgoing model’s.

The top-of-the-line SX also included the latest safety technology, like a rearview camera, blind spot detection, front and rear parking assist, and rear cross traffic alert. While these features are not available on the base model, they can be added to the mid-range EX. The rearview camera, however, is standard on all three trim levels.

Thanks to an innovative dual-level cargo floor and a widened luggage area, cargo capacity behind the second row has grown from 26.1 cu.-ft. to 30.7 cu.-ft. The 60/40-split second row also folds flat and reclines for added convenience.

The base model includes air conditioning, a five-inch color touchscreen AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM audio system with Bluetooth^,hands-free phone operation and streaming audio, USB auxiliary input jacks, and SiriusXM^, satellite radio for three months.

Convenience features like cargo net hooks, remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, are also standard. The SX adds a smart power tailgate that opens automatically when it senses the key fob.

Good looking, fun, and versatile, the all-new Sportage should be a fierce competitor in its segment.

Pricing for the 2017 Kia Sportage starts at $23,885. The as-tested pricing for the SX FWD and AWD was $33,395 and $34,895 respectively.

GM Recalls Certain Buick Envisions

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Aug 042016

2016 Buick Envision

When it comes to automotive recalls, issuing one sooner rather than later is always the wiser course. Latino Traffic Report has learned that General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Buick Envision vehicles manufactured February 4, 2016, to April 25, 2016. The Tire and Loading Information label may display the incorrect maximum weight information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, “Tire Selection and Rims.”

Incorrect weight information may cause an owner to overload the vehicle. Overloading may reduce vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s number for this recall is 56340.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Ford Fund Donates $400,000 to LULAC

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Jul 292016

Latino Traffic Report has learned that the Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, named the recipients of the Ford Driving Dreams (FDD) Grants at the 87^th Annual LULAC Convention in Washington, DC. A total of $400,000 in scholarships and grants will be awarded to 10 Councils and LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) to support programs that encourage Latino students to graduate from high school, and provide resources to help them pursue a higher education. Ten Councils will receive $180,000 in FDD Grants to implement dropout prevention programs. Through LNESC, $220,000 in scholarships have been awarded to Hispanic students in San Antonio, Houston, and Puerto Rico.

Honorees from 2015.

Currently, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the high school graduation rate for Latinos is at an all-time high at 71 percent, a 10 percent increase from 2006. Yet, the Hispanic dropout rate is 10.6 percent, higher than the national dropout rate of 6.5 percent

Ford Motor Company Fund will award eight LULAC Councils a $20,000 grant over two school years to implement high school dropout prevention programs in collaboration with a local educational entity. The eight grant recipients that will implement their programs this fall are:

LULAC Council #4609 Arlington, VA
LULAC Council #7 Laredo, TX
LULAC Council #333 Milwaukee, WI
LULAC Council #40002 Portland, OR
LULAC Council #754 Rogers, AR
LULAC Council #15164 Toa Alta, PR
LULAC Council #11125 Washington, DC
LULAC Council #5273 Waukegan, IL

As a result of their success in 2014, LULAC Council #2848, Anaheim, Calif., and LULAC Council #44040, Provo, Utah, were selected to each receive a $10,000 grant from Ford Motor Company Fund to continue their programs for an additional school year. These model Councils will continue the programs that uniquely promote on-time high school graduation through student engagement activities such as mentoring and academic support.

Joe Avila.

“We are very proud of our work with LULAC, because together we are able to provide the resources to help the Councils build brighter educational futures for thousands of students in their own communities,” said Joe Avila, community outreach manager, Ford Motor Company Fund. “Education has long been a priority for Ford, and we are committed to helping our youth acquire the tools they need for future success.”

“Helping young people succeed is a constant effort we have made possible in association with Ford Motor Company Fund so students can graduate high school on time and pursue a college education. Today we celebrate and recognize the work of the Councils who are making sure that their communities are being empowered through academic excellence,” said Brent Wilkes, national executive director of LULAC.

Ford Driving Dreams Grants has invested more than $1.3 million since its launch in 2010. More than 1,500 students and 60 Councils have been able to leverage their success across the country. LULAC Council #21006 in Silver Spring, Maryland, used the $20,000 FDD grant awarded in 2014 to implement a program to help Latino students achieve their academic dreams with GapBuster, Inc., their educational partner.

One student is Luis Rosales, who, with 37 other students in the program, successfully graduated high school on time. Rosales recently graduated with honors from Montgomery Community College and this fall will attend Georgetown University School of Business on a full scholarship. Rosales and the FDD students started the first LULAC Youth Council in Maryland and is now a board member of GapBuster, Inc.

Each FDD grant recipient will develop a sustainable program that reflect the local education landscape and relies on partnerships with local education institutions. For more information on the Ford Driving Dreams Grants, visit www.lulac.org/ford

Ford Motor Company Fund, invests more than $10 million a year in scholarships and other education initiatives across the country. In addition to Ford Driving Dreams, other Ford Fund educational programs include Ford Blue Oval Scholars, Ford Next Generation Learning, Ford College Community Challenge and the Ford STEAM Lab. For more information, visit www.forddrivingdreams.com.

SUV Reviews: 2016 Lexus LX570 and Land Rover LR4 HSE LUX

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Jul 252016

A premium sedan wows car buyers with a striking design, a plush interior, and exclusive technology. A premium sport utility vehicle (SUV) does the same thing, but with the added potential for rock climbing, should the urge strike. On recent test drives of the 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE LUX and the 2016 Lexus LX570 for Latino Traffic Report, I fought the urge and stayed on-road, cruising in comfort and style.

While not direct competitors, these SUVs shared some similarities as well as unique attributes to sustain such an exclusive niche.

Tread Lightly

Some may confuse off-roading with rally racing but the two couldn’t be more opposed. A true enthusiast prefers to tread lightly, enjoying an intimacy with nature by driving rather than hiking on the trail.

LR4 center stack

To do this effectively requires basics, starting with full-time four-wheel drive (4WD), which they had, but both the LR4 and LX570 added technology that enhanced the ride.

For starters, they included knobs for selecting terrain challenges to fine tune off-roading functions—General, Grass/Gravel/Snow, Mud and Ruts, and Sand with the LR4’s Terrain Response System. The test model also came with the Heavy Duty Package that added the Rock Crawl mode, a two-speed transfer case, active locking center and rear differentials, and a full-size spare tire. The LR4 improved on-road performance with the Command Shift transmission that included a choice among Normal, Sport, and Manual modes.

LX570 Terrain Response System

Land Rover may have set the standard for luxury off-roading but Lexus stepped up with the Multi-Terrain Select system that offered Rock, Rock and Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud and Sand modes. To improve on-road performance, I had a choice among Comfort, ECO, Sport S and Sport S+ modes.

Suspensions also matter for on and off-road driving and both utilized adjustable suspension systems that lowered and raised the vehicle based on driving conditions.

Heart and Soul

Powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine, the LX received a new eight-speed sequential shift automatic transmission for 2016, replacing the previous six-speed. The powertrain offered 383 horses and 403 lb.–ft. of torque. The LR4 also included an eight-speed transmission, but it was matched to a supercharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 340 horsepower and 332 lb.–ft. of torque.

LR4 seats.

As an SUV, towing is a consideration. LR4 owners can tow up to 7,716-lb, while the LX can pull 7,000 lbs. The standard panoramic view camera, new for 2016 on the LX, will help hitch and maneuver a trailer.

While both try to utilize technology to improve fuel economy, SUVs this size and weight make fuel economy a challenge. The average fuel economy is fairly similar for each, 15 miles per gallon (mpg) for the LX and 16 mpg for the LR4. I averaged 15.4 mpg and 16 mpg respectively.

The P in Premium

The experience inside of these vehicles accentuated their membership in the premium SUV segment. There were no cloth options for seating, just leather please, with real wood and aluminum accents. Heated front seats were standard on both, plus the seven-seat LR4 also included heated rear seats. The eight-seat LX test model included a heated second row via the Luxury Package ($1,190) that also added ventilated (cooled) front seats.

LX570 seats.

A 12.3-inch center display screen with a mouse in the center console, or Remote Touch Interface, to control the Lexus Enform infotainment system, navigation, and air conditioning distinguished the LX. Lexus Enform also enabled interactivity with smart phones.

The first time I ever noticed accent piping on leather seating was on a Land Rover. The array of knobs and levers for engaging different functions also stood out. The modern LR4 retained the awe factor inside, especially on the test model that included the HSE LUX Package ($10,200) with premium soft Windsor leather with twin-stitch detailing to the top of the dashboard and doors, armrest and grab handles and also around the instrument cluster. Its five-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) driver information LCD screen located within the instrument cluster, however, was a little less striking. The L

LX dash.

R4’s infotainment system, Land Rover InControl, can utilize apps downloaded from either the Apple App Store or Google Play to connect to a Smartphone. Oddly, Sirius/XM Satellite radio was added as an option; one would think it would be included, especially on the HSE LUX package.

Both test vehicles included a cooled storage unit for added convenience and a CD player.

LR4 cooled storage.

Safety First

Stepping up to a premium SUV brings expectations for an extensive list of standard features, including safety. This can also be where these SUVs fall short.

Airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control make-up the technology that’s expected. But some innovations like a blind-spot monitor, pre-collision mitigation, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control should also be included. They were on the LX but not on the LR4.

The as-tested pricing for the 2016 Land Rover LR4 came to $66,570, while as-tested pricing for the 2016 Lexus LX570 came to $97,405.

Sí: Both of these premium SUVs offer what the segment requires, great styling, interior plushness, and off-road capability.

No: While the LR4 fell short on standard safety technology, the LX570 placed quite a premium on including them with pricing that approached six figures.

Toyota Sponsors Ruido Fest in Chicago

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Jul 162016

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Los Angeles based band, La Santa Cecilia, perform at Ruido Fest and join Toyota at the Toyota Musica area – July 2016.

Latino Traffic Report has learned that Toyota is the exclusive automotive sponsor for Ruido Fest, one of the nation’s largest Latin alternative summer music festivals.

This year’s featured artists included:

Mexican indie-pop singer and composer Carla Morrison
Mexican pop-rock singer/songwriter Natalia Lafourcade
Mexican-American, L.A.-based band La Santa Cecilia.

The artists shared highlights with festivalgoers and music fans through Toyota hashtags #BoldWish and #VayamosJuntos on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To support up-and-coming artists, a Toyota-sponsored stage featured some of today’s rising Latin alternative music stars.

Powered by the bold Camry, Morrison surprised one lucky fan by fulfilling their #BoldWish at Ruido Fest. Lafourcade joined Cuban actor, singer and Univision TV presenter, William Valdes, for a live karaoke session as part of their #BoldWish. In addition, social media famous photographer Bryant Eslava and Valdes created a 360-degree live video along with the other artists to share festival highlights with music fans on Toyota Latino channels.

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2016 Ruido Fest – Actor and TV presenter William Valdes and singer/songwriter, Natalia Lafourcade meet up at Ruido Fest. Photo by social media photographer, Bryant Eslava before Lafourcade’s performance – July 2016.

Through the lens of “Musica y Destinos,” the Toyota Música area immersed festivalgoers in vehicle displays that engaged them through a series of virtual reality zones and shareable GIF photo opportunities starring the bold Camry, the all-new Prius, the RAV4 Hybrid, and the Corolla. A special perk for Toyota owners included exclusive access to a loyalty deck with a bird’s eye view of the festival each day.

“Music is ingrained in the lives of so many of our guests,” says Tyler McBride, Toyota’s engagement marketing manager. “We use music to connect with our guests and Ruido Fest was the perfect setting. Whether in person or via our social channels, Toyota is committed to engaging our artist partners and giving our guests an up close and personal view of the music journey.”

As a major sponsor of music festivals, Toyota has developed a social activation to engage attendees as well as raise funds for VH1 Save the Music. Festivalgoers visit the activation space and share on social media using #ToyotaGiving to show their support, while simultaneously increasing music education awareness. The social campaign benefits VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a national nonprofit organization committed to restoring music education programs in America’s public schools. A $30K donation will go to a designated school later this year.

Auto Reviews: 2016 Chevy Trax LTZ

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Jul 142016

To successfully compete in a popular automotive segment, manufacturers sometimes resort to adding bling. For 2016, Chevrolet does just that with the the Trax, its small sport utility vehicle (SUV), and the new Midnight Edition package. On a recent weeklong test drive for Latino Traffic Report, the 2016 Trax LTZ displayed continued fuel efficiency and some nice 18-inch black rims. Black Granite Metallic exterior paint complemented those rims, in fact the only changes for 2016 include more exterior colors.

Introduced last year, the Trax entered the growing small SUV segment and brought a fuel efficient and versatile option to the Chevy lineup. Powered by an Ecotec 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s matched to a six-speed automatic transmission, the Trax should achieve an EPA estimated fuel economy of 26 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. I averaged 28.5 mpg. The engine’s 138 horses and 148 lb.–ft. of torque proved sufficient but its wheeziness could be overheard above the stereo.

The test model with front-wheel drive is situated one level below the top-of-the-line LTZ with all-wheel drive (AWD). For an extra $1,500, all Trax models can be equipped with AWD.

Inside, the Midnight Edition adds extra design touches like two-tone (gray/black) leatherette seats, carpeted floor mats, and skid and sill plates. A segment leader when it comes to interior stowage, the Trax has 15 interior compartments including a hidden drawer under the passenger front seat and upper and lower glove boxes. For added convenience, the upper glove box has a USB port for concealing a phone or MP3 player while charging.

For a maximum cargo space of 48.4 cubic feet, the 60/40-split rear row of seats deploys easily to fold flat, with a nylon loop to lift the seat up and a red button located near the headrest to flatten the seat back.

Chevrolet’s MyLink Infotainment with a seven-inch-diagonal color touch screen is one of the easiest for programming radio and XM stations, offering a total of 35 channels. Included as standard features OnStar (six-month subscription) and the 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi hotspot really set the Trax apart from the competition. The Wi-Fi comes with a three-month/three gigabyte data trial (whichever comes first). The LTZ added the Bose premium seven-speaker system with an amplifianer and subwoofer.

Standard safety features include ten air bags, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, remote keyless entry, and a rear vision camera. The LTZ added cruise control, a remote vehicle starter, and rear park assist. More sophisticated safety systems, like a blind spot warning, are not available on the Trax.

Air conditioning, power locks and windows, and programmable door locks are standard. Additional standard features on the LTZ included a six-way power adjust on the driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Pricing for the 2016 Trax starts at $21,195. The as-tested price with the Midnight Edition package ($500) came to $27,525.

Sí: The Midnight Edition ramps up the Trax’s exterior appeal and standard features like OnStar and 4G LTE Wi-Fi really set it apart.

No: The engine is a bit wheezy and safety features like a blind spot monitor are not available.

Maserati Issues Vehicle Recall

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Jun 272016

When it comes to recalls, they come in all shapes and brands. Case in point, Latino Traffic Report has learned that Maserati North America, Inc. (Maserati) is recalling certain model year 2014 Quattroporte and Ghibli (above) vehicles manufactured June 1, 2013, to February 28, 2014. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may mislead owners about which gear the vehicle is in and may not adequately warn the driver when driver’s door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.

Maserati Quattroporte

Drivers thinking that their vehicle’s transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.

Maserati will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. The remedy software is currently in development. Owners will be mailed an interim notification on July 1, 2016. A second notice will be mailed when the software is available. Owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-510-2369. Maserati’s number for this recall is 307.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Launches: 2017 Hyundai Elantra

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Jun 242016

Launched in 1990, the award-winning Elantra is one of Hyundai’s all time best-selling models. For 2017, Hyundai manages to add new features and technology to the all-new Elantra, while dropping the starting price by $100. At the regional launch in New Orleans, the Elantra impressed Latino Traffic Report with its bar-raising segment firsts.

The redesign starts with a new look on the outside, defined by Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille and smoother contoured lines that enhance its aerodynamics. The redesign also includes equipment firsts like the available HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights, unique vertical LED daytime running lights, the LED door handle approach lights, and LED taillights.

Apple CarPlay

The base model Elantra SE matches the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission. Great news for fans of the stick shift, except that it’s sold as-is. Stepping up to the Eco trim level makes the 1.4-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission standard. The Eco trim should offer the best gas savings of all with an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon (mpg).

At the launch, we drove the Limited trim level that’s powered by the 2.0 liter matched to a six-speed automatic Shiftronic transmission with the Active ECO System. We averaged 35.9 mpg while driving at a good clip and crossing state lines between Louisiana and Mississippi. Standard on all Elantras, the Drive Mode Select further enhanced its performance.

Stepping up to the Limited trim level brings many more advantages, including standard advanced safety features like a rearview camera, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist. While not offered on the SE manual, they are available on the SE with the automatic transmission.

Premium soft-touch materials, new creature comforts like dual climate control, and available advanced technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, give the Elantra a more upscale interior. It’s also larger than its competitors, so much so that it’s classified as a midsize sedan by the EPA. Segment firsts include premium features like s a hands-free Smart Trunk—there’s no need to swipe a foot under the bumper, just approach with keys in your pocket and in a few seconds the trunk will open.

60/40-split folding rear seat

More segment firsts on the inside include the integrated memory system for the power driver seat and side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and advanced ergonomic front seats. The Limited trim adds heated front seats and offers heated rear seats (not found among its competitors).

For added convenience, the rear seat is split 60/40, folding forward for additional cargo volume. The Elantra already offers class-above total interior volume with 110.2 cu. ft. Cargo volume in the trunk reaches 14.4 cu. ft.

Standard entertainment features include Smartphone/USB and auxiliary input jacks, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 Audio System, and complimentary SiriusXM activation with a three-month trial subscription.

In a competitive segment like compact cars, the Elantra excels at offering a generous list of standard and available features, including some not normally found among its competitors.

Pricing for the 2017 Elantra SE starts at $17,985, while pricing for the Limited starts at $23,185.