Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock

In this economy all manufacturers are struggling to sell new cars and all are trying some new angles to bring the customers in.  Recently we've seen such deals where a manufacturer will buy your car back if you lose your job or even another will make your payments for you if you lose your job.  The latest gimmick is from Hyundai and it might make you choose them over the other players in the field for your next new car purchase.

Hyundai has announced the Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock which will fix your gas price at just $1.49 per gallon for 12 months.  This assurance program is being offered to all new Hyundai buyers or the option of taking $1000 cash.  Estimates put the number of new Hyundai buyers at 1/3 that take the cash over the gas card.  But why?

Because most Hyundai vehicles get such good gas mileage it will be very difficult to save more than $1000 in gas savings.  Industry analysts believe gas will remain below $3.00 per gallon for the next year.  This means your savings per fill up will be less and less and most estimates put the figure around $580 in a year.  Well, the $1000 sounds a lot better than $580, which is average if you are driving around 12,000 miles per year.

Whichever incentive you choose it's still thinking outside the box and if prices hit $5 per gallon you know you'll be covered.

The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is this manufacturers answer to the luxury market at an affordable price.  Further more, performance enthusiasts will approve of it's engine options, including a V8 above an already potent v6 setup.  This coupled with a 6-Speed transmission and luxury accessories make it a real contender, no matter the market.

According to recent reviews, the most appealing aspects of the 09 Genesis is the strong motor, rear wheel drive, 17 speaker audio system, and it's ability to be well priced.  Hell, most even European reviewers are claiming that Hyundai has a serious contender amongst big luxury manufacturers like Lexus and Mercedes.  But will consumers be able to justify a $40,000+ Hyundai?

I'm not sure what customer is interested in purchasing a squatty minivan, but apparently Hyundai has the market cornered.  The new 2009 Elantra Touring is exactly that, a squatty minivan, without the space, but slightly larger than a Ford Focus.  Those who have driven the new Elantra are comparing it to Mazda's wagon, and those who haven't driven it, are happy.

The only good thing about the 09 Elantra Touring is it's ability to remain well equipped for around $20,000.  But let's be honest, it's going to have to be cheap to move off of the show room floor.  Furthermore, it may  need a little help to move, considering this 4 door accordion wagon is only equipped with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder.

The extremely small engine makes me question the actual real world gas mileage of the vehicle as well.  Is the rated miles per gallon based on only a driver or fully loaded with 4 adults and some baggage?  Obviously anytime that little 4 cylinder is under strain the gas mileage will suffer.

At any rate, please view the pictures of the 09 Hyundai Elantra Touring below and you be the judge.  If all else fails, at least it comes with a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty, so Hyundai will be standing  behind it all the way.

Hyundai has already been throwing buzz words around like Turbo Charge and direct injection when describing the 2011 Hyundai Sonata.  The manufacturer has been very committed to the creation of the all new Sonata and stating that efficiency and power will be the focus of their engineers.

More interesting to this post is the spy pics of the 2011 Sonata and it's covered skin but exposed lines.  It resembles a more expensive BMW, but time will tell when we finally get the bra off these mammaries.

Small cars are just getting smaller and I'm beginning to wonder how much longer this trend will continue until Insurance and safety reasons start taking paramount.  For now, Hyundai feels that the market will keep getting stronger and have thus revealed a picture of their upcoming Hyundai i20.  For those in the US it's like the old hatchback Metro's or aptly named 'Coffins on Wheels'.

Hyundai i20

Yes it gets good gas mileage, yes it's cute if you are a 15 year old girl, and yes it may be more reliable than it's antique predecessors, but who would really buy one?  Is this a vehicle that will potentially make it's way into the US in any type of serious demand?  Currently it's going to be offered in Australia and of course European markets, with diesel options.  So, I won't even bother mentioning how many litres per kilometer it gets...cause frankly I don't care.

Hyundai has announced that they will be releasing a Lithium-Ion Hybrid Elantra model by next year.  To me that says they will have this giant energizer bunny that seats 4 available by January 09.  The problem is that I've seen dates like this come and go and if released too early causes nothing but battery recalls.

Despite all the technology it's only expected to produce less than 40mpg.  Don't get me wrong, this is great, but guessing at what the price tag will be I could still buy a lot more gas by buying a cheaper car than what this thing could save me.  $4 per gallon hurts, but if buying a $10,000 less car means I can put gas in my existing car for a further 8 years, so be it.

It's quirky, looks cool, and may be available sometime in 2010. Here are the concept pictures of the new Hyundai HED-5.

If the HED-5 makes it to production in 2010, expect a 2.2l Diesel engine. However, for power mongers, look for a twin turbo version some time in 2011.

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