HYUNDAI ELANTRA TOURING NAMED A 2010 TOP 10 COOLEST NEW CAR UNDER $18,000 BY KBB.COM

Kelley Blue Books kbb.com named the 2010 Elantra Touring one of its 2010 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000. The Elantra Touring with its modern, sleek styling and fun-to-drive qualities was developed by Hyundai in response to the growing demand for stylish and functional five-door vehicles. The Elantra Touring is the first five-door compact to offer standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), in addition to a host of other class-leading safety technologies. The 2010 model adds an all-new entry-level GLS model, an optional built in roof rack, and a base price drop of $1,300.

Its great to see the Elantra Touring getting the recognition it deserves, said Scott Margason, director of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. It is one of the hidden gems in the Hyundai lineup and definitely boasts cool credentials with its sporty design and fun-to-drive character.

Each year, kbb.coms Coolest Cars Under $18,000 threshold becomes harder to meet. However, the kbb.com editors found that for new-car shoppers in the current economy, there are still some very cool cars to be had for less than $18,000. The criteria used in examining the vehicles included safety, fuel economy, interior size, comfort and technology.

Every year, automakers step up their game in the sub-$18,000 category, and this year is no different from the rest, said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Books kbb.com. The marketplace for cool, versatile, affordable cars, bursting with personality and boasting the same (if not better) technology as some luxury cars with triple their price tags, is only getting more crowded.

The Hyundai Elantra Touring may be a wagon, but this athletic little hauler turns heads on the road, said kbb.com editors. Inside, the Hyundai hatchback combines clean interior styling, unexpected passenger and cargo room, and standard features like eight airbags and a 172-watt CD audio system with MP3 playback and USB connections to meet all your music needs.

The 2010 Elantra Touring was also named a Top 10 Family Car by Kelley Blue Books kbb.com this year. Elantra Touring was one of 10 cars that made the list of what kbb.com editors consider the very best of the best vehicles for families in 2010.

Joining the Elantra Touring on the kbb.com list are the Ford Fiesta, Mitsubishi Lancer, Suzuki SX4, and Honda Fit. For more information about the 2010 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 from Kelley Blue Books kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/CoolCars2010.

Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.

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