Details Released on 2013 Hyundai Elantra

It made quite a big splash in re-designed 2012 form, not only garnering the prestigious North American Car of the Year title, but also proving quite a hit with shoppers in the compact segment.

Now, Hyundai has released official information regarding features and equipment for the car’s sophomore season, though updates are somewhat low key for 2013 after last year’s sweeping changes.

A new color, Atlantic Blue, has been added to the roster, while the base GLS with a manual gearbox gets a higher level of standard equipment (essentially last year’s Comfort Package). This includes standard air conditioning, telescopic steering wheel, tinted glass, cruise control and 16-inch steel wheels.

On the higher trimmed Limited, a power driver’s seat with standard lumbar has been added, while Dual zone automatic climate control now forms part of the Technology Package option.

As per its debut season, the 2013 Elantra is powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 148 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque. Offered with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transaxle, Hyundai says this motor is capable of delivering 40 miles per gallon on the open road, as well as Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) status (a 145 hp version of this engine is rated at Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle status in California, Oregon and several North East states).

With gas currently selling for around $4.00 per gallon, Hyundai is betting that this year, more and more Americans will be drawn to the idea of compact size vehicles with high feature content that deliver decent fuel mileage, cars very much like the current Elantra.