Hyundai Releases the Elantra Blue

With the current trend of fuel prices and the clamor for more eco-friendly cars, Hyundai has tweaked its popular Elantra Sedan to give out an extra 2 mpg on the highway for the new Elantra Blue trim package.

The Elantra Blue package is priced at $14,145 and will only be available with a five speed manual transmission. The Elantra is the cheapest of all the cars in its range, but it is not yet capable of beating the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE’s class-leading 37 mpg rating despite its modifications.

The Elantra Blue is has a so-called “smart” alternator, reduced friction components, engine calibration adjustments and new gear ratios for the five-speed manual transmission help boost the highway rating from 33 mpg to 35 mpg. City fuel economy rises 2 mpg to 26 mpg.

The Elantra Blue also comes standard with six airbags, ABS, active head restraints, power heated mirrors, power windows, power locks, keyless entry and a split-folding rear seatback. Add $1,700 and you will get adds air conditioning, an upgraded CD audio system with XM and MP3 capability, cruise control and an auxiliary iPod input.