2013 Hyundai Elantra Sedan Earns IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+

One of Only Six Small Cars to Receive the Institute's Highest Award

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Aug 09, 2013, 12:32 ET

COSTA MESA, Calif., Aug. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In one of the most rigorous tests of vehicle safety, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra sedan earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK+. The Elantra sedan was one of only six small cars to receive the highest honor from IIHS. In addition to the Elantra sedan, the 2013 Sonata, Azera, Equus, Genesis, Tucson and Santa Fe have all earned IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK.

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IIHS rates vehicles in a moderate overlap front crash, small overlap front crash, side impact and rollover test, plus evaluates seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts. Winners of the TOP SAFETY PICK+ award must earn good ratings for occupant protection in 4 out of 5 evaluations and no less than acceptable in the fifth test. The "plus" indicates a good or acceptable performance in the small overlap test.

"Good side curtain airbag coverage in the Elantra helped the car earn an acceptable rating in the small overlap front test," said David Zuby, chief research officer, IIHS. "Having six small cars qualify for the Institute's highest safety award broadens the choices for consumers looking to buy a small car."

"Hyundai is committed to providing its customers with the industry's best safety features across our entire lineup," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Corporate and Product Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Elantra's designation as a TOP SAFETY PICK+ positions it as a leader in the segment and a great choice for consumers looking for a compact car."

To keep drivers as safe as possible, Elantra, the 2012 North American Car of the Year, has a suite of active and passive safety features. Its Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system optimally manages the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS) to help maintain vehicle control.

Elantra offers six airbags, including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbags. Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package with four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected.

In terms of passive safety, the Elantra has strong unibody construction, along with front and rear crumple zones. The rear doors also have internal dual beams, unlike some of its competitors.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Hyundai Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.

For more details on Hyundai Assurance, please visit www.HyundaiAssurance.com

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