2021 Hyundai Elantra Chosen Hispanic Motor Press Car of the Year

Jason R. Sakurai
by Jason R. Sakurai

The 2021 Hyundai Elantra has been selected Car of the Year during Automobility LA by the Hispanic Motor Press. The 2021 Hispanic Motor Press Awards (HMPA) jury panel included 24 Hispanic automotive journalists, content creators, and industry influencers, who analyzed more than 100 new 2020 and 2021 vehicles.

Now in its 11th year, the annual awards program recognizes the best new vehicles for Hispanic buyers, using styling, driving satisfaction, technology, safety, environmental impact, mechanical reliability, and value as the criteria. Coincidentally, the Elantra happens to be one of the top new vehicles purchased by Hispanic buyers.

“In a world where crossovers and SUVs keep gaining market share, it is refreshing to see that a manufacturer has not forgotten the sedan class,” said Ricardo Rodriguez-Long, president Hispanic Motor Press.” “Being one of the best-selling cars in the world, the Hyundai Elantra has to deliver to the most demanding customers across the globe. The all-new Elantra includes a full line up from the hybrid version to a sportier version with the N model. The build quality of built and overall performance is proof that this Korean automaker has become a force in the industry.”

“On behalf of our entire team at Hyundai Motor North America, I would like to thank each member of the Hispanic Motor Press jury panel for selecting the 2021 Hyundai Elantra as the Car of the Year. The all-new, seventh generation Elantra provides exciting driving dynamics and the most progressive in-car experience in its class with many segment-first features,” said José Muñoz, Hyundai Motor North America president and CEO. “The Elantra family now also includes a first-ever Hybrid version with up to 54 MPG combined fuel economy rating, and the N Line performance model that enthusiasts will love.”

Production will begin in Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the fall, with shipments to dealers in the fourth quarter.

Jason R. Sakurai
Jason R. Sakurai

With a father who owned a dealership, I literally grew up in the business. After college, I worked for GM, Nissan and Mazda, writing articles for automotive enthusiast magazines as a side gig. I discovered you could make a living selling ad space at Four Wheeler magazine, before I moved on to selling TV for the National Hot Rod Association. After that, I started Roadhouse, a marketing, advertising and PR firm dedicated to the automotive, outdoor/apparel, and entertainment industries. Through the years, I continued writing, shooting, and editing. It keep things interesting.

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  • Inside Looking Out Inside Looking Out on Mar 15, 2021

    I don't believe that. SEAT and Nissan are more popular brands in Spain than Hyudai and Kia.

  • El scotto El scotto on Mar 15, 2021

    Oh how this just reeks of cynicism. I'm kinda surprised that J.D. Power didn't come up with this sooner. This is pure advertising genius/evil. Step 1: Send out dubious "customer surveys" to your targeted demographic. Step 1 and 1/2, have companies advertise in your magazine the same month said survey runs. Step 2: Announce the "results" of your "survey". Oddly notice how the company running the most advertising has the winning product in the "survey". Once you've convinced some company that yes, they are well represented to that particular demographic, move on to the next one. Personally I want all the discounts a left-handed bourbon drinker can get.

  • Redapple2 Focus and Fiesta are better than Golf? (overall?) I liked the rentals I had. I would pick these over a Malibu even though it was a step down in class and the rental co would not reduce price.
  • Teddyc73 Oh good lord here we go again criticizing Cadillac for alphanumeric names. It's the same old tired ridiculous argument, and it makes absolutely no sense. Explain to me why alphanumeric names are fine for every other luxury brand....except Cadillac. What young well-off buyer is walking around thinking "Wow, Cadillac is a luxury brand but I thought they had interesting names?" No one. Cadillac's designations don't make sense? And other brands do? Come on.
  • Flashindapan Emergency mid year refresh of all Cadillac models by graphing on plastic fenders and making them larger than anything from Stellantis or Ford.
  • Bd2 Eh, the Dollar has held up well against most other currencies and the IRA is actually investing in critical industries, unlike the $6 Trillion in pandemic relief/stimulus which was just a cash giveaway (also rife with fraud).What Matt doesn't mention is that the price of fuel (particularly diesel) is higher relative to the price of oil due to US oil producers exporting records amount of oil and refiners exporting records amount of fuel. US refiners switched more and more production to diesel fuel, which lowers the supply of gas here (inflating prices). But shouldn't that mean low prices for diesel?Nope, as refiners are just exporting the diesel overseas, including to Mexico.
  • Jor65756038 As owner of an Opel Ampera/Chevrolet Volt and a 1979 Chevy Malibu, I will certainly not buy trash like the Bolt or any SUV or crossover. If GM doesn´t offer a sedan, then I will buy german, sweedish, italian, asian, Tesla or whoever offers me a sedan. Not everybody like SUV´s or crossovers or is willing to buy one no matter what.
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