Yesterday we found out who was the champion of the world in football so AutoSpies.com thought it would be fitting to announce our choice for Car Of The Year today.
As you know, we are the number one automotive social media site with a focus on the premium market.
But every once in a while a great car comes along that deserves our praise even though it doesn't compete in the markets our community is usually most interested in.
This year's car of the year is special for a number of reasons.
1. It's groundbreaking in the segment
2. It changes the paradigm in its segment
3. It offers best of breed capabilities that the competitors can't touch.
4. And this year, because it's price is almost too good to be true
So with no further ado, this years winner is....
The 2011 Hyundai Elantra.
Hybrid like mileage (40 mpg hwy), gorgeous styling not even known in the compact category until now, acres of interior room with gorgeous fit and finish and a starting price of $14,830 makes this the first 'Premium' compact car for the masses.
Congratulations Hyundai on a job well done!
Full 2011 Hyundai Elantra Photo Gallery
Official press release:
ALL-NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA NAMED 2011 AUTOSPIES.COM CAR OF THE YEAR
SAN DIEGO, CA. February 7, 2011... The all-new 2011 Hyundai Elantra was named today by AutoSpies.com—the world’s leading automotive social media site—as the 2011 AutoSpies.com Car of the Year.
In the eyes of AutoSpies.com editors, the new Elantra sends everyone in the segment back to the drawing board because of its elegant and sporty styling, total value equation, and wonderful execution.
“Hyundai has single-handedly changed the compact car segment by creating the first “premium” compact that is affordable to the masses,” said Donald Buffamanti, Founder of AutoSpies.com
Starting at a price of $14,830 with class-leading interior volume and an Environmental Protection Agency rated MPG of 29/40 city/highway, the 2011 Elantra is a well-rounded compact car that bests the rest.
"Elantra is pushing the compact category to offer innovation, content and style -- characteristics often missing from the competition," said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. "Car enthusiasts like AutoSpies.com recognize that standard 40 miles-per-gallon fuel economy, tremendous luxury and convenience features, and modern design should be
expectations even at an accessible price point."
About AutoSpies.com
AutoSpies.com was founded by Donald Buffamanti, former SVP of MP3.com, and former technical advisor to the President of Apple Computer Canada; Chip Grueter, President of Dealerrater.com LLC; and Greg Flores, co-founder of MP3.com. The spy chiefs have built a social media network of millions of automotive prosumers, in-market car buyers, industry and media analysts and car fanatics who routinely post insider information—spy photos, opinions and next generation product plans,—to their social media news network.
Since 2001, the AutoSpies.com team has taken it from a vision to one of the largest and most respected car sites on the World Wide Web, getting visits and interaction from millions of readers per month. AutoSpies.com is one of the highest ranked auto information sites on Google, Facebook, Twitter, Bing, Yahoo and other major search engines and social media sites. AutoSpies.com is also featured on a weekly auto segment on San Diego 6 television and are regular guests on many national news shows providing opinions and commentary on the automotive industry.
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