This
honour further demonstrates that a car achieving
40 mpg standard highway fuel economy is not
only practicable but fashionable as well. In one of
the most competitive years for the award,
Ward’s editors evaluated 51 vehicles that were all-
new or featured significantly upgraded interiors.
This year’s 10 Best Interiors list represents a
broad cross section of the industry, from utility
vehicles and minivans to small cars and high-end
premium sedans.
“Proving economy cars ‘ain’t what they used to
be,’ the Hyundai Elantra Limited delivers enough
flair to suggest the South Korean automaker is
finding its own unique interior design language,”
said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief, Ward’s
AutoWorld. “The instrument panel of the Elantra
displays a curvaceous sensuality, with a belt
drawn tightly around the climate controls; the
center console then widens as it flows down to
the gear shifter.”
The 2011 Elantra represents a modern approach
to the traditional compact sedan segment
featuring a sleek style, advanced safety features,
“class above” interior volume and standard 40
mpg highway fuel economy.
Inside the Elantra,
customers find Hyundai’s expertise in interior
packaging, lighting, leading-edge design and
craftsmanship. This approach is visible in the
clarity of the instruments and the tilt and
telescopic steering wheel. The seats help fuel
economy and the environment, being made of
lightweight, environmentally friendly foam.
Heated seats are available in the front and the
rear, a segment first.
“The sophisticated interior of the Elantra is
designed to bring new life to the compact car
segment combined with the ultimate in
functionality for the driver,” said Chris Zarlenga,
design manger, Hyundai America Technical
Center. “Being named to Ward’s 10 Best Interiors,
alongside vehicles like the Audi A8 and BMW X3
xDrive35i, shows that compact cars can provide
an engaging experience as well.”
Ward’s editors picked the winning interiors using
the same methodology employed for the annual
Ward’s 10 Best Engines program.
Scoresheets are
completed for each vehicle driven based on
materials, ergonomics, safety, the human-
machine interface, comfort, fit-and-finish, overall
value and aesthetics. Following the evaluation,
Ward’s editors have extensive discussions to
determine the winners.
The Ward’s 10 Best Interiors competition takes
the place of the Interior of the Year program that
dates back well before 2005, when Ward’s
acquired the Auto Interiors Conference.
The 2011
interior winners will be honored in a special
ceremony at this year’s conference May 17 at The
Henry Ford hotel in Dearborn, Mich.
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