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2016 Hyundai Elantra GT gets refreshed with a big new face

Hyundai is taking the sheet off of a facelift for the 2016 Elantra GT at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, and if buyers spec the five-door hatchback right, they can also get the Korean brand's latest infotainment system. The biggest and most obvious change for the updated Elantra GT is its brand new front end. The grille now features wide, horizontal slats with chrome accents, which removes the previous design's somewhat smiling face. It also brings the styling more in line with the rest of the Hyundai lineup. In addition, vehicle rides on some redesigned 17-inch wheels. The interior is left basically the same for the update, except if buyers choose the optional Technology Package. It adds a new 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with a rearview camera, which is similar to the unit in some trims of the Sonata and Genesis. Hyundai's Blue Link telematics system and Apple Siri Eyes Free are included, as well. Choosing the pack also features dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, LED taillights and ventilated driver's and passenger's seats, which brand claims is a segment first. Mechanically, the steering is retuned for better feel in 2016 but everything else carries over. That gives buyers a direct-injected 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque and the choice of a six-speed manual or automatic. Base pricing is the same as the 2015 model year at $18,800, plus an $825 destination charge on all models, for the manual or $19,800 with the auto. Although, with all of the extra kit, the Tech Package is now $3,950, rather than $2,900 last year, but the required Style Package for it is re-priced to $1,975, as opposed to $2,550 in 2015. Hyundai's Sporty and Versatile Hatchback Gets a More Affordable Style Package and a New Navigation System with Next-Generation Blue Link Telematics CHICAGO, Feb. 13, 2015 – Today at the Chicago Auto Show, Hyundai Motor America introduced a refreshed Elantra GT for the 2016 model year, offering updated styling with customer-focused technology and features. With a more distinctive front fascia and all-new 17" alloy wheels, Elantra GT's new look further enhances the vehicle's signature sporty styling. And when mated to a standard 2.0-liter Gasoline Direct Injection engine, the formula comes together to deliver a vehicle that both looks and feels dynamic.

Hyundai, Porsche top J.D. Power APEAL study

Just as they did in the Initial Quality Study, Porsche and Hyundai have taken the premium and non-premium crown, respectively, for the 2014 J.D. Power APEAL study. This is the tenth consecutive year for that Porsche has been rated the best premium make in the APEAL study, which attempts to figure out how pleased owners are with their purchases. For 2014, it asked 86,000 owners of MY2014 cars to rate their vehicles in 77 different categories 90 days after their initial purchase. The resulting figures were plugged in deliver the APEAL score, which is rated on a 1,000-point scale.
The industry average sits at 794 points for 2014, although that's a one-percent decline over last year's rating. In this year's study, premium brands averaged 840 out of 1,000, while non-premium makes average 785. For their part, Porsche netted an impressive 882 points, while Hyundai earned an 804. Interestingly, only four non-premium brands (Hyundai, Ram, Volkswagen and Mini) finished above the industry average for 2014.
It's also interesting to see the clear delineation between premium and non-premium brands, with an eight-point gap between the non-premium champ, Hyundai, and the lowest-rated premium brand, Volvo.

John Krafcik stepping down as Hyundai CEO, replaced by VP of sales

Hyundai Motor America has announced that its affable president and CEO, John Krafcik, will be stepping down from his post on January 1, at the completion of his contract. He'll be replaced by the current executive vice president of sales, David Zuchowski.
Krafcik has helmed Hyundai through a product renaissance that's seen the Korean automaker go from budget afterthought to household name in less than a decade, launching stylish new models and expanding into new markets. "On behalf of Hyundai Motor Company, we sincerely thank John for his visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, which has driven Hyundai's record growth over the past five years," said Im Tak Uk, the COO and executive vice president of HMA's parent company, Hyundai Motor Company.
"It's been a sincere privilege and honor to lead Hyundai Motor America over the past five years, and I am confident that with Dave's succession, our brand will continue to expand and thrive for years to come," said Krafcik in a Hyundai press release, available below. "We have many of the best and brightest employees in the business coupled with a committed and talented dealer network that will continue to pay dividends."