New Hyundai Elantra boasts 40 mpg, $15,500 price

Hyundai hopes the 2011 Elantra, unveiled today at the Los Angeles auto show, plows into the small-car market as effectively as the remade Sonata did in the mid-size category, where it's become a fast-seller. Last month it was fourth-best-selling mid-size, closing fast on Nissan's Altima.

To achieve the goal, Hyundai's set Elantra's starting price at what it considers a tempting $15,550 including shipping, and will be able to advertise 40 mpg on the highway.

Hyundai tried to make the Elantra stylish, hoping it reminds you of the sleek Sonata, but making some folks think instead of the Honda Civic -- not necessarily bad.

Jake Fisher of Consumer Reports magazine says he thinks the Elantra is one of the most significant cars of the auto show. It's a stylish, basic car that achieves a lot of its fuel efficiency through weight savings in contrast to glitzier cars with fancy, expensive electric drive systems.

Hyundai's carved out considerable leg and knee room in the back seats. In a quick sit-test at the show, we had lots of spare room in back even sitting behind a six-foot-plus driver.

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