Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid
Encyclopedia
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car
that was produced by the Hyundai Motor Company
in South Korea
between 2006 and 2010. The HD series represented the fourth generation of the Hyundai Elantra
, which was sold under the Hyundai Avante name in its South Korean home market. The HD Elantra debuted at the 2006 New York Auto Show for the 2007 model year
.
inline-four. Only the 2.0-liter engine is offered in North America. All engines feature improved fuel economy over previous versions. A five-speed manual transmission
is standard and a four-speed automatic
is optional.
, and sales began as the Avante "LPI Hybrid" in the South Korean market in July 2009. Hyundai is exploring export opportunities in other markets with adequate LPG distribution infrastructure, such as China
, and previously Australia
.
The LPI Hybrid (liquefied petroleum injected) is a mild hybrid
and is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle
to be powered by an internal combustion engine built to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel. Hyundai developed the technology and all key components in the LPI Hybrid, together with its local partners including the electric motor, battery and low DC/DC converter. The lithium-ion polymer batteries, for which the LPI Hybrid is the first hybrid to adopt, differ from lithium-ion batteries in the medium used for the battery’s chemical reaction, as the latter use liquid or gel electrolyte as the conduit by which electrons pass between the anodes and cathodes, while lithium-polymer batteries, which Korean company LG Chem has been making for various applications since 2005, use a dry polymer that is considered more stable and fire-resistant than liquid. If the cells in a lithium-ion battery overheat, the liquid electrolyte can leak and cause a fire, which makes lithium-polymer batteries safer, and improves battery life under high-temperature conditions. The batteries used in the Hyundai Elantra LPI HEV also hold a more dense charge, which means that they can be more compact for an equivalent charge, and their self-discharge rate is said to be one-third of nickel-metal hydride batteries.
The LPI Hybird is equipped with the 1.6-liter Gamma engine, a 15 kW electric motor
, and a continuously variable transmission
(CVT). The LPI Hybrid delivers a fuel economy rating
of 41.9 miles per US gallon (17.8 km/L). As compared to the conventional 1.6-liter model, and considering South Korean gasoline prices, the LPI Hybrid can travel 39 kilometres (24.2 mi) for the price of one liter of gasoline, while the conventional model would be able to travel only a distance of 15 kilometres (9.3 mi). The engine emits 99 g/km of which allows the car to qualify as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
(SULEV). The LPI Hybrid produces 90 percent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline powered model, and LPG is a low carbon emitting hydrocarbon fuel which burns more cleanly than either gasoline or diesel, and also is free of the particulates associated with diesel. The LPI Hybrid also shares its powertrain with the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid.
The Elantra hybrid comes with an “Eco Guide” tree icon meant to coach the driver into developing more eco driving habits. The CVT has an optional "E (Eco-Drive)" gear to maximize fuel efficiency by "reducing sharp fluctuations in the torque, increasing the use of electric motor assist and electric charge regeneration when the brakes are applied."
(IIHS) the Elantra received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and an Marginal overall score in the side impact test, but all Hyundai Elantras manufactured after November 2009 earned a Good overall score in the side impact test. Standard side airbags include front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags.
as standard equipment, but adds side curtain airbag
s (previously front and side only), active head restraints
and all-round disc brake
s with four-channel ABS
. The Elantra also offers the most interior room in its class, leading the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to classify it as a mid-size car
.
Hyundai offers the Hyundai i30
wagon in the U.S. and Canada marketed as the "Elantra Touring". Elsewhere, the same vehicle is marketed as the Hyundai i30
cw.
2008
For the 2008 model year, the "Limited" trim level was dropped, leaving "GLS" and "SE" trim choices in the US. The SE trim includes features not available on the "GLS", such as telescopic steering wheel and electronic stability control
(ESC), with sunroof
and leather upholstery as options. According to Consumer Reports
testing, the "SE" trim has significantly better handling and braking than the base "GLS" trim.
2009
For 2009, iPod
and USB
interface system became standard equipment on the "SE" models. On the central instrumentation, the gear shift indicator has been moved to the trip computer
display, and the coolant temperature gauge has been removed. "GLS" models receive new wheel cover
designs, and "SE" models have a rear garnish on the rear registration plate
border. Exterior color choices now include Natural Khaki.
The 2009 model year Elantra was the highest quality compact car by J.D. Power's quality study. The study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners. The 2008, 2009, and 2010 Elantra SE has been consistently chosen as a Top Pick for compact sedans by Consumer Reports
magazine.
2010
For 2010, a new "Blue" trim was added, a basic model modified for increased fuel economy
. The grille
receives a slightly modified design, and "Blue" and "GLS" models also receive chrome rear garnish. The interior receives chrome door handles, new metallic interior finish, cup holders, and a chrome-trimmed gear selector
for "SE" models. "GLS" and "SE" models now have a standard automatic transmission
, while the lesser "Blue" models only comes with a manual. The "GLS" is available with sunroof or an LG navigation system
; "SE" is available with a choice of two packages: a sunroof with heated seats, or a sunroof with heated seats, LG navigation and Bluetooth
. iPod and USB connectivity became standard on the "GLS" and available on the "Blue". Exterior color choices have been slightly changed, with Nordic White and Black Noir Pearl replacing the Captiva White and Black Pearl, respectively; Purple Rain was deleted.
Canadian trim levels are different from the US models. The base model "L" offers a base package with a four-speaker CD
/MP3
/Auxiliary
stereo and front airbags. This trim also includes power window
s in the front with manual windows in the rear. Moving up to the "GL" adds heated mirrors, air conditioning, power windows all around, heated seats, a six-speaker stereo, wheel-mounted cruise control
and keyless entry with alarm. The "GLS" trim adds wheel-mounted audio controls, ABS, all-round disc brakes, and front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. The "GLS" with the Sport Package adds a rear spoiler
, power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheel
s, fog lamps, trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
and leather shifter. The final trim level, the "Limited", adds leather seats, a telescopic steering wheel and automatic climate control air conditioning.
Compact car
A compact car , or small family car , is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car...
that was produced by the Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai Motor Company is a Korean multinational automaker based in Seoul, South Korea which, along with Kia, comprises the Hyundai Kia Automotive Group, the world's fourth largest automaker as of 2009. As of 2011, it is the world's fastest growing automaker for two years running...
in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
between 2006 and 2010. The HD series represented the fourth generation of the Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Elantra
Launched in 1990 , the Elantra received a mid-term facelift in 1993.The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L straight-4 This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 hp at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds...
, which was sold under the Hyundai Avante name in its South Korean home market. The HD Elantra debuted at the 2006 New York Auto Show for the 2007 model year
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
.
Powertrain
The engine lineup includes 1.6- Gamma and 2.0-liter Beta II gasoline inline-four engines, and a 1.6-liter turbodieselTurbodiesel
Turbodiesel refers to any diesel engine with a turbocharger. Turbocharging is the norm rather than the exception in modern car and truck diesel engines...
inline-four. Only the 2.0-liter engine is offered in North America. All engines feature improved fuel economy over previous versions. A five-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
is standard and a four-speed automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
is optional.
LPI Hybrid
Hyundai presented the LPI Hybrid at the 2009 Seoul Motor ShowSeoul Motor Show
The Seoul Motor Show is a biennial auto show held at KINTEX , Goyang, Gyeonggi-do. Hosted by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association , It is recognized as an international show by the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.-2007:The 6th Seoul Motor Show runs from April...
, and sales began as the Avante "LPI Hybrid" in the South Korean market in July 2009. Hyundai is exploring export opportunities in other markets with adequate LPG distribution infrastructure, such as China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
, and previously Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
.
The LPI Hybrid (liquefied petroleum injected) is a mild hybrid
Mild Hybrid
Mild hybrids are essentially conventional fossil-fuel vehicles equipped with a large electric machine allowing the engine to be turned off whenever the car is coasting, braking, or stopped, yet restart quickly...
and is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle
Hybrid electric vehicle
A hybrid electric vehicle is a type of hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle which combines a conventional internal combustion engine propulsion system with an electric propulsion system. The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than a conventional...
to be powered by an internal combustion engine built to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel. Hyundai developed the technology and all key components in the LPI Hybrid, together with its local partners including the electric motor, battery and low DC/DC converter. The lithium-ion polymer batteries, for which the LPI Hybrid is the first hybrid to adopt, differ from lithium-ion batteries in the medium used for the battery’s chemical reaction, as the latter use liquid or gel electrolyte as the conduit by which electrons pass between the anodes and cathodes, while lithium-polymer batteries, which Korean company LG Chem has been making for various applications since 2005, use a dry polymer that is considered more stable and fire-resistant than liquid. If the cells in a lithium-ion battery overheat, the liquid electrolyte can leak and cause a fire, which makes lithium-polymer batteries safer, and improves battery life under high-temperature conditions. The batteries used in the Hyundai Elantra LPI HEV also hold a more dense charge, which means that they can be more compact for an equivalent charge, and their self-discharge rate is said to be one-third of nickel-metal hydride batteries.
The LPI Hybird is equipped with the 1.6-liter Gamma engine, a 15 kW electric motor
Electric motor
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.Most electric motors operate through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force...
, and a continuously variable transmission
Continuously variable transmission
A continuously variable transmission is a transmission that can change steplessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios...
(CVT). The LPI Hybrid delivers a fuel economy rating
Fuel economy in automobiles
Fuel usage in automobiles refers to the fuel efficiency relationship between distance traveled by an automobile and the amount of fuel consumed....
of 41.9 miles per US gallon (17.8 km/L). As compared to the conventional 1.6-liter model, and considering South Korean gasoline prices, the LPI Hybrid can travel 39 kilometres (24.2 mi) for the price of one liter of gasoline, while the conventional model would be able to travel only a distance of 15 kilometres (9.3 mi). The engine emits 99 g/km of which allows the car to qualify as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle
Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle is a U.S. classification for conventionally powered, natural gas powered, or gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle designed to produce minimal emissions of certain categories of air pollution at their exhaust, typically 90% less than that of an equivalent ordinary full...
(SULEV). The LPI Hybrid produces 90 percent fewer emissions than an equivalent standard gasoline powered model, and LPG is a low carbon emitting hydrocarbon fuel which burns more cleanly than either gasoline or diesel, and also is free of the particulates associated with diesel. The LPI Hybrid also shares its powertrain with the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid.
The Elantra hybrid comes with an “Eco Guide” tree icon meant to coach the driver into developing more eco driving habits. The CVT has an optional "E (Eco-Drive)" gear to maximize fuel efficiency by "reducing sharp fluctuations in the torque, increasing the use of electric motor assist and electric charge regeneration when the brakes are applied."
Safety
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
(IIHS) the Elantra received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and an Marginal overall score in the side impact test, but all Hyundai Elantras manufactured after November 2009 earned a Good overall score in the side impact test. Standard side airbags include front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags.
North America
In North America, the base "GLS" trim (during 2007 model year), unlike the previous year's, does not include air conditioningAir conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
as standard equipment, but adds side curtain airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
s (previously front and side only), active head restraints
Headrest
In an automobile, head restraints are attached or integrated into the top of the seats in each seating position to limit the rearward movement of an adult occupant's head relative to his torso in a crash, so as to reduce the danger of whiplash or other injury to the cervical vertebrae...
and all-round disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s with four-channel ABS
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
. The Elantra also offers the most interior room in its class, leading the United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
(EPA) to classify it as a mid-size car
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
.
Hyundai offers the Hyundai i30
Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30 is a small family car by South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company. The i30 shares its platform with the Kia cee'd, available as a five-door hatchback or estate, with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, either with manual or automatic transmissions.The i30 wagon is...
wagon in the U.S. and Canada marketed as the "Elantra Touring". Elsewhere, the same vehicle is marketed as the Hyundai i30
Hyundai i30
The Hyundai i30 is a small family car by South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company. The i30 shares its platform with the Kia cee'd, available as a five-door hatchback or estate, with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, either with manual or automatic transmissions.The i30 wagon is...
cw.
2008
For the 2008 model year, the "Limited" trim level was dropped, leaving "GLS" and "SE" trim choices in the US. The SE trim includes features not available on the "GLS", such as telescopic steering wheel and electronic stability control
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
(ESC), with sunroof
Sunroof
An automotive sunroof is a fixed or operable opening in an automobile roof which allows light and/or fresh air to enter the passenger compartment. Sunroofs may be manually operated or motor driven, and are available in many shapes, sizes and styles...
and leather upholstery as options. According to Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
testing, the "SE" trim has significantly better handling and braking than the base "GLS" trim.
2009
For 2009, iPod
IPod
iPod is a line of portable media players created and marketed by Apple Inc. The product line-up currently consists of the hard drive-based iPod Classic, the touchscreen iPod Touch, the compact iPod Nano, and the ultra-compact iPod Shuffle...
and USB
Universal Serial Bus
USB is an industry standard developed in the mid-1990s that defines the cables, connectors and protocols used in a bus for connection, communication and power supply between computers and electronic devices....
interface system became standard equipment on the "SE" models. On the central instrumentation, the gear shift indicator has been moved to the trip computer
Trip computer
A trip computer is an onboard computer device fitted to cars which can generally record distance travelled, average speed, average fuel consumption, and display real time fuel consumption information...
display, and the coolant temperature gauge has been removed. "GLS" models receive new wheel cover
Hubcap
A hubcap, wheel cover or wheel trim is a decorative disk on an automobile wheel that covers at least a central portion of the wheel. Cars with stamped steel wheels often use a full wheel cover that conceals the entire wheel. Cars with alloy wheels or styled steel wheels generally use smaller...
designs, and "SE" models have a rear garnish on the rear registration plate
Vehicle registration plate
A vehicle registration plate is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies the vehicle within the issuing region's database...
border. Exterior color choices now include Natural Khaki.
The 2009 model year Elantra was the highest quality compact car by J.D. Power's quality study. The study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners. The 2008, 2009, and 2010 Elantra SE has been consistently chosen as a Top Pick for compact sedans by Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is an American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. It also publishes cleaning and general buying guides...
magazine.
2010
For 2010, a new "Blue" trim was added, a basic model modified for increased fuel economy
Fuel economy in automobiles
Fuel usage in automobiles refers to the fuel efficiency relationship between distance traveled by an automobile and the amount of fuel consumed....
. The grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
receives a slightly modified design, and "Blue" and "GLS" models also receive chrome rear garnish. The interior receives chrome door handles, new metallic interior finish, cup holders, and a chrome-trimmed gear selector
Gear stick
A gear stick is the lever used to change gear in a vehicle, such as an automobile, with manual transmission or several common forms of automatic transmission.The device is used to change gear; in a manual transmission vehicle this will normally be done whilst depressing...
for "SE" models. "GLS" and "SE" models now have a standard automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
, while the lesser "Blue" models only comes with a manual. The "GLS" is available with sunroof or an LG navigation system
Automotive navigation system
An automotive navigation system is a satellite navigation system designed for use in automobiles. It typically uses a GPS navigation device to acquire position data to locate the user on a road in the unit's map database. Using the road database, the unit can give directions to other locations...
; "SE" is available with a choice of two packages: a sunroof with heated seats, or a sunroof with heated seats, LG navigation and Bluetooth
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks with high levels of security...
. iPod and USB connectivity became standard on the "GLS" and available on the "Blue". Exterior color choices have been slightly changed, with Nordic White and Black Noir Pearl replacing the Captiva White and Black Pearl, respectively; Purple Rain was deleted.
Canadian trim levels are different from the US models. The base model "L" offers a base package with a four-speaker CD
Compact disc player
A Compact Disc player , or CD player, is an electronic device that plays audio Compact Discs. CD players are often a part of home stereo systems, car audio systems, and personal computers. They are also manufactured as portable devices...
/MP3
MP3
MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 Audio Layer III, more commonly referred to as MP3, is a patented digital audio encoding format using a form of lossy data compression...
/Auxiliary
Jack (connector)
In electronics and electrical assemblies, the term jack commonly refers to a surface-mounted connector, often, but not always, with the female electrical contact or socket, and is the "more fixed" connector of a connector pair...
stereo and front airbags. This trim also includes power window
Power window
Power windows or electric windows as well as electric or power window lifts are automobile windows which can be raised and lowered by depressing a button or switch, as opposed to using a hand-turned crank handle.- History :Packard introduced the first power windows in the 1940 Packard...
s in the front with manual windows in the rear. Moving up to the "GL" adds heated mirrors, air conditioning, power windows all around, heated seats, a six-speaker stereo, wheel-mounted cruise control
Cruise control
Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle. The system takes over the throttle of the car to maintain a steady speed as set by the driver.-History:...
and keyless entry with alarm. The "GLS" trim adds wheel-mounted audio controls, ABS, all-round disc brakes, and front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. The "GLS" with the Sport Package adds a rear spoiler
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
, power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s, fog lamps, trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
and leather shifter. The final trim level, the "Limited", adds leather seats, a telescopic steering wheel and automatic climate control air conditioning.