2011 Hyundai Elantra Awarded Top Safety Pick by IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced it has awarded its most coveted award, the Top Safety Pick, to the 2011 Hyundai Elantra, as the vehicle managed to obtain a rating of "Good" in all crash test categories including front, side, rollover and rear crash protection.In addition to that, the Elantra is also fitted with Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

"Elantra safety has improved tremendously over the years with the vehicle now earning IIHS' top safety distinction," said David Zuby, the IIHS' chief research officer. "The big things the automakers have done to improve crashworthiness are designing better front crush zones to manage crash energy, stronger occupant compartments to limit intrusion, and stronger roofs to better protect people in rollovers."

The 2011 Elantra comes fitted with features such as the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), - which manages ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and the Motor-Driven electric Power Steering (MDPS) -, and six airbags—including dual front, front seat-mounted side-impact, and front and rear side curtain airbag.

The Elantra also features a state-of-the-art braking package including four-wheel disc brakes and an Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) including Brake Assist, which provides maximum braking force when a panic stop is detected, and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), to automatically adjust the braking force to front and rear axles based on vehicle loading conditions.

"Hyundai is committed to applying the most effective life-saving vehicle technologies and the all-new Elantra is no exception," said Mike O'Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. "The 40 mpg highway 2011 Elantra is proving that compact cars can be fuel efficient while offering tremendous safety."