Motor Trend to EPA: you're too kind (Photo : Hyundai USA)
In its limited long-term update, Motor Trend has called the 2012 Hyundai Elantra disappointing in its fuel economy and said that the compact's EPA ratings are overoptimistic.
While the EPA credits the Elantra with a combined MPG of 33 miles (29 city, 40 highway), the car magazine says that the car consistently provides tanks in the mid to high 20s "aside from the occasional freeway-only run that will eke its way into the low 30s if speeds are kept to 70 and below."
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The car's sensitivity to driving conditions is identified as the reason for the disparity in performance ratings.
The magazine adds ruefully, "If your driving style closely mimics that of the EPA test cycle - particularly the ability to maintain constant speeds at the speed limit or below - then you'll arrive at the EPA's magic numbers."
