2012 Detroit Auto Show: Hyundai Elantra Crowned 2012 North American Car of the Year

Hyundai has proven to be a major contender amongst brands that have previously dominated the automotive market on American soil. It has been rather evident in many of our previous test drive reviews of Hyundai vehicles that their cars stand out from the traditional crowd in a good way which is why the Hyundai Elantra has been named the 2012 North American Car of the Year.

The Hyundai Elantra, in its 5th generation, receives premium treatment rivaling that of midsized sedans wrapped up in a 40 mpg package at an excellent price point. Up against the other two finalists, the Volkswagen Passat and Ford Focus, the Hyundai Elantra takes home the win this year praised for its high-class interior, innovative styling and class-leading fuel consumption for both the manual and automatic transmission choices.

Last year’s winning choice for North American Car of the Year was the Chevrolet Volt.

The process of selection is from a panel made up of 50 accredited automotive journalists from around the United States and Canada.

Do you have any thoughts on the selection of the new Hyundai Elantra as the North American Car of the Year?