That is a great amount of power to have in a very small car, but the base 1.6L naturally aspirated Gamma produces between 128 and 138 horsepower depending on transmission and emission standards required by different regions. Being a carryover from the previous year with possible minor equipment upgrades, the 2013 Hyundai Veloster has not been displayed at any major auto show and show be available in showrooms in late 2012.

Body Style

Hyundai’s funky looking Tiburon replacement continues the brand’s tradition of offering a lightweight economic sporty vehicle, but the looks are certainly ‘like it or leave it’ by any measure. Unique looks aside, the Hyundai Veloster is a very useful shape that combines a unique fast-back like design with a nearly hatch-back level functionality. The combination sacrifices a tiny bit of practicality for a unique style, but it is unclear how well the Korean giant’s effort will hold out against renewed competition from Asia and Detroit.

Competition to the 2013 Hyundai Veloster

Detroit is offering a few really amazing vehicles in the same size & price range as the Veloster, including the updated Chevrolet Sonic with its more useful shape and torque-happy turbocharged Ecotec, and the new Ford Focus coupes that will have an EcoBoost engine available to compete for 2013. The superb Nissan Sentra is also a likely competitor to the Veloster, but the unique shape of the Veloster is likely to limit the ability of the competition to offer direct comparisons. This can be both good and bad, and will almost certainly manifest itself in resell values.

While well-known auto brands from Detroit and abroad can command higher long-term value than newer names like Hyundai can, the fact is that unique vehicles tend to have a little help holding their own. Unfortunately, Hyundai is a brand going through what would seem to be like an identity crisis at the moment, producing high-end luxury vehicles and affordable vehicles, and the Veloster does not really fit into this spectrum well. It certainly hast the looks to charm some, but looks alone would seem to be the prevue of brands like Scion or VW. At this point in time, the long term value of a Veloster is anyone’s guess.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment in the Veloster includes an advanced vehicle stability management (VSM) system, anti-lock breaking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), a collision avoidance system, 6 airbags, a traction control system (TCS), and a Blue Link SOS emergency assistance system.

Many modern Hyundai vehicles feature communication between the transmission and the various modules such as the ABS, TCS, ESC, and VSM, and it is expected that the 2013 Hyundai Veloster will integrate such a feature but Hyundai has not been explicit about the subject as of the time of this writing.

Body Features

The bumpers and side moldings are designed with a swept back look that makes the car look like a mid-size sedan. Designed with new sheet metal and body ridges, this car stands out among subcompacts.

The car is 3 inches wider and 2.8 inches longer in the wheelbase than before, but weighs 60 pounds less. The back seat of this model is also one of the largest in the subcompact class. The EPA actually classifies this car as a compact, even though Hyundai positions it as a sub-compact.

The Accent comes in both a hatchback and a sedan version this year with your choice of the baseline GLS, the GS or the SE high end model. The Accent is also a leader in cargo space featuring a 21.2 cubic foot hatchback or a 13.7 cubic trunk space.

The GLS comes with an advanced radio console featuring separate tweeters and an auxiliary jack for your iPod. Even the basic model comes with dual vanity mirrors, map, dome and cargo lights with a folding rear seat. The SE model adds Blue tooth and cruise control as standard features along with a leather covered steering wheel and shift knob. With the SE come upgraded cloth seats and deep black and chrome interior.

Performance Specifications

Engine wise, the 1.6 liter 4 cylinder engine continues to exhibit gas mileage of 40 mph on the highway and about 33 in the city. Reaching a horsepower of 138, this is one of the most powerful cars in this class. The Accent comes in both six speed automatic and manual transmissions, but due to design features the automatic transmission obtains about the same gas mileage as the manual transmission. The six speed transmissions are not available on another car in this class.

Safety Features

There are new and improved safety features on this car. One of the newest is four wheel disc brakes resulting in improved stopping times for this car. Many subcompacts have only two disc brakes on the car due to the low weight of the car. This car has disc brakes all around resulting in faster and safer stopping.

With the disc brakes come anti lock brakes, increased stability control and better traction in inclement weather situations. The steering system of the 2013 Accent is no longer a hydraulic engine driven system. This has been replaced by an electric driven steering system, also a first for a subcompact. Other safety features include active front headrests which prevent neck and upper body damage in a crash. Air bags are prevalent and include front, side and side curtain bags. Impact resistant bumpers are standard on all models.

Competition to the 2013 Hyundai Accent

The competition to the Hyundai Accent is the Ford Fiesta and the Nissan Versa and to a lesser degree, the Honda Fit. In the last few years, Accent sales have been keyed by its gas mileage. With the redesign, Accent has added some great improvements over the Fiesta and Versa and has thrown down the gauntlet. The question now is can the Fiesta, Versa and Fit step up to the same level for the same price.

At the time of this writing, no replacement or update post the 2010 refresh have been shown to the public, and thus it would be safe to assume that the 2013 Hyundai Veracruz will arrive in dealerships sometime in late 2012. When it was introduced in 2006, the then near-luxury crossover garnered a lot of interest, but competition has become fierce in the segment and being one of the first to the fray has not proven to be beneficial for Hyundai.

Performance Features

The Veracruz will continue to soldier on with its Lambda-class V6 that produces a now-average power output compared to the competition. The seven seat full-size crossover may not be the fastest or most capable off-road performer, but it still represents a great value for those that are not concerned about resell value.

Competition to the 2013 Hyundai Veracruz

Competitors such as the Buck Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, Mazda CX-9 and Ford Explorer manage to bracket the Veracruz on all sides of the spectrum despite being similar vehicles. A new CX-9 due in 2013 could very well upset the balance in the full-sized CUV segment.

Out of all of these vehicles, the Hyundai may have the worst resell value an its initial value equation may be challenged by the CX-9 and uplevel trim Explorers.

Safety Features

One area where the aging Veracruz excels is in the safety department, with its integrated electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control system (TCS) that talk to each other electronically, all 4 wheels are doing what they can to make a dangerous road far safer.

Add to this a solid protective frame and a half-dozen standard airbags and it is no mystery why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration declared that the Veracruz is one of the safest vehicles on the road today.

Conclusion

With resell value in question measured against safety and a reasonable initial value, the swoopy exterior featuring Hyundai’s last-generation corporate design language may be the make or break factor for many. With Hyundai still struggling to find its new corporate face, it is unlikely that aesthetics will weigh heavily in any positive manner for the outgoing Veracruz.

Middle of the pack power and fuel efficiency that have since been surpassed by rivals added on top, it is not at all a surprise that the Veracruz will be doing its swan song in 2013.

The improvements to the Genesis are likely to be threefold: a refreshed exterior and interior, equipment upgrades, and a new engine.

Body Style and Performance

The exterior refresh will likely give the understated Hyundai Genesis an updated corporate grill as well as more aggressive lines. The interior is likely to be the recipient of upgraded soft touch materials and may favor a more cockpit-like design that some enthusiasts are expecting in high-end vehicles.

An updated Tau motor displacing 5.0L may produce approximately 430 horsepower, propelling the Hyundai Genesis into competition with M-series class vehicles at the top end.

Safety Features

Standard safety equipment in the 2013 Hyundai Genesis will include twin front airbags, at least 3 side and rear airbags per side, curtain airbags all around, a race-inspired ABS system that is aware of road conditions and the transmission state, advanced traction control, and an improved version of Hyundai’s electronic stability control that made its debut with the Equus. Combine these features the lengthy list of standard features, and the Hyundai Genesis might not be the cheapest car available, but it is a far better value than its competitors.

Competition to the 2013 Hyundai Genesis

The current Genesis competes primarily with full-size luxury autos such as the BMW 5 series, the Mercedes-Benz S class, Cadillac DTS, and the Lexus LS 460. These are certainly lofty targets to compete with for a company that was making value-oriented vehicles and struggling with their public image only a decade ago.

The upgraded Tau will even allow the 2013 Hyundai Genesis to tackle more powerful vehicles, such as the BMW M-Series, tuner versions of the LS, or even the Cadillac STS-V that offers near DTS luxury levels but with supercar performance. The Genesis might not favor well against these candidates, but it is a good first attempt and the Lamba-class V6 is expected to be available as well.

A Good Value?

The value equation may backfire on the Genesis though as luxury buyers tend to have a firm grasp on economic principles such as resell value, an area that is notoriously hit or miss based off of brand.

For example, Cadillac has historically suffered major problems with their resell value, and even recent changes to the brand have done little to counteract that. The Hyundai Genesis may fare better than the GM flagship line in terms of resell, but it is not likely to match or exceed the offerings from any of its overseas competitors due to the brand still being ‘tainted’ by its value origins.

Power-steering System Issues

The Chevy recall affects 10,344 Impala models manufactured from April 19, 2011-July 29, 2011. The defect is the result of an upper hose in the power-steering system that might have gotten routed so it can touch or at least come very near the vehicle’s catalytic converter. The converter’s heat could melt the hose of the power-steering system, thus allowing fluid to drain and potentially start a fire.

During the recall, General Motors dealerships will ensure the upper hose is appropriately routed and handle any requisite repairs.

Faulty Electronic Stability Controls

GM also intends to recall 4,077 Buick LaCrosse sedans manufactured from June 9, 2011 – July 2, 2011 due to possibly improperly programmed electronic stability control devices. Consequently, the ESC system on the Buick model might not sense a malfunctioning sensor properly, and the indicator light that warns when the system is not functioning would not go on.

The defective sensor could cause the electronic stability control system to turn on suddenly when it is not needed, potentially causing the driver to lose control and have an accident. To correct the defect, dealerships will recalibrate the electronic brake control system at no cost to the owner.

Owners can expect both recalls to begin sometime this month. GM customers can reach Chevrolet at 800-630-2438 or Buick at 866-608-8080 if they have questions about the recall or where they should take their vehicles for the necessary repairs.

In July, General Motors reported a large investment in the Sunlogics PLC company in order to distribute solar canopies through North American Chevrolet dealerships. These canopies will charge the Chevy Volt on the lots of dealerships, and the dealers will use any leftover electricity to meet its power needs.

Earlier this week, Detroit automaker Ford announced a partnership with the SunPower Corporation to advance their “Drive Green For Life” initiative, but the company will promote solar power from a different angle than GM. Later this year, Ford will unveil the all-electric Focus in addition to the plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi in 2012, and the company will offer buyers the option to purchase a solar panel system for their home rooftop when they buy electric vehicles.

System Specifications

In contrast to the majority of residential solar-power systems that are designed to meet all or some of the homeowner’s energy needs, the Ford system is intended only to provide the requisite power to charge the vehicle. Consequently, installation is cheaper and less involved. The system, which is 2.5 kilowatts, will generate 3,000 kWh of electricity annually, thereby providing electric-vehicle owners full power to drive roughly 1,000 miles monthly. Ford reports the panels made by SunPower are more efficient than standard systems, generating as much as 50 percent more electricity while also producing less of a carbon footprint.

The rooftop solar system costs $10,000, but that price may be reduced due to local, state, and federal tax credits. For that price, buyers will also receive monitoring devices enabling them to keep track of the panels online or through a smartphone app. Ford offers a 25-year warranty with each system.

According to a press release by Ford quoting its Director of Global Vehicle Electrification, Mike Tinskey, the company claims owners of electric vehicles can actually lower the total cost of ownership by using the electricity generated from the solar panels to power their vehicles. In reality, though, drivers would have to live in an area where electricity is extremely expensive to recoup the cost of the solar-panel system within a reasonable amount of time. Irrespective of the cost, though, the Ford solar panel system will leave a smaller carbon footprint, which is the primary concern of many electric-vehicle drivers.

Jeremy Anwyl, CEO for Edmunds, predicted August auto sales would increase relative July before the massive vicissitudes of the last few days hit the stock market. So far, however, August’s annual rate adjusted seasonally is approximately 12.1 million vehicles, which is on par with July’s total.

"Considering the uncertainty in the marketplace, even if we end up at July's sales pace I would have to see it as good news," explained Mr. Anwyl.

Edmunds’ chief economis, Lacey Plache, pointed out that although there are some pitfalls attached to declining consumer confidence stemming from the recent downgrading of the United States government by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Service, the auto-purchasing climate remains favorable.

Marketplace Trends

Ms. Plache explained that larger incentives, consistently low interest rates, and more vehicle availability were promising trends that might counteract most of the effect of the debt downgrade’s impact on the confidence of American consumers.

Following a strong start in early 2011, auto sales sagged in May due to diminishing vehicle inventories from Japanese manufacturers (resulting from the earthquake in March), buyer worries about the economic outlook, and skyrocketing new-vehicle prices.

In June and July, slumping auto sales stayed depressed, and executives in the auto industry were not optimistic that August would buck the downward trend, but they stayed hopeful that buyers would start appearing in showrooms again in the following months once Japanese-vehicle inventories were replenished.

Experts will continue to monitor sales closely throughout August to see how the rest of the month unfolds in light of growing economic uncertainty.

The Azera is priced thousands less than similar competing vehicles in its class. The Azera gets great gas mileage at 28 mpg, whether your commuting or driving long distances its sure to be suitable for you.

Release Speculation

The release date for the 2013 Hyundai Azera is expected to be mid-late 2012, but that is still not confirmed by Hyundai. They are however, releasing the 2012 Hyundai Azera in November 2011. There are many people waiting to see exactly what this sedan has to offer.

Hyundai has been paying close attention to customers’ hopes and ideas for improvements for what they expect to see in the new sedan. Just like in previous years, the interior is still very spacious. They have given the 2013 Hyundai Azera a redesigned body shape and style so now it can be classified as a select mid-size luxury sedan.

Model History

In 2006, the Hyundai Azera was introduced; it actually was previously the Hyundai Grandeur, which was sold from 1986 to the beginning of 2003. Gradually over the years Hyundai made the cars motor more powerful by going from a 2.0 Liter SOHC MPI engine in 1986 to a 3.8 Lambada V6 engine in 2006. Customers who have owned the Azera say that it is an exceptionally made vehicle which is smooth riding, comfortable, and quiet with quality fit and finish and that is also has a satisfying resale value.

Safety Features and Body Style

Features include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), which detects if the vehicle is actually in your intended path. It detects this by how hard or quick you steer with sensors that measure steering wheel angle, G-force, and yaw.

Another outstanding feature is the braking system that can sense if you are in an emergency situation; by the speed you press the brake. Some people don’t press the brake hard enough even in emergencies, the braking system can tell when these circumstances occur and helps in stopping the car 20% faster. The front head restraints are an impressive addition to the Azera; they move forward and up to protect your neck from overextending and getting whiplash during an accident.

The exact body style is not yet confirmed and no details have been released, but there is supposed to be a change from previous years.

How Does the 2013 Hyundai Azera Stack Up?

Competition to the Buick Lucerne, Toyota Avalon, and Chrysler 300, the Azera offers an impressive range of features with spacious interior and luxury at a lower price than vehicles in its class. It can definitely hold its own when compared to other vehicles similar.

Whatever you are looking for in a vehicle the 2013 Hyundai Azera is sure to impress you with its luxury, comfort and style, at an affordable price.

With no major changes due for the Sonata in 2013, it is likely that the model will be available at dealerships nationwide in late 2012.

Body Style and Performance

An elegant example of automobile engineering, the current Sonata design is already winning a great deal of awards for its value and style. The hybrid version won the 2011 Green Car of the Year from the Green Car Journal, even beating out to plug-in electric competitors, as well as a IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Numerous other accolades have been awarded to the newest generation Sonata, which is a stark contrast to the previous Sonata which was a far more value-oriented vehicle that lacked the stunning visual appeal of the latest generation Sonata.

Safety Features

A Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS might be due to the electronic stability and traction control systems, 3rd generation anti-lock breaking with grip detection, brake assist, and electronic brake-force distribution, but the solid space frame of the newest Sonata has also held its own in crash tests. In fact, the 6th generation Sonata has garnered 43 out of 45 possible stars in the 9 different categories the NHTSA uses.

Value Assessment

While the previous generation Sonatas lost a great deal of their value with each year, the newer models may hold their value surprisingly well in comparison. This is due to the fact that Hyundai is now positioning itself as less of a value oriented band with a twist of luxury as a near-luxury brand with full-blown luxury aspirations.

The gorgeous exterior of the newest Sonata and its hybrid power train as well as the very aggressive 2.0L turbocharged version serve to demonstrate that Hyundai is serious about changing its residual value. How successful they are at this endeavor remains to be seen, but few brands are making even half the effort that the Korean car company is.

Competition to the 2013 Hyundai Sonata

Key competitors to the Hyunsai Sonata include the aging Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but neither of these vehicles can match the value or enthusiast appeal of the Sonata. It could be argued that the Nissan Altima is a much better competitor, but it is aging despite a minor refresh. American car companies have recently been trying to compete on either side of the venerable Camry and Accord rather than compete directly, but recent efforts such as the Chevrolet Malibu offer great value and fun, but lack the style of the Sonata.

Being that the changes from year to year are likely to be minor, the 2013 Hyundai Tucson will most certainly reach showrooms and dealership lots in late 2012.

Performance Features

Being based on the Elantra and using the latest generation R-Line direct injection engines, the 2013 Tucson has a very solid foundation that makes it attractive not only externally, but inside as well. As with most Hyundai vehicles, expect many features to be standard that the competition has in their option packages.

In particular, the 6-speed automatic transmission, push button start, and long list of safety features make the Tucson a great pick for the value oriented. Safety features include: Vehicle dynamic control, downhill brake control, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, and advanced anti-lock breaks make the second generation Hyundai Tucson a ‘Top Safety Pick’ according to the IIHS.

Competition to the 2013 Hyundai Tucson

The Hyundai Tucson primarily competes with small SUVs such as the sporty but aging Nissan Rogue, the svelte Toyota RAV4, and the gorgeous Honda CRV and its ugly duckling sibling known as the Element (which will no longer be available as of the 2012 model year), and its own sibling the Kia Sportage. The 2013 Hyundai Tucson will continue to present a very strong value equation for those looking for near-luxury features at a down to earth price, which will edge out most of the competition with the exception of the more value-oriented Kia Sportage and the aging Nissan Rogue.

A Good Value?

The 2013 Hyundai Tucson will most likely not hold its value as well as the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CRV, but it will probably fair well against the Element or the Rogue given the fact that the Rogue is due for a major refresh and the Element has sold poorly and is due to be discontinued, a true rarity in the realm of Honda.

Hyundai has also been making major improvements in quality and investing large sums of money in changing the perception of their brand. The efficacy of these ventures will certainly be seen in resell value, but this remains a big question when considering any Hyundai vehicle.