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We can no longer simply name the Honda Civic America’s best small car. The past few months have also seen the introduction of an all-new Hyundai Elantra and an all-new Ford Focus, both vastly improved over their predecessors and both coming from companies that have been on a roll lately. It seemed natural to get the new Civic together with these upstarts to see how the freshest entries in the field compare.

The Many and the Few

The Civic is available in more different iterations than any other compact car. For the 2012 version, Honda has upped the count by one, adding a new HF high-fuel-economy model. The Civic already offers two body styles, coupe and sedan. There are a total of eight trim levels: DX, LX (the biggest seller), EX, EX-L, the sporty Si, as well as HF, Hybrid, and Natural Gas (due out this fall). For this comparison we had an EX-L sedan.

Ford’s new Focus also comes in two body styles. The two-door coupe available previously is gone, but there’s a new four-door hatchback to accompany the four-door sedan. There are four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and Titanium. A Focus electric is joining the lineup in late 2011. We had an SE hatchback here.

The Hyundai Elantra has the simplest lineup. The new Elantra is offered only as a four-door sedan, in GLS or Limited trim. (The Elantra Touring, a high-roof four-door hatchback, shares the Elantra name but is really a distinct model.) For this comparison, we had an Elantra Limited.

Mileage Matters

The Hyundai was the only car here with a six-speed transmission — in fact, whether ordered with a manual or an automatic, all Elantras have six forward gears. That probably helped the put the Hyundai out in front in the fuel-economy race, with EPA ratings of 29 mpg city and that suddenly all-important 40-mpg highway number. With the Civic, you get only five forward gears whether you choose a manual or an automatic like we had here (only the Si gets a six-speed manual). Still, the Civic is only a tick behind the Elantra in both city and highway measures, at 28/39 mpg. Our Focus had a five-speed stick, but the Ford’s automatic is a six-speed.

Not surprisingly, the manual-transmission Focus is the less economical variant, rated at 26/36 mpg. Both Ford and Honda can advertise higher numbers: 40 mpg highway in the case of the Focus, and 41 mpg on the part of the Civic. But in both cases, those figures are only for special, high-mileage variants: the Focus SE with the SFE package, and Honda’s Civic HF model, whereas all Elantras achieve the same EPA rating.

The Elantra is an impressive effort and boasts a long list of superlatives. It gets the best gas mileage, has the largest interior and trunk, and the best electronics interface. Less surprising but no less important is the fact that it has the most equipment at the lowest price. The Elantra is a good $2000 cheaper than the Civic, and would offer similar savings over a comparably equipped Focus.

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We’re definitely proud of our top performing vehicle, but we’re thrilled to hear that others like the Sonata as well! The Toyota Camry is traditionally the best-seller, but Nissan turned to the Hyundai Sonata for design inspiration with the new 2013 Altima, according to WardsAuto. In fact, Nissan briefly stopped development in order to size up the competition from Hyundai.

“Clearly, we referenced the Sonata when we were going through the design process,” Nissan executive vice president of global planning and marketing Andy Palmer told WardsAuto. “We even delayed development by a short amount just to check that the [new Altima’s] proportions were right, the [package] was right, [and that] the product overall was right.”

Hyundai’s sleek sixth-generation Sonata wowed audiences with its aggressive styling when it debuted for model-year 2011. While the Hyundai styling influence isn’t immediately apparent in the new Altima, both cars share a similarly raked roofline. Regarding Hyundai and the Sonata’s design, Palmer said to WardsAuto, “I’d say they are our major point of reference.”

SONATA SE

Endless tweaking transformed the Sonata into the sport-tuned SE. Modified suspension and steering deliver a sportier ride and increased steering response. The larger rear stabilizer bar reduces body roll and improves handling on curves. A stylish dual exhaust makes the most of either the 2.4L or the 2.0T, while paddle shifters mounted on the leather-wrapped steering wheel put it all at the driver’s fingertips.

Front fog lights, leather-bolstered and cloth insert sport seats, and 18-inch Hypersilver alloy wheels complete the transformation, and Proximity Key entry with push button start mean you can go from admiring it to flooring it in seconds.

SONATA HYBRID

The Sonata Hybrid is the first non-plug-in hybrid with the next-generation lithium polymer battery technology, the most efficient battery on the market today. It also features a 6-speed automatic transmission that delivers a smooth feel, best-in-class 206 net horsepower, and 40 MPG Highway.

*2012 Sonata Hybrid: 35 City/40 Hwy. EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.

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Internal combustion engines produce a specific amount of horsepower, but car lovers who wish to increase the performance of their vehicles, get Turbocharger or Supercharger on their engines. These devices act as enhancers to increase the horsepower of the vehicle by almost 30 to 40%, adding a lot more thrust.

Turbocharger

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A turbocharger is basically a centrifugal compressor driven by a turbine which is run by the exhaust gases or emission gases coming out of the your car’s engine. The compressor used in the construction compresses the air which is about to enter the engine, to high pressure. With increased pressure, the weight or amount of fuel entering the same space inside the engine is increased. In this way, the burning of fuel is more efficient inside the engine chamber and it eventually results in greater performance of the vehicle from the same displacement of engine without need of a larger displacement engine. For example, if you put 30% more fuel in the same engine cylinder, the burning of that fuel will produce about 30% more power from the same size of engine.

Supercharger

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A supercharger is very much similar to a turbocharger with a compressor used for forcing high pressure air into the engine. The major difference being that in case of the supercharger, the engine runs the turbocharger whereas in turbocharger, the energy of escaping  exhaust gases or emissions, which otherwise goes waste, is used to run the compressor. With more compressed air, more oxygen and fuel reaches the combustion chamber, hence more power is developed.

In general, a supercharger and turbocharger are the same arrangement, but have a set of characteristics that distinguish the two.

Difference Between Supercharger & Turbocharger

• The compressors in Superchargers are driven by the power taken directly from the engine whereas driving a turbocharger unit the exhaust gases are used. Since the supercharger draws mechanical energy from the engine directly, it is less efficient when compared to a turbocharger which uses the waste gas energy.

• With this advantage of turbochargers over superchargers, the former are used where fuel economy is a concern in many of the present cars, whereas the superchargers are employed in sports cars which are meant for faster speeds and not better economy.

• Secondly a supercharger is easier to control in terms of the power output while the turbochargers are known for their dramatic rise in pressures and tremendously high working temperatures making them inherently more difficult to control at the time when they deliver the additional power.

• Another important difference between the two is that since the supercharger is driven directly by the engine through belts, the response of the same is pretty instantaneous and a sudden increase in power is observed. On the other hand in turbochargers, exhaust gases control the drive and hence the system takes a bit of time before it it reaches the operating speed after opening the throttle which is also referred to as Turbo Lag.

• Complexity in design is another factor and at this point turbocharger takes the lead with its compactness and require significantly less space. In contrast a supercharger is more difficult to adopt in a car and the modification is too time consuming as more space is needed for the same.

• Expensiveness of the two is quite differentiating with the superchargers being more costly than a conventional turbocharger. Now a days all vehicle having either supercharger or turbocharger, are inter-cooled. Since the temperature of the compressed incoming air is high, an intercooler is used to cool this air making it more efficient in terms of combustion.

Article Courtesy:  How Stuff Works

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The hot and sunny summer months are speeding towards us like a freight train. If this summer is anything like the last (and we have every reason to believe it will be) it is a dangerous time for pets to be left alone in cars. At Humble Hyundai, we want to remind you that our cars are hot inside and out … never leave children or animals alone to defend themselves against the sun.

Sun + humidity = heatstroke (and other factors that kill)
Days above 90 degrees, especially with high humidity, are inherently dangerous for your pet. Humidity interferes with animals’ ability to rid themselves of excess body heat. When we overheat we sweat, and when the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it. Our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws, which is not enough to cool the body. To rid themselves of excess heat, animals pant. Air moves through the nasal passages, which picks up excess heat from the body. As it is expelled through the mouth, the extra heat leaves along with it. Although this is a very efficient way to control body heat, it is severely limited in areas of high humidity or when the animal is in close quarters.

The shape of an animal’s nasal passages can contribute to an animal’s tendency to overheat. Brachiocephalic (pug-nosed) dogs are more prone to heatstroke because their nasal passages are smaller and it’s more difficult for them to circulate sufficient air for cooling. Overweight dogs are also more prone to overheating because their extra layers of fat act as insulation, which traps heat in their bodies and restricts their breathing capabilities. Age can also be a factor in an animal’s tendency to overheat—very young animals may not have a fully developed temperature regulating system, and older pets’ organ systems may not be functioning at 100 percent, leaving them prone to heat-related damage.

Cracking the windows doesn’t cut it
So where are the danger zones? The most obvious is your car: It can become a death trap even on a mild sunny day—and can insidiously raise the car’s temperature to well above 120 degrees! Never, ever leave your pet inside the car. If Fido can’t come with you when you get out of the car, leave him at home.

What are some other dangerous situations for your pets? Leaving animals outdoors without shelter is just as dangerous as leaving them inside a hot car. Be sure they are not left in a cage in the hot sun, on a chain in the backyard, or outdoors in a run without sufficient shade or air circulation.

Their lives are in your hands
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, you must act quickly and calmly. Have someone call a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, lower the animal’s body temperature by applying towels soaked in cool water to the hairless areas of the body. Often the pet will respond after only a few minutes of cooling, only to falter again with his temperature soaring back up or falling to well below what is normal. With this in mind, remember that it is imperative to get the animal to a veterinarian immediately.

Signs of Heatstroke

• Panting
• Staring
• Anxious expression
• Warm, dry skin
• High fever
• Vomiting
• Collapse

Precautions to take if your pet lives outdoors

• Ensure adequate shelter from sun/midday heat
• Outdoor kennels should be well-ventilated and in the shade
• Provide plenty of fresh water in a bowl that cannot be tipped over
• Avoid excessive exercise on hot days
• Talk with your local veterinarian to determine if your long-haired Fido needs a summer haircut

Information Courtesy:  American Animal Hospital Association

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… it takes on a form of its own!

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We are pet lovers at Humble and North Freeway Hyundai, and Duncan is one of our favorites! Check out this adorable montage of clips from a day in his life, and if you are looking for a wonderful friend come out TODAY to Humble Hyundai for our Pet Adoption Day!

In observance of National Pet ID Week, Humble Hyundai is working with Best Friends Furever and Spay Houston to host a Pet Adoption and Free Microchip Clinic this Saturday, April 21 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Get there earlier because we have a limited number of FREE Microchips!

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We dare you to look into Koda’s eyes and not let her see your soul! We think you just might want a friend like her, and you can find one at our Humble Hyundai dealership this Saturday!

In observance of National Pet ID Week, Humble Hyundai is working with Best Friends Furever and Spay Houston to host a Pet Adoption and Free Microchip Clinic this Saturday, April 21 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. Get there earlier because we have a limited number of FREE Microchips!

Now, work your magic Koda …

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In observance of National Pet ID Week, Humble Hyundai is working with Best Friends Furever andSpay Houston to host a Pet Adoption and Free Microchip Clinic at the dealership on Saturday, April 21 from 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.

UPDATE: Get to Humble Hyundai earlier because supplies may run out!

Why Should You Microchip Your Pets?

Many loved family pets end up in animal shelters.  Shelters do their best to locate owners, but often cannot find the owner because the pet has no form of identification. Microchipping is a technology that is virtually painless for your pet and creates a permanent method of identification.  A small computer microchip is embedded under your pet’s skin, usually between the their shoulder blades.  The chip contains a unique ID number that identifies your pet and is a permanently record. Having a microchip does not mean your pet shouldn’t also wear an ID and license tag; lost pets that have all these forms of ID and a microchip have the greatest chance of being returned to their loving homes and families.

How is the Microchip Inserted?

The chip is very small, comparable to the size of a grain of rice. It fits into a veterinarians hypodermic needle and is injected, just like a vaccine, under the skin of your pet, where it remains for the duration of their life.

How Does The Microchip Work?

A special scanner reads the microchip number, which is then called in to a data bank that has your contact information. It is important to keep your contact information current.

About Best Friends FurEver
Best Friends FurEver is a non-profit corporation that works to find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs and cats. The group is made up strictly of volunteers and is funded solely by donations and adoption fees. Best Friends FurEver rescues unwanted, injured, and abandoned animals; and provides them with medical care, rehabilitation, and temporary homes until loving, “furever” homes can be found. We spay and neuter prospective pets and educate owners about the importance of pet population control.

About Spay Houston
Located in the Greenspoint area, Spay Houston is a not for profit, low cost spay/neuter and wellness clinic for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Our mission is to provide quality spay/neuter services to the general public. Spay/neuter is the first step to NO KILL. The clinic is owned and operated by Adopt A Cat, Inc., a no kill cat sanctuary and shelter. Adopt A Cat is a public charity. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

About Humble Hyundai
Humble Hyundai proudly serves customers and supports organizations in the greater Humble / Houston area. Humble Hyundai and Hyundai’s “Hope On Wheels” has contributed over 43 million dollars to help fight childhood cancer. Humble Hyundai has received the Better Business Bureau’s Gold Star award every year since 2006 and has an A+ rating.

Information Courtesy: BARC of Houston

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In observance of National Pet ID Week, Humble Hyundai is working with Best Friends Furever and Spay Houston to host a Pet Adoption and Free Microchip Clinic at the dealership on Saturday, April 21 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.

The event will help find loving homes for rescue animals, raise awareness of the need to properly identify pets and increase the odds that lost pets are returned home. During the event, Best Friends Furever will have friendly dogs on site available for adoption to loving homes, Adopt-a-Cat will have cats available for adoption to forever homes, and Spay Houston will administer free microchipping.

“No-kill” shelters from Galveston to Huntsville are full, so there is virtually no place for strays or pound pets to go for help until rescue animals are adopted. Houston has a huge animal overpopulation problem, and we hope this event and our support of Best Friends Furever and Spay Houston will help ease the city’s overcrowded conditions.

Tens of thousands of dogs and cats will be put to death in Houston’s animal shelters, and many are lost pets that could have been re-united with their owners. It’s imperative that you protect your pet by ensuring they have proper identification. If your family pet is not microchipped, please come to Humble Hyundai for our FREE CLINIC. Unlike ID tags, a microchip is permanent and will not fade or become separated from a pet; therefore, it’s one of the best ways to reunite an owner with a lost pet.

About Best Friends FurEver
Best Friends FurEver is a non-profit corporation that works to find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs and cats. The group is made up strictly of volunteers and is funded solely by donations and adoption fees. Best Friends FurEver rescues unwanted, injured, and abandoned animals; and provides them with medical care, rehabilitation, and temporary homes until loving, “furever” homes can be found. We spay and neuter prospective pets and educate owners about the importance of pet population control.

About Spay Houston
Located in the Greenspoint area, Spay Houston is a not for profit, low cost spay/neuter and wellness clinic for cats, dogs, and rabbits. Our mission is to provide quality spay/neuter services to the general public. Spay/neuter is the first step to NO KILL. The clinic is owned and operated by Adopt A Cat, Inc., a no kill cat sanctuary and shelter. Adopt A Cat is a public charity. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

About Humble Hyundai
Humble Hyundai proudly serves customers and supports organizations in the greater Humble / Houston area. Humble Hyundai and Hyundai’s “Hope On Wheels” has contributed over 43 million dollars to help fight childhood cancer. Humble Hyundai has received the Better Business Bureau’s Gold Star award every year since 2006 and has an A+ rating.

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Have you ever been caught in a speed trap and wish someone had alerted you that a cop was hidden around the corner? Laser stealth coating gives you the early warning you need before racking up those tickets.

With the VEIL Laser cloaking coating Stealth Technology, apply a coating to the most reflective surfaces on the front of your car to provide extra warning time in detecting the presence of radar guns.  Used with an Escort radar detector, your chances of being caught in a speed trap is greatly reduced.

Escort Radar Detector system installatio­ns
See why these radar detectors are considered the best in the industry. Used with Stealth radar diffusion coating, an Escort Radar Detector can give you complete peace of mind and an effective early warning system for speed radar guns.

So, if you’ve never really been interested in the idea of a high-speed chase from the cops to evade speeding tickets, VEIL Laser cloaking and Escort Radar detectors are there for you. Remember, drive safely!

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