Unlike other compact cars, the gas-mileage story for the 2011 Hyundai Elantra is simple.

There's a single engine, a choice of two transmissions--six-speed automatic or six-speed manual--and any Elantra you order will have the same EPA-rated gas mileage.

The figures are 29 mpg city, 40 mpg highway, for a combined 33 mpg rating.

Hyundai makes a big deal out of the Elantra's 40-mpg highway rating, by pointing out that you don't have to special-order a specific model or trim level to get that rating.

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That contrasts with the 2011 Ford Fiesta SFE and the 2011 Chevy Cruze Eco, both of which reach that magical 40-mpg highway mark, but require that you specify the high-efficiency version.

The standard Fiesta and Cruze don't quite reach that 40-mpg rating on the highway.

GreenCarReports.com editor John Voelcker reviews 2011 Chevy Cruze Eco and 2011 Hyundai Elantra

GreenCarReports.com editor John Voelcker reviews 2011 Chevy Cruze Eco and 2011 Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai, in fact, started reporting its sales of 40-mpg highway cars as a separate number (though the company refuses to break out which models they are, which is its own annoyance).

Then the company upped the ante, challenging other automakers to report the same number. Perhaps not surprisingly, that hasn't happened.

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