Even though many manufacturers are looking to hybrid vehicles to boost the fuel economy of their automotive fleets, advances in traditional internal combustion engines can also lead to increased in fuel economy. Last week, we told you about the Chevrolet Cruze Eco which achieves a healthy 28 mpg in the city and a whopping 42 mpg on the highway.

Not to be overlooked, Hyundai has announced that its all new 2011 Elantra will also reach the magic 40 mpg mark. According to Autoblog, the Elantra is powered by a brand new 1.8-liter "Nu family" engine that generated 148hp at 6,500 rpm and 131 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm.

Motor Trend reports that these power figures and fuel economy are achieved using a 10.3:1 compression ratio and traditional port fuel injection. Direct injection is no doubt a feature that will be added down the road and should further improve power and fuel efficiency.

The resultant fuel economy is 29 in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Those figures are for all models of the Elantra, and not just specific trim levels like the Cruze Eco. For example, while the Cruze Eco is rated at 28/42, other trim levels are rated at 24/36.

Hyundai made the bold claim earlier this year that it wants to meet a self-imposed CAFE of 50 mpg by 2025. Vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata hybrid and new Elantra should help it inch closer towards those goals.