The sixth generation Hyundai Elantra looks sportier adopting the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language and has grown by 20 mm in length and 25 mm in width over the outgoing model.
Ahead of its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week, Hyundai has revealed the next generation Avante (Elantra in India) to the globe with a completely refreshed styling, new features and updated powertrain. Now in its sixth generation, the D-segment sedan has been upgraded to a more sophisticated and sportier appearance adopting the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. The front fascia looks a lot more European with the Audi-esque single frame hexagonal grille taking centre stage and is flanked by slim and slightly elongated headlights that come with new boomerang shaped LED daytime running lights.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra looks a lot more poised with beefier lines and comes a long way from the outgoing model’s funky elements. The side profile emerges as extremely strong with the sharp shoulder line, while the slight kink on the C-pillar is very reminiscent of BMWs. Hyundai continues to adopt a coupe roofline on the Elantra, but with decent headroom this time. The rear profile looks sharp with a lip spoiler and gets new LED tail lights evolved from the Elite i20. In terms of size, the new Elantra has grown 20 mm in length and 25 mm in width, while the body structure now incorporates 32 percent more advanced high strength steel over the outgoing model.
Taking a giant leap forward, the new generation Hyundai Elantra boasts of a host of creature comforts including a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, new multi-function steering wheel, Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) and Smart Trunk that allows for easy loading and opens the boot-lid automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches. The model also gets a Harman audio system with eight speakers as part of standard kit. Safety tech comprises of the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra gets a revised engine lineup including a 1.6-litre GDi petrol unit producing 132 PS of power and 160 Nm of torque; a 1.6-litre VGT diesel motor churning out 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque, and a 2.0-litre MPi Atkinson motor with 149 PS and 179 Nm of torque. Transmission options include the 6-speed manual and automatic units along with the new 7-speed DCT autobox that is exclusive to the 1.6-litre diesel engine. Hyundai also says to have improved on the NVH levels of the sedan, apart from upgrading the suspension setup for better handling.
For the Korean market, Hyundai plans to sell 50,000 units of the new generation Elantra this year and is aiming to retail 7,00,000 units globally by next year. More details on the new Elantra will be available at Frankfurt next week while an Indian launch is expected by the end of 2016 or early 2017.
