While we saw the debut of the sixth generation of Hyundai's best-selling model in all its glory earlier this year in Korea, the new 2017 Hyundai Elantra - U.S. spec was unveiled at the 2015 LA Auto Show. The new Elantra delights its customers with the same aerodynamic Genesis-inspired styling, a quieter cabin and two new engines.
Along with these features, the new Hyundai Elantra continues the legacy of brand's recently revamped design language and class-exclusive safety features.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will hit the roads of U. S. in January next year while the Elantra Eco will be available in the spring of 2016. Pricing for the upcoming Hyundai Elantra is expected to be disclosed closer to its on-sale date.
In totality, the Elantra is an inch wider and 0.8 inches longer after the rework. The redesigned Elantra is clean and attractive, with the total increase of 14.6 cubic feet in the inside. But the looks are much more conservative and lacks the visual presence as the older Elantra.
The sporty Elantra features the brand's signature huge chrome hexagonal grille, appealing angular DRLs and C-shaped fog lamps in the bumper.
The lower front fascia has been tweaked to manage the airflow from the front and reduces the turbulence and wind resistance. At the back, an aerodynamic rear bumper bottom spoiler and LED taillights give it a sleek look.
From HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights to mirror-integrated LED turn signals mounted on 17” wheels Elantra is available with all the vroom characteristics.
Fabricated on a stiffer chassis, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra's SE base and limited trim run on the new 2.0L MPI Atkinson 4-cylinder engine that churns out a maximum power of 147hp @ 6,200rpm and a peak torque of 179Nm @ 4,500rpm (standard). An equally new powertrain which will be available in the Elantra Eco variant is 1.4L Kappa turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine that produces 128hp of power @ 5,500rpm and a robust 211.5Nm of torque at a low 1,400 ~ 3,700rpm.
While the SE base version will have a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, the limited trim is standardised to an automatic transmission. But the Elantra Eco will be mated to a 7-speed dual clutch EcoShift transmission.
The Eco block is being claimed to give a mileage of 14 kmpl and a combined fuel efficiency of 35 mpg by the company.
Inside, the new cabin resembles the horizontal dashboard layout of the Sonata, holding an 8-inch navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support that features enhanced display, better daytime visibility, improved touch sensitivity, and a split-screen display.
Elantra offers pre-loaded apps, voice control functions, and premium SiriusXM features for added convenience and connectivity. 2017 Elantra also features an 8-speaker Infinity premium audio system for the first time.
Leave the compromise aside, Hyundai has emphasized on the safety front while redesigning the new Elantra. A host of active safety systems along with the new rear suspension design and a stiffer body with a higher proportion of high-strength steel are implemented for safeguarding the occupants inside.
The car is now much safer with features like automatic emergency braking, Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, Lane Change Assist, rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and adaptive headlights.
Indian launch of the new Hyundai Elantra could happen in the third quarter of 2016. The sedan will compete against Chevrolet Cruze in the segment.
