In recent weeks we've been receiving teases from Hyundai about its all-new, 2016 Elantra. For the US market though, there's one catch.
It will not debut until the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show coming in November.
But if you're like us, then you already know we're a bit impatient.
Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) Preview
While some may be waiting for November, we actually are getting a look at the all-new Elantra today thanks to its unveil in South Korea. Known as the Avante, it's the same exact product. The only difference are the powertrain offerings. From the looks of it, I'd assume we would receive the 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for just about 150 horsepower.
On the outside you'll note it looks quite similar to our recent teasers. It's a blend of sophistication — that takes creative license from the latest Genesis and Sonata — and current-gen Elantra. On the inside the Korean auto manufacturer also continued to take some inspiration from its higher-end models.
The result is the vehicle isn't as daring as the current-gen Elantra; however, that may NOT be what buyers are looking for right now.
Having said that, now that we're seeing the whole banana: do YOU think the 2016 Elantra will continue its entry-level success OR is its design a bit too refined and a bit too bland?
Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) Preview
Hyundai's press release follows:
Hyundai Motor Holds World Premiere of All-new Elantra in Korea
09 September, 2015
• Hyundai Motor's best-selling model evolves with innovative design
• Award-winning compact sedan inspires driver confidence with enhanced performance and stable handling
• Class-leading convenience and safety features are tailored to customer needs
September 9, 2015 – Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, today unveiled the 'All-new Elantra (named Avante in Korea)', a sophisticated evolution of the brand's long-established compact sedan. Now in its sixth generation, the model builds on its global popularity by introducing a dynamic and sleek appearance, underlining its status and unique presence within the highly competitive compact-size sedan segment.
With class-defining interior and exterior features, the refined style elements reflect Hyundai Motor's evolving design philosophy. This vision incorporates a dynamic precision in exterior design that complements the new model's comfortable, contemporary and sporty feel. The large hexagonal grille is paired with slim and sporty headlights for an energetic look, while its clean surfaces build on the active stance of the All-new Elantra.
"The Elantra has set forth new standards for global compact-size sedans in each generation. With the pursuit to achieve world's best technology, the newly introduced All-new Elantra was developed with concerted efforts of all our employees at Hyundai Motor," said Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group's R&D Center during the All-new Elantra launch ceremony in Namyang R&D Center, the heart of Hyundai Motor's global R&D network and birthplace of all Hyundai cars, today.
"The All-new Elantra incorporating Hyundai Motor's full capacity will not only provide innovative experiences and values to customers worldwide but also lay the foundation to regain momentum amidst difficulties surrounding the automobile industry," added Yang.
The All-new Elantra aims to build on the model's proud heritage while setting new standards as a world-class compact-size sedan. The new model is 20 millimeters longer and 25 millimeters wider than the previous-generation Elantra, delivering a spacious interior comparable with that of the segment above. The body structure has been designed to boost durability and rigidity, incorporating 32% more advanced high-strength steel compared to the original Elantra.
The new car also takes a leap forward with a number of class-leading convenience and safety features. An Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) enhances driver comfort, while Smart Trunk allows easy loading as it opens automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches. In addition, new class-leading suite of safety technologies includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
For added refinement, the All-new Elantra's premium-sound Harman audio system delivers delightful sound quality, with eight speakers accompanying an amplifier, located in the front-center rear package tray and in the front doors. To enhance acoustic enjoyment, a pair of front door-mounted tweeters joins each speaker located in every door.
Hyundai Motor engineers have developed efficient and effective powertrains to deliver enhanced performance for the All-new Elantra. As a result, the new model boasts impressive performance, with useable low and mid-range torque that provides exceptional drivability in all driving conditions, through either the manual or automatic gearboxes. All of these powertrain options offer high fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions, emphasizing Hyundai Motor's continuing commitment to improving fuel efficiency.
The Elantra name was first introduced more than 25 years ago and has sold more than 10 million units in that time. It has won numerous awards and accolades including '2012 North American Car of the Year', '2012 South African Car of the Year' and 'Highest ranked in compact car segment for initial quality' in 2014 according to J.D. Power and Associates. Each of the previous five generations of the car have contributed to its rising popularity and today it remains one of Hyundai Motor's best-selling models.
It is not only through great design that the All-new Elantra improves on its predecessors. The compact sedan's power output, fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety features have all been upgraded, with extensive use of new technology to set a higher standard of refinement in the segment.
Hyundai Motor is expecting sales of around 50,000 units this year in Korea, with ambitions to deliver 700,000 units globally (Korea: 110,000 / Overseas: 590,000) to customers next year.
01 Key Differences: All-new Elantra vs. previous generation Elantra
Building on the success of previous generation Elantra
02 Styling
Evolved Fluidic Sculpture design styling
03 Driving Performance
Enhanced driving dynamics through chassis development
04 Safety
Body strength, high crash performance and comprehensive safety features
05 Convenience Features
Driver-oriented convenience features and advanced technologies
06 Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Low levels of NVH
07 Powertrains
Smooth, powerful and economical powertrains
08 Technical Specifications
Technical details of All-new Elantra
* Product specifications and options available may vary by region
1. Key Differences: All-new Elantra vs. previous generation Elantra
• Refined design based on Fluidic Sculpture philosophy
• Innovation in fundamentals, building on previous generations' successes
• High-quality interior providing space of segment above
• Slim and sporty headlights
• Redesigned wheel arches enhance dynamic stance
• Driver-focused ergonomic interior layout
• Integrated Memory Seat (IMS)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Hands-free Smart Trunk
• Premium sound system (Harman)
2. Styling
The All-new Elantra is the latest model to employ Hyundai Motor's characteristic design philosophy, which embraces the company's 'Modern Premium' brand direction and is evident in the All-new Elantra's dynamic and refined form. The result is unique beauty both inside and outside of the car.
The All-new Elantra preserves the essence of the previous car's well-received aesthetics, while giving greater emphasis to simple and harmonious design. The All-new Elantra expresses modernity through easy-to-understand and pleasing design fundamentals, visible in the rich visuotactile colors, materials and premium levels of finish.
Exterior Design
The front of the All-new Elantra uses expressive features to portray its refined character. A large
single-frame hexagonal grille is flanked by slim and sporty headlights, flowing into the sculpted body panels. A low and wide proportion was achieved by lowering the head lamp and positioning it in the far end of the left and right corner.
The car's clean, sleek and refined surfaces build on the active stance of the All-new Elantra. Hyundai Motor's designers paid particular attention to the design of the wheel arches, with the goal of expressing the car's dynamic road presence, helping to set the new model apart from all other vehicles on the road. The result is a sense of condensed energy immediately before a leap.
At the rear, the All-new Elantra's unique personality is reinforced by the distinctive shining tail lights arranged within an organized and attractive horizontal line. The bold rear bumper adds the final premium touch, completing a clean, balanced design.
The distinguished range of exterior colors follow Hyundai Motor's commitment to meeting the preferences of a wide range of customers with 10 options – ranging from subtle base colors to vibrant, stand-out shades. These colors reflect the positioning of the car as 'comfortable, fashionable and sporty' and outline Hyundai Motor's ambition to change perceptions of the brand.
Interior Design
The interior has been ergonomically designed to enable intuitive operation with refined active character lines. The relaxed and comfortable atmosphere is created with neatly arranged aesthetics inherited from cars higher up the Hyundai Motor's range such as the Genesis and Sonata. Soft-touch and high-quality materials are introduced across the cabin surfaces, creating a refined cabin ambience. Buttons on the dashboard were regrouped ergonomically according to its functions. The cockpit layout was composed focusing on driver comfort and convenience.
In addition, details added to rear air conditioner vents and inside door handles allow one to enjoy premium value never felt before in compact sedans.
Trendy colors and high-grade materials represent the company's reinterpretation of modernity, while the four different interior colors reflect key aims of 'comfortable, fashionable and sporty'.
The All-new Elantra has also been redesigned to focus on driver comfort. The cockpit display is angled 6.9 degrees towards the driver with an intuitive layout, while aesthetic enhancements within the crash pad and center fascia are designed to appeal to a wider range of customers. In addition, the central console has a sliding-type tray cover and armrest for complete driver convenience.
3. Driving Performance
To optimize drivability, the All-new Elantra benefits from a number of upgrades that boost ride and handling.
The suspension geometry has been redesigned to provide greater control and improve ride quality, compared to the previous model. Changes to the layout of the suspension components, including the rear shock absorber and spring positioning, are complemented by structural enhancements to strengthen the chassis. These not only bring increased ride comfort for occupants, but also make elaborate driving possible with a gentle on-center feel.
Steering feel has been further increased thanks to the improvement of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) giving smooth, stable handling and better responses at different speeds.
Moreover, a 0.27Cd of Air Resistance Coefficient, the highest in the segment, was achieved by applying design elements that enhance aerodynamics. The Wheel Air Curtain minimized the air twisting around the wheel area during driving. Additional applications of Bumper Ribs and Undercover underneath the All-New Elantra improved aerodynamics and optimized the under-body structure, showing improvements from the previous design.
For improved durability and handling, the All-new Elantra went through extensive on-the-road and laboratory testing and circuit-based testing at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, venue for the Formula 1 World Championship.
4. Safety
The introduction of new technologies means the All-new Elantra is one of the most comprehensively equipped vehicles in its segment when it comes to safety features.
An impressive 53 percent of the All-new Elantra's steel is Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), an increase of 32 percent over the previous generation model. AHSS components are used to both increase stiffness and more effectively protect passengers, helping the All-new Elantra to achieve top-class safety ratings in the company's internal tests.
The car is fitted with an Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, an advanced active safety feature that alerts drivers to unexpected emergency situations, braking autonomously if required. Using radar and camera sensors, AEB operates in three stages, initially warning the driver visually and acoustically, while gradually increasing the braking force. When a potential accident with the vehicle in front or a pedestrian is detected, the brakes will be activated when the vehicle is travelling faster than 10 km/h. However, the driver has to keep in mind that the system only activates under a preset speed.
For the safety and protection of drivers in oncoming vehicles, the High Beam Assist (HBA) function automatically detects an approaching vehicle and dips the All-new Elantra's high beam headlights at night to reduce glare. When the system no longer detects a vehicle ahead, it re-activates the high beam to provide a clearer field of vision for the driver.
The Blind Spot Detector (BSD) with Lane Change Assist (LCA), using radar technology, monitors the rear corners and, if another vehicle is detected, a visual alert appears on the exterior mirrors. Then, an audible signal is emitted when the driver tries to change lanes to where the vehicle is approaching. This also applies for a lane change situation when another vehicle is approaching at high speed.
Using the BSD sensors, the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system reduces the risk of collision with approaching traffic when reversing out of narrow areas with low visibility. Using a radar to scan 180-degrees behind the vehicle for approaching cross-traffic, RCTA alerts the driver visually and acoustically.
5. Convenience Features
The All-new Elantra delivers enhanced driver convenience. The Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) remembers a driver's preferred seating position and can return the seat to the optimal position if another driver has adjusted it.
The eye-catching supervision cluster focusing on high technology also adds to driver convenience, with pleasing illumination and a sophisticated graphic animated on the display. Furthermore, visibility is enhanced with smart instrument lighting which adds a modern ambience.
Last but not least, an innovative function to aid loading at the rear of the car is included in the All-new Elantra. Smart Trunk automatically opens the trunk when the Smart Key is within the rear bumper sensing zone over 3 seconds, saving time and effort for the driver.
6. Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
To create a true world-class compact-size sedan, Hyundai Motor's engineers were set two clear
targets; reducing road noise and improving high-frequency noise in the engine when accelerating to a more linear engine sound by fine tuning NVH. Re-engineered windscreen wipers that are carefully positioned dramatically reduce road and wind noise in the cabin, while the thickened door glass significantly reduces noise penetration.
The dedication to improve NVH even extends to new rear-wheel guard materials, highlighting Hyundai's commitment to continually improving its products in every detail.
NVH levels (dB) for the All-new Elantra:
| All-new
Elantra |
| Idle | Steering Wheel | 107 |
| Floor | 97 |
| Acceleration Noise | 75 |
| Idle Booming | 52 |
| Road Noise (FRT/RR) | 64 |
7. Powertrains
The All-new Elantra is available in a wider range of engine and transmission options to better meet the requirements and preferences of all customers.
A Nu 2.0 MPi Atkinson engine delivers maximum drivability in all driving conditions to meet the needs of customers that prefer high performance. With maximum horsepower of 149ps and torque of 18.3 kg·m, the All-new Elantra achieved strong performance comparable to that of the midsize sedan segment.
While the All-new Elantra is equipped with Diesel 1.6 VGT, 1.6 GDi and 2.0 MPi Atkinson for the Korean market, engines may vary depending on each market.
8. Technical Specifications
Engines:
| Capacity (cc) | Power (PS) | Torque (kg.m) |
| 1.6 GDi | 1,591 | 132 | 16.4 |
| Diesel 1.6 VGT | 1,582 | 136 | 30.6 |
| 2.0 MPi Atkinson | 1,999 | 149 | 18.3 |
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive
Transmissions:
Six-speed automatic, six-speed manual, seven-speed DCT (Double Clutch Transmission)*
*seven-speed DCT is available only for Diesel 1.6 VGT
Suspension and damping: | Front | MacPherson strut front suspension |
| Rear | CTBA |
Steering: | Type | EPS (Electric Power Steering) |
| Overall steering gear ratio | 13.9 |
Steering wheel turn
(lock to lock) | 2.66 |
| Minimum turning radius | 5.3 (m) |
Wheels and tires: | Wheel type | Tires |
| 6.0Jx 15-inch steel / alloy wheels | 195/65R15 |
| 6.5Jx 16-inch alloy wheels | 205/55R16 |
| 7.0Jx 17-inch alloy wheels | 225/45R17 |
Exterior dimensions (mm): | Overall length | 4,570 |
| Overall width | 1,800 |
| Overall height | 1,440 |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 |
| Front overhang | 880 |
| Rear overhang | 990 |
| Front tread | 1,563-15" / 1,555-16" / 1,549-17" |
| Rear tread | 1,572-15" / 1,564-16" / 1,558-17" |
Interior dimensions (mm):
| Front | Rear |
| Head room | 985 | 947 |
| Leg room | 1,073 | 906 |
| Shoulder room | 1,427 | 1,405 |
Capacities (liters): | Fuel tank (liters) | 50 |
| Luggage (liters) | SAE: 407 / VDA: 458 |
* Figures stated are manufacturer's estimates for the Korean market