SPIED: Is This Hyundai's Next-Gen Elantra? Can Toyota And Honda Stop Hyundai's Growing Momentum?

Can they do it? It is not looking good, especially if the past six months are any indication of the next six.

Can Toyota and Honda stop Hyundai and Kia's momentum?

As Hyundai and Kia continue to release exciting and engaging products, their market share continues to expand as are their sales, respectively. Who would have thought that the brands that used to be the punchline of most car jokes would turn around and show everyone who is really boss in 2009 and what will likely be another strong 2010.

Toyota and Honda are suffering from their own issues as of late. Toyota has been dealing with "recallfest 2010," while Honda's products are just lacking excitement and vitality that the brand used to bring to the table.

Although, Honda's sales have remained relatively strong when not accounting for what many experts believe is a deteriorating Acura nameplate.

For example, take a look at what may be the next Elantra. Not only are the images portraying what I believe is a fantastic looking vehicle, but the accompanying footage is also impressive. Considering it is said to boast 2011 Ford Fiesta-like MPG figures, it looks like Hyundai is doing some impressive work.

Should Toyota and Honda check their rear views or are both legendary brands in the clear?

Let us know in the comments below...



[Source: Paul Tan]








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91z4me - 8/2/2010 11:25:25 PM

+5 Boost

WOW! That looks rather expensive for a compact Hyundai. Great job on the styling inside and out. Although I have no idea what the interior material quality is like.

Honda better step it up with the next Civic as much as they when moving to the current generation if they want to stay on top.

rumnyc - 8/3/2010 12:28:43 AM

+4 Boost

Started watching the video waiting to be disappointed, but wow...just wow...

uaw_lax - 8/3/2010 12:36:35 AM

+5 Boost

ditto!

dodgedart - 8/3/2010 12:32:38 AM

-7 Boost

Honda, we know you're hiding all the good stuff, and yes the US market is not as desirable as it was- as the lesser Toyota owners have proven lately- but can't you just unleash ONE winner once in a while?
Toyota's Core Demographic will remain largely loyal. GM first time buyers will fall for ToyotaRecallBait until they find themselves using that 5/100000 warranty a little too much for even their limited self esteem to handle. Hyundai will take the value segment like clockwork and outsource the expertise to China shortly thereafter- Toyota is giving it up voluntarily-insuring that GM stays a few notches down. But they will never replace that special place for Honda in my CVCC heart. We miss you Honda!

uaw_lax - 8/3/2010 12:37:48 AM

+9 Boost

WTF!

Lexus - 8/3/2010 1:07:51 AM

+7 Boost

All I can really said is WOW...........! Good Hyundai, keep up the good work. Now all they have to do is keep on improving their quaility, handling and performance than should be Top 3 for sure.

Got to give credit where credit is due. Honda, Nissan and Toyota better step up there game in the designing dept before Hyundai surpass them.

Lexus - 8/3/2010 1:08:26 AM

+7 Boost

correction, good job Hyundai

quizz - 8/3/2010 1:23:19 AM

+2 Boost

What happened to the spirit behind the prelude/s2000/crx?? Too bad Honda has lost its soul. Beginning to resemble Toyota.

It's Hyundai's turn to shake things up.

Joe_Limon - 8/3/2010 1:36:02 AM

-3 Boost

Interesting, Hyundai is taking big risks in the styling department, and for the most part it is paying off. Hyundai is like Porsche in my books, both are making some great strides from the very bottom of my lists.

FatnSassy - 8/3/2010 9:20:56 AM

+3 Boost

I dont hate it, actually love the styling

Whelan - 8/3/2010 9:44:21 AM

+2 Boost

Considering Honda and Toyota have both dropped the ball. The last Civic was unappealing and the current Corolla leaves a lot to be desired. It looks more like a refresh on an old design than anything new. And a sporty S with only 164hp in a 2.4L??? Joke.

As for this. I think that Ford and Hyundai will be taking a HUGE chunk of sales from the market leaders with this and the new Focus.

Really makes the upcoming Chevy Cruze look beyond outdated. Which it is since it has been available in other countries since 2008.

PlanB - 8/3/2010 10:07:40 AM

+1 Boost

Yes the Cruze, as good as it may be, is actually a few years late IMO. It should be going through its mid life update by now.

But this new Elantra... Wow. It does look like a baby Sonata but the Sonatas curves (toned down just a bit) look better on this smaller body. This along with the next Optima are awesome designs by Hyundai/Kia.

JUGNU - 8/3/2010 10:08:19 AM

+1 Boost

Looks fantastic and without seeing it in real life i would say it is the best looking car in it's class but i also see little Civic design in the front end which is no bad thing. Great job Hyundai.

JUGNU

BobW - 8/4/2010 1:17:06 AM

+1 Boost

An employee of my wife's just bought a commuter car and looked at the Sonata primarily for its looks and then bought the SE model after driving it. This is a guy who could afford a lot more car then that (his wife drives a M-B). After a couple weeks he's very happy with his decision.
BW