adminTinashe Makichi
South Korea’s largest vehicle manufacturer, Hyundai, this week unveiled the all new Elantra which is 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’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 Mr Woong-Chul Yang, vice chairman for Hyundai Motor Group’s Research and Development Centre in a statement.
Mr Yang said the Elantra 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. The new vehicle aims to build on the model’s proud heritage while setting new standards as a world class compact size sedan.
It is 20 millimetres longer and 25 millimetres wider than its predecessor delivering a spacious interior. The body structure has been designed to boost durability and rigidity incorporating 32 percent more advanced high strength steel compared to the original Elantra. An integrated memory seat enhances driver comfort, while smart trunk allows easy loading as it opens automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches.
Its premium-sound system delivers delightful sound quality with eight speakers accompanying an amplifier, located in the front-centre rear package tray and in the front doors. The new model boasts impressive performance, with usable low and mid-range torque that provides exceptional drivability in all driving conditions, through either the manual or automatic gearboxes. All the power train options offer high fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions. The Elantra name was first introduced more than 25 years ago and it has won awards including ‘2012 North American Car of the Year among others. Each of the previous five generations of the car have contributed to its rising popularity and today it remains one of Hyundai’s best-selling models.
It is not only through great design that the 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.
This vehicle preserves the essence of the previous car’s well-received aesthetics, while giving greater emphasis to simple and harmonious design. It expresses modernity through easy-to-understand and pleasing design fundamentals, visible in the rich visuotactile colours, materials and premium levels of finish.
Elantra’s front 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. Hyundai Motor’s designers this time 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. At the rear, its 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.
Its interior has been economically designed to enable intuitive operation with refined active character lines.
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. 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.
A Nu 2.0 MPi Atkinson engine delivers maximum drivability in all driving conditions to meet the needs of customers that prefer high performance. While it 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.
Online Reporter