Hyundai has taken the wraps off the 2021 Elantra sedan!
Given that the current-generation model received a facelift not so long ago, the next-generation model, slated to go on sale towards the second half of the year, seem to be coming pretty early.
The designers at Hyundai deserve to be appreciated for trying and putting in a lot of efforts to stand out. Whether it stands out in a good way remains to be seen. This time around, the design theme is called "Parametric Dynamics!"
I feel this new Elantra will shake things up in the midsize segment where Honda's Civic and Toyota's Corolla are ruling the roost. With the American car-makers exiting the segment, the whole segment is available on a platter to the Japanese and Korean brands to gobble up.
Here are some excerpts from the official press release:
All-New 2021 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Hybrid Make World Premiere in Hollywood - Dramatic four-door-coupe look comes to life with “Parametric Dynamics” design theme
- Segment-first wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
- Segment-first Hyundai Digital Key
- More than 50 MPG EPA estimated combined fuel economy rating on first-ever Elantra Hybrid
Hyundai motor officially launched its all-new 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood with a special event today broadcast around the world. This marks the world debut of the latest version of the popular compact sedan. The 2021 Elantra showcases Hyundai’s latest ambitions, including a Sensuous Sportiness design identity, hybrid electric vehicle technology, and segment-first wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The car also provides exciting driving dynamics and the most progressive in-car experience in its class. Production of the 2021 Elantra starts in the fall in Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and sales begin in the fourth quarter.
Highlights for the 2021 Elantra
• An all-new seventh-generation Elantra compact sedan with new vehicle platform
o Longer wheelbase, wider stance, lower roofline
o Elantra is called the Avante in the Korean domestic market
• Second Hyundai vehicle with Sensuous Sportiness design identity
• An everyday exotic four-door-coupe look with innovative molding and engineering technology
• First-ever Elantra Hybrid
o More than 50 MPG estimated combined fuel economy on hybrid model
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make connecting easy
• Hyundai’s optional Digital Key allows Elantra to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via a smartphone or NFC card
• Production to begin at Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the fall with shipments to dealers in the fourth quarter
• An enhanced natural-language voice-recognition system with Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies and lots of feature controls
• Standard SmartSense safety and convenience technologies
• Two available 10.25-inch multimedia screens under one piece of glass
Front highlights:
• Parametric-jewel-pattern grille with turn-signal integration
• Wide, cascading grille creates an integrated architecture with the headlamp
• Bold fascia shape creates a strong front graphic
• Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces
Side highlights:
• Forwarded profile with a long, low hood creates a feeling of tension
• Bold edge runs constantly from the front to the rear
• Parametric-jewel body surfaces
• Available 15-, 16-, and 17-inch-wheel designs match the Parametric Dynamics theme
Rear highlights:
• Wide, horizontal line extends across the center of the trunk, stretching to the edges of the car
• High-tech “H-Tail Lamp” that creates a Hyundai flying H logo-like shape
• Rear glass has a black deck accent to enhance the coupe-like look
• Wing-type lower bumper treatment
• Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces
Interior highlights:
• A 10.25-inch information-display cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Slim high-tech vents
• Customizable 64-color mood lighting
• Aircraft-cockpit-like driver-oriented layout
• A unique cornering grab handle for the passenger
• A high center console completes the driver-oriented layout
• Door center trim is long and low like a coupe
• Sporty low-placed inside handles
• Two-toned melange emphasizes the driver-focused layout even on the door
Elantra Hybrid
For the first time ever, a hybrid powertrain has been added to the Elantra lineup. Elantra Hybrid demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to expanding its eco-focused lineup of products. The new Elantra Hybrid will feature a 1.6-liter GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. Elantra Hybrid’s permanent-magnet electric motor delivers 32 kW powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery with 1.32 kWh of capacity positioned under the rear seats. The 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with the electric motor in Elantra Hybrid delivers a total system output of 139 horsepower and up to 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine mates with Hyundai’s quick-shifting, six-speed, dual-clutch transmission–differentiating Elantra Hybrid from its key competitors because of its more dynamic and engaging driving experience. The high-efficiency electric motor has an electric only driving mode that delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds. The 2021 Elantra Hybrid is projected to have a combined EPA estimated fuel economy rating of more than 50 MPG.
Source: Hyundai Press Release