All-New 2017 Hyundai Elantra Officially Unveiled
The covers are off, and Hyundai is ready to show everyone the all-new 2017 Elantra, or Avante as it is named in Korea. The official unveiling was held at the company’s R&D Center in Namyang, Korea.
This is a model that looks a good deal different than the outgoing model, and it all begins with the front end.
The grille is larger, and had chrome touches, while the headlights and LED daytime running lights have a look that is reminiscent of a Jaguar.
It’s a pretty familiar silhouette when you check out the profile.
The main differences are new alloy wheel designs, and chrome on the door handles, although that latter feature will likely be reserved for the top of the line model.
Around back, the taillights are pretty similar to the ones found on the outgoing model, although they are a little less wide than before, and don’t extend too far onto the sides.
A very subtle trunk lid spoiler appears to have been added, and the shark fin antenna found on the outgoing model remains the same.
2017 Elantra grows in size
The sixth-generation Elantra sedan has grown a little, and is now 20mm longer at 4,570mm.
25mm have been added to the width, and an extra 5mm to the height.
The wheelbase is the same as before, measuring in at 2,700mm.
Hyundai is claiming that the passenger space in the Elantra is on a par with that of models above.
The use of more quality and soft-touch materials means that the vehicle now has more of an upscale feel.
The layout of the cabin is extremely driver friendly, and includes a cockpit display that is angled 6.9 degrees towards the driver.
The buttons have been regrouped ergonomically according to the functions they deliver.
The Elantra has a redesigned suspension that Hyundai claims now delivers a smoother ride and improved handling.
Steering feel has also been improved so that it delivers solid performance at a variety of different speeds.
Road and wind noise reduction was important to Hyundai on this vehicle, as is obvious by the Air Resistance Coefficient of 0.27 that the new Hyundai Elantra delivers.
The windshield wipers have also been redesigned to help lower noise levels inside the cabin, and the thickened door glass also plays a major role.
Korean-market engine line-up
The Korean-spec Elantra (Avante) will come with a choice of 3 engines: 2 gasoline and a single diesel.
The most powerful of the bunch is the Nu 2.0 MPi Atkinson engine rated at 149PS (147hp) and 180Nm (132lb-ft) of torque.
Drivers also have the option of a 1.6-liter GDi gasoline unit producing 132PS (130hp) and 161Nm (119lb-ft) of torque.
Finally, the 1.6-liter VGT diesel delivers 136PS (134hp) and 300Nm (221lb-ft) of torque.
All of the engines will come with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The diesel model also has the option of a 7-speed DCT transmission.
U.S. market release date
The US version of the Elantra will be officially unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, while the European model will be shown off in Frankfurt next week.
Hyundai expects to sell 50,000 units of the Avante in Korea this year, and is hoping to deliver 700,000 units globally in 2016.
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