The all-new 2016 Hyundai Elantra (Avante) was revealed last night at an event in Korea showing the sleek-looking compact that has “set forth new standards”.
AFTER A PRODUCTION line image leak last week, the all-new 2016 Hyundai Elantra (known as Avante in Korea) has been revealed overnight. The sixth-generation model (first launched more than 25 years ago) is, according to Hyundai, “a sophisticated evolution of the brand’s long-established compact sedan”.
Setting the new Elantra apart from its predecessor is the new-look large hexagonal front grille, which borrows from its SUV sibling the Tucson, mated to slim headlights. The rest of the sedan body has been given a more dynamic stance with a swooping side profile that carries hints of coupe styling.
The new model is 20mm longer and 25mm wider than the previous-generation Elantra, which, according to Hyundai allows for a more spacious cabin (4570mm L; 1800mm W; 1440mm H). Official measurements are: 985mm and 947mm for front and rear headroom, 1073mm and 906mm for legroom, and 1427mm and 1405mm for shoulder room. Besides the size changes, extra interior room and structural strength has been generated via the use of 32% more high-strength steel than the original Elantra, a total of 53%.
“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 Centre.
“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 new Elantra will also be the most advanced of the breed, featuring an Integrated Memory Seat (IMS), a Smart Trunk which opens automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Locally, the engine line-up hasn’t been confirmed, but there are three engines to choose from and it’s likely we’ll get all three. They are a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol, 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with Atkinson cycle. These will be available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT, the diesel is seven-speed DCT only.
2016 Hyundai Elantra key changes over predecessor:
- 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)
