Hyundai has unveiled recently the Elantra 2016 model at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It was launched in September in South Korea and shall start reaching dealerships across US from January 2016 onwards. The vehicle is likely to be shown at the Auto Expo of 2016 in India.
This is the Elantra’s sixth generation model that shall showcase modified platform with Kia’s Forte and Hyundai’s dedicated hybrid. It has lower and sleeker headlights, a large hexagonal chrome grille much like Genesis, a boomerang shaped fog lamp cluster and DRLs. The car’s safety has been improved with 53 percent higher strength steel compared to 21 percent of its outgoing model.
The next generation Elantra measures 25mm wider and 20mm longer than its outgoing model. It is not only lighter but its body structure is stiffer as well thanks to the use of Advanced High Strength Steel.
The wheelbase of 2,700mm in the current model has been used in the new car as well. Its silhouette has a funky pattern for the alloy wheel of 17 inches. The back shows newer tail lights integrated with LEDs while a steeper C Pillar has caused the roofline to flow smoothly into the boot. On the whole, Hyundai has borrowed the design cues from the present Elantra model and has stuck to their Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.
The car’s cabin is equipped with the latest accessories, keeping in line with the futuristic design of the company. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are enabled with a touchscreen infotainment system that is connected to eight speakers. The car has a reverse camera and satellite navigation, based on the version. The standard safety features introduced in the car include ABS, traction control, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, driver’s knee airbag and tyre pressure monitoring system.
The optional features included are the lane keep and change assist, rear view camera and blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert.
The Indian market shall have the Elantra with a 1.8 litres petrol engine, producing a power of 147 bhp and torque of 178 Nm and a diesel engine of 1.6 litres, that is turbo charged and produces a power of 126 bhp and torque of 260 Nm.
Both the diesel and petrol engines shall be made available with automatic and manual transmissions. The company may also introduce a new seven speed, dual clutch self shifting option.