Hyundai has revealed the next-generation Elantra, featuring a dramatic new look and improved interior space. The new Elantra, also known as the Avante in its home market of Korea, boasts the most extreme example of the brand's new Art of Steel design language yet, with a number of hard lines and aggressive angles across its bodywork.
The new Elantra is slightly larger than its rival, the Skoda Octavia, due to a 1.2-inch increase in its wheelbase compared to the previous-generation Elantra. Hyundai has prioritized improving interior space, with the sedan also growing 1.2 inches wider. The interior has been designed to be "cozy and comfortable," according to Hyundai, with the dashboard and doorcards' designs cocooning around the seats and featuring customizable LED backlighting.
View Price on AmazonAs seen in the recently revealed Ioniq 3 hatchback, the driver's display is set high on the dashboard, keeping important information in the driver's line of sight and reducing the need to divert attention away from the road. A large infotainment touchscreen, measuring either 12.9 or 14.6 inches, takes center stage and runs on Hyundai's new Pleos operating system, allowing for the installation of navigation and music apps directly on the screen.
In Korea, the new Elantra will be available with two powertrains: a 2.0-liter petrol four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and a 1.6-liter hybrid producing 155 horsepower. The hybrid also features a new predictive regenerative braking system that reads the road ahead and automatically adjusts the strength of the regenerative effect to keep the battery topped up.
The hybrid model also includes a 'stay mode' that allows the small traction battery's reserves to power the climate controls and infotainment system while parked, similar to an electric vehicle with a larger battery. Korean deliveries of the new Elantra will begin in the coming weeks, although Hyundai has yet to confirm whether it will be sold in Europe or the UK.
Source: autocar.co.uk
