Hyundai launches bold new, seventh-gen Elantra 

Hyundai has officially launched its all-new, seventh-generation 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid. The world debut of the popular sedan took place at The Lot Studios in West Hollywood and was also broadcast around the world.

The 2021 Elantra showcases Hyundai's '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", according to the carmaker. Production of the 2021 Elantra starts in later this year in Ulsan, Korea and at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and sales begin in the fourth quarter.

“While some manufacturers no longer see the value in the car side of the business, we’re doubling down by offering an all-new model with both gas and hybrid powertrains,” said Brian Smith, chief operating officer, Hyundai Motor America. “We’ve sold more than 3.4 million Elantras here in the U.S. and more than 13.8 million worldwide, and the new, captivating look is going to bring excitement to a whole new generation of buyers. Then once inside, they’re going to love all of the progressive features.”

To transform the 2021 Elantra into its new four-door-coupe look, Hyundai engineers and designers had to make it longer, lower, and wider compared to the sixth-generation model. The 2021 Elantra gains 2.2 inches in overall length and 0.8 inch in its wheelbase, and the overall width is increased one inch. The overall height also dropped 0.8 inch, and the front cowl point was moved back almost two inches. These minor changes dramatically changed the shape of the car but had limited impact on cabin space. In fact, most key interior dimensions increased. 

It’s unlikely that Hyundai will introduce the new Elantra in India anytime soon, with the mid-life update for the present-gen car having arrived only late last year. That said, Hyundai did launch the current-generation car in India just 16 months after bringing in the facelift for the now-outgoing model.

Expect the new Hyundai Elantra to come to India sometime in 2021, with prices estimated to be in the range of Rs 16-22 lakh (ex-showroom).

Parametric Dynamics Design
'Parametric dynamics' is the phrase Hyundai designers use to describe the look of the 2021 Elantra. “Like the first generation, the seventh-generation Elantra/Avante has a bold character,” said Luc Donckerwolke, executive vice-president and chief design officer, Hyundai Motor Group. “The fresh aesthetic was completed through unconventional lines and a face that broke a taboo in automotive design. The new Elantra is highlighted by its stance that looks like geometric crystals and divided body surfaces to get a strong emotional response from the customers.” 

Having three lines meet at one point is a main ingredient in making the colorful parametric dynamics of Elantra. Using this design element was a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, marking Elantra’s 'disrupter-spirit'. 

The 'immersive cocoon' interior layout envelops the driver like an airplane cockpit. Low, wide structures go from the door all the way to the centre console. The low, wide structure also provides ample interior room. A large interface consisting of two harmoniously connected 10.25-inch displays enhances the futuristic feeling of the car. The angled touch-screen is easy for the driver to see and control. The interior gives the driver access to the latest technology and the confidence to use it.

Interior Packaging Efficiency
Elantra’s sleek design, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, has produced an interior that delivers outstanding comfort, functionality and practicality. A sleek roofline typically compromises headroom, but at 40.6 inches of front headroom and 37.3 inches of rear headroom, the 2021 Elantra has more front headroom and the same amount of rear headroom as its predecessor. The longer wheelbase also provides a best-in-class 38.0 inches of rear legroom and the wider track width means improved shoulder room in the front and rear. Even in trunk room, the Elantra shines. Elantra’s 14.2 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it an 8 percent advantage over the Corolla.

Elantra Hybrid
For the first time ever, a hybrid powertrain has been added to the Elantra line-up. The new Elantra Hybrid will feature a 1.6-litre 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 50mpg/21.25kpl.

Intelligent Variable Transmission Mated to a 2.0L Engine
The Elantra SE, SEL, and Limited offer the 2.0L MPI Atkinson Cycle engine that also has a focus on fuel economy. This engine generates 147 hp at 6200rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500rpm. These models are projected to achieve a best-in-class EPA combined fuel economy rating, an improvement over previous models, due in part to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

Hyundai’s IVT (Intelligent Vairable Transmission) provides superior efficiency and simulates gear shifts like those in the automatic transmissions. As opposed to a more common push belt, the IVT takes advantage of a chain-design belt that improves fuel efficiency by an additional 1.2 percent compared with conventional belt systems.

Hyundai’s new Shift Control Strategy used by the IVT improves linearity between driver inputs, vehicle behavior and acceleration. Shift response closely replicates automatic transmission step shifts.

Third-Generation Compact-Sized K3 Vehicle Platform
Hyundai’s third-generation vehicle platform also dramatically enhances the overall design, safety, efficiency, power and driving performance of the 2021 Elantra. The new Elantra weighs less, has better fuel economy and is stronger compared to the previous generation, thanks to the new platform. This platform also allowed engineers to lower Elantra’s center of gravity for more agile handling. In the event of a collision, this platform improves safety because it uses a multiload path structure.

Ride and Handling, driving dynamics
The 2021 Elantra has a suspension tune that feels taut yet comfortable and minimizes unwanted body roll while maximizing wheel impact absorption. Elantra Hybrid models offer a fully independent multilink setup in the rear and standard 16-inch alloy wheels for even more fun when the going gets sporty. All in all, whether it is a spirited drive through a twisty canyon road or cruising with friends on the highway, the new Elantra is ready.

The driving performance goal for the 2021 Elantra was to create a car that was exciting and fun to drive. Combining the new platform and modern powertrains allows the car to respond quickly to the driver’s inputs and provide a quiet, solid ride on the highway. The nimble driving dynamics match the bold exterior design.  

Two 10.25-inch screens
The 2021 Elantra has two futuristic 10.25-inch screens all under one piece of glass. The cluster has different views: utility, driver assistance and navigation. The optional infotainment system displays a wide variety of useful information across its 10.25-inch split touchscreen.

The navigation system includes a bird’s-eye view in navigation maps, and drivers get connected routing. Connected routing provides multiple navigation options and real-time route updates. Server-based routing makes the onboard navigation experience similar to current smartphone navigation apps.

The new Elantra is enabled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time—one for phone calls and one for streaming audio. The navigation system also comes with three years of Blue Link Multimedia/Map updates.

The Elantra’s standard eight-inch Display Audio user interface allows owners to leave the cellphone cords at home. This is because Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are available as segment-first features, allowing one to leave the phone in a pocket or purse.

SmartSense Safety Features
The 2021 Elantra offers a new array of standard advanced safety technologies:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection uses the car’s front-facing camera to help detect an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking automatically

Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps prevent accidental lane departure by sensing road markings, automatically steering the car if necessary

Lane Following Assist (LFA) may automatically adjust steering to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane of travel. LFA can help keep the vehicle centered on both highways and city streets.

High Beam Assist (HBA) eliminates the need for drivers to manually switch high beamson and off at night

Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system that monitors a spectrum of driver-related characteristics to help detect driver fatigue

Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines

The all-new Elantra has an optional smartphone-based Hyundai Digital Key. Digital Key uses a dedicated mobile app, Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to allow a new Elantra to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via applicable Android smartphones. Elantra’s Digital Key also allows secure sharing of virtual keys with family and friends.  Elantra owners can tailor the different vehicle functions available to each shared virtual key, and the key can be made available for only a defined amount of time. The vehicle owner can preset the duration of vehicle use or limit the use to only certain features when loaning the vehicle, and keys can also be revoked remotely.