2016 Hyundai Elantra unveiled at LA Auto Show

Following in the footsteps of rivals Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic, the new Hyundai Elantra has joined a graduating class of new designs that exude a more substantial and upscale aura. While the Elantra has retained a class-standard 106-inch wheelbase, Hyundai has somehow eked out two more inches of rear-seat leg room. As a result, the cabin gives you a much roomier feel as opposed to the cramped compact car.
 
The company explains that the machine is not only lighter than its predecessor, but its chassis is now reinforced with 53 percent advanced high-strength steel compared to 21 percent in the outgoing model. This results in a 29.5 percent stiffer torsional rigidity and 25.3 percent greater bending strength, which bring “improvements in vehicle ride and handling, quietness, durability and driving performance.”

The powertrain has also been revamped, and two new engines have replaced the 1.8L Dual VTVT and 1.6L CRDi VGT from the outgoing variants. Most Hyundai Elantras will now house the 2.0 litre Atkinson Cycle type engine that rakes up 149 PS and 179 Nm of torque. This one will be offered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The other one is the 1.4 litre turbocharged kappa GDI engine which is mated to a 7 speed automatic transmission with two clutches.

As expected from a newly introduced car, advanced safety equipment is added to the options list. Blind-spot detection will be available on multiple trim levels, while the top-trim will offer forward-collision warning with automatic braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane assist, and adaptive cruise control. The introduction of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are still awaited in the new Elantra.

The car is expected to be available later next year while the prices will also be revealed sometime closer to the launch.