Hyundai Motor premieres all-new Elantra in Korea

SEOUL, Korea — Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea’s largest automaker, unveiled recently the all-new Elantra (Avante in Korea), a sophisticated evolution of the brand’s long-established compact sedan. Now in its sixth generation, the model builds on its global popularity by introducing a dynamic and sleek appearance, underlining its status and unique presence within the highly competitive compact-size sedan segment.

With class-defining interior and exterior features, the refined style elements reflect Hyundai Motor’s evolving design philosophy. This vision incorporates a dynamic precision in exterior design that complements the new model’s comfortable, contemporary and sporty feel. The large hexagonal grille is paired with slim and sporty headlights for an energetic look, while its clean surfaces build on the active stance of the All-new Elantra.

“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 Center during the All-new Elantra launch ceremony in Namyang R&D Center, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network and birthplace of all Hyundai cars, today.

“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 aims to build on the model’s proud heritage while setting new standards as a world-class compact-size sedan. The new model is 20 millimeters longer and 25 millimeters wider than the previous-generation Elantra, delivering a spacious interior comparable with that of the segment above. The body structure has been designed to boost durability and rigidity, incorporating 32% more advanced high-strength steel compared to the original Elantra.

The new car also takes a leap forward with a number of class-leading convenience and safety features. An Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) enhances driver comfort, while Smart Trunk allows easy loading as it opens automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches. In addition, new class-leading suite of safety technologies includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

For added refinement, the Elantra’s premium-sound Harman audio system delivers delightful sound quality, with eight speakers accompanying an amplifier, located in the front-center rear package tray and in the front doors. To enhance acoustic enjoyment, a pair of front door-mounted tweeters joins each speaker located in every door.

Hyundai Motor engineers have developed efficient and effective powertrains to deliver enhanced performance for the new Elantra. As a result, the new model boasts impressive performance, with useable low and mid-range torque that provides exceptional drivability in all driving conditions, through either the manual or automatic gearboxes. All of these powertrain options offer high fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions, emphasizing Hyundai Motor’s continuing commitment to improving fuel efficiency.

The Elantra name was first introduced more than 25 years ago and has sold more than 10 million units in that time. It has won numerous awards and accolades including ‘2012 North American Car of the Year’, ‘2012 South African Car of the Year’ and ‘Highest ranked in compact car segment for initial quality’ in 2014 according to J.D. Power and Associates. Each of the previous five generations of the car have contributed to its rising popularity and today it remains one of Hyundai Motor’s best-selling models.

It is not only through great design that the all-new Elantra improves on its predecessors. The compact sedan’s power output, fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety features have all been upgraded, with extensive use of new technology to set a higher standard of refinement in the segment.

Hyundai Motor is expecting sales of around 50,000 units this year in Korea, with ambitions to deliver 700,000 units globally (Korea: 110,000 / Overseas: 590,000) to customers next year.