Futuristic looking family sedan with first class cabin appointments
Meet the all new 7th generation Hyundai Elantra. This is a surprising new look for this Korean family/mid-executive sedan and it all due to the guidance of Luc Donckerwolke, the executive vice president and chief design officer, Hyundai Motor Group.
“Parametric dynamics” is the phrase Hyundai designers were using to describe the dramatic look of this 2021 Elantra and it is even more dramatic in the flesh when we attended the unveiling this week at Hyundai Sime Darby headquarters.
The selling price has not been shared as yet and we are guessing a possible RM158,888 to RM163,888 Malaysian selling price as it is fully imported and is equipped with cabin features found in European brands.
Sitting on an all new 3rd generation platform, this new Elantra delivers a larger cabin space, higher safety standards and better driving dynamics. Hyundai engineers and designers had to make the 2021 Elantra longer, lower, and wider compared to the sixth-generation model.
This 2021 Elantra gains 30 mm in overall length (which becomes 4,650 mm) and 20 mm in its wheelbase (2,720 mm), and the overall width is increased 25 mm (1,825 mm). The overall height also dropped 20 mm (1,420 mm), and the front cowl point was moved back almost 30 mm.
For the Malaysian buyer this all new Elantra comes fully imported and with just one engine option and a very high specification cabin. The SmartStream G1.6 MPi petrol engine delivers 123ps of power at 6,300rpm and a peak torque of 154Nm at 4,500rpm. The Smartstream G1.6 MPi is a four-cylinder engine which features continuously variable valve timing and multi-port injection as well as a new thermal management module.
This Elantra comes with an eight-speed version of the Smartstream IVT which offers a 4.2 percent improvement in fuel economy and a reduction of 5 percent to 8 percent in engine power loss. Although it is very similar to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), IVT is said to be capable of reproducing the shift pattern of a manual transmission, making it feel more responsive.
The Smartstream powertrain is Hyundai Motor’s response to global efforts to safeguard the environment as well as to meet customers’ demand for fun-to-drive cars. It is designed to deliver improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions. The word ‘Smart’ implies being intelligent in design, control and operation, while ‘Stream’ refers to dynamic movement of mobility.
PRESS RELEASE: Having three lines meet at one point is a main ingredient in making the colorful parametric dynamics of Hyundai Elantra. Using this design element was a daring challenge, which has been avoided in car design, marking Elantra’s “disrupter-spirit”.
Front highlights:
- Parametric-jewel-pattern grille with turn-signal integration
- Wide, cascading grille creates an integrated architecture with the headlamp
- Bold fascia shape creates a strong front graphic
- Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces
Side highlights:
- Forwarded profile with a long, low hood creates a feeling of tension
- Bold edge runs constantly from the front to the rear
- Parametric-jewel body surfaces
Rear highlights:
- Wide, horizontal line extends across the center of the trunk, stretching to the edges of the car
- High-tech “H-Tail Lamp” that creates a Hyundai flying H logo-like shape
- Rear glass has a black deck accent to enhance the coupe-like look
- Wing-type lower bumper treatment
- Well-refined gem-like shapes create harmony with the bodyside surfaces
The “immersive cocoon” interior layout envelops the driver like an airplane cockpit. Low, wide structures go from the door all the way to the center 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 touchscreen 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 highlights:
- A 10.25-inch information-display cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment system
- Slim high-tech vents
- Customizable 64-color mood lighting
- Aircraft-cockpit-like driver-oriented layout
- A unique cornering grab handle for the passenger
- A high center console completes the driver-oriented layout
- Door center trim is long and low like a coupe
- Sporty low-placed inside handles
- Two-toned melange emphasizes the driver-focused layout even on the door
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 Hyundai 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
The 2021 Elantra has a suspension tune that feels taut yet comfortable and minimizes unwanted body roll while maximizing wheel impact absorption.
Driving Dynamics
The driving performance goal for the 2021 Hyundai 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.
Hyundai 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 Hyundai Elantra shines. Elantra’s 14.2 cu. ft. of trunk space gives it an 8 percent advantage over the Toyota Corolla.
Two Available 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.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also look great on this 10.25-inch widescreen display. 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.
Leave the Cellphone Cords Behind
Hyundai Elantra’s standard eight-inch Display Audio user interface allows owners to leave the cell phone 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 beams on 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
SmartSense Features
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) helps detect a vehicle in the drivers’ blind spot while the turn signal is on.
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC) makes highway and long-distance driving more comfortable. Using a radar sensor mounted on the lower front grille, the SCC system maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead in varied traffic conditions by automatically adjusting vehicle speed as needed.
- Highway Driving Assist (HDA) is a driving convenience system that assists drivers in maintaining the center of the lane and at an appropriate speed while keeping a safe distance from the car in front.
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW) may sound an alert when a vehicle approaches from behind, letting passengers know it may not be safe to open the door to exit the vehicle.
- Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA) helps detect pedestrians and obstacles with a rearview camera and ultrasonic sensors. The system can provide warnings and apply emergency braking to assist in the avoidance of a collision.
Standard Interior Features
- Eight-inch color display audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and HD Radio
- Bluetooth and steering wheel audio controls
- Drive Mode Select
- Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
