Hyundai’s 2017 Elantra spied with new upscale look

By Stephen Edelstein September 3, 2015

2016 Hyundai Elantra (Korean version) spy shot — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra is set to debut at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show with a more upscale look than the current model, and we’re already getting a preview of that thanks to some leaked photos of the South Korean version of the Elantra, or the Avante, as it’s known there.

The photos were reportedly taken by a contractor at a Hyundai factory in South Korea, and were published by local car site Auto Tribune (via Autoblog). They show the car fully uncovered, revealing details only hinted at in a teaser sketch released by Hyundai earlier this month.

The Elantra is set to adopt the second-generation of Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, already seen on the current Sonata and Tucson. Like those models, the Elantra appears to eschew the more radical look of the previous generation for something that more explicitly apes higher-end luxury cars.

That grille looks like it was stolen off the Audi factory floor, although the headlights and side air intakes actually seem a bit Toyota Camry-ish. The roofline still has a nice arch, but the current model’s curvy sides have been ironed out, with a single, clean crease left in their place.

The interior seems to have a pretty plain design, and includes both a center-stack display screen and some sort of secondary display between the analog gauges, plus steering-wheel mounted controls. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

Auto Tribune also reiterated a previous report that the Elantra will be offered with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower, as well as 196 pound-feet of torque. Those are identical figures to the 2016 Tucson, and it’s possible the Elantra will adopt the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission used in that model as well.

Additional engine and transmission options may also be offered, and the Elantra GT five-door hatchback may get similar changes to the sedan at some point as well. All will be revealed at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

What it means now that Kia and Hyundai have adopted Tesla’s charging standard

A Tesla car chargers on a Tesla Destination charger.

It has finally happened. After the majority of other major automakers announced the transition from the combined charging system (CCS) to the North American Charging Standard (NACS), Hyundai Motor Group (which consists of Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis) remained one of the major holdouts. But that has changed, and the company announced that it would make the shift starting with cars sold in late 2024. Presumably, that means that 2025 model year cars will get the new plugs.

But what does this mean for you if you're a current Kia, Hyundai, or Genesis driver? And what does it mean for those planning on buying a Hyundai Motor Group EV in the near or more distant future? Here's what you need to know.
How long will this transition take?
The transition to NACS simply is not going to be as immediate as Apple's transition from Lightning to USB-C ports. That's to say, there's going to be a multiyear transition period -- and even in five years, some charging stations will likely still sport CCS connectors.

Cars

Tesla Model 3 vs. Hyundai Ioniq 6: Which electric sedan is best?

Front three quarter view of the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6.

There are finally some more electric sedan options. For years, the Tesla Model 3 was really the only good electric sedan that comes at a reasonable price -- until, Hyundai recently launched the Ioniq 6. The Ioniq 6 certainly takes some cues from the larger Ioniq 5, but is smaller and sleeker, with a design seemingly inspired by the Porsche 911.

But the Tesla Model 3 is still clearly an excellent option for those looking for an electric car, and who don't want a larger crossover. Which is better? Here's a look.
Design
The exterior design of the Tesla Model 3 and Hyundai Ioniq 6 is quite different. If you've seen a Tesla car before, then you'll immediately recognize the Model 3 -- it looks largely like a slightly different version of every other Tesla (except the Cybertruck).

Cars

Move aside, Tesla. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses

The front view of a red Hyundai Ioniq 6.

EVs of all shapes and sizes are finally coming, but not in equal measure. While we now have a solid array of midsize crossovers (like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6), sedans and SUVs aren't quite there yet. Sure, we have expensive sedans and SUVs, like the Rivian R1S and the Lucid Air, but if you're looking for a car for your small family and don't want, or can't afford, to spend a ton of cash, your options are limited.

But that's changing -- and there's a new car that, at least right now, makes a serious case for itself. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is the best electric sedan for the masses, and it goes right up against the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. With a base price of $41,600, the Ioniq 6 is right in the same league as the $40,240 Model 3 and $48,400 Polestar 2.
What else is even out there?
When it comes to lower-priced electric sedans, before now, there were really only two options: the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2. Other sedans exist, but they're not accessible by the majority of drivers. I recently reviewed the Lucid Air Grand Touring and loved it -- but I'm not spending $138,000 on a car unless I win the lottery.