Hyundai introduces the new Elantra

The seventh generation of the Hyundai Elantra sedan/saloon has enjoyed its official premiere in West Hollywood, California, USA. The car switches to a more modern platform, gains plenty of new infotainment features, and will be shipping as a mild hybrid for the first time on record.

The exterior design follows the latest ‘Sensous Sportiness’ philosophy of the marque and measures 56 millimeters (2.2 inches) longer, 25 mm (1”) broader and 20 mm (0.8”) lower than its predecessor. The wheelbase increases to 2,720 mm (8.92 ft.).

The cabin is completely new. The infotainment display measures only 8 inches across in the base spec, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported by default. All trim levels now benefit from the Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety aids. Paid options include dual 10.25-inch displays, voice control support, and a Bose audio system. Finally, you can now use a smartphone app to start the engine remotely or open a door.

The 7th-gen Elantra still mainly ships with a 2.0-liter non-turbo engine good for 150 hp (112 kW) and 180 Nm (132 lb-ft) of torque. Customers in the USA will get IVT for transmission, with different options possible in other markets.

A major addition to the lineup comes in the guise of the new mild-hybrid spec, which combines a 1.6-liter IC engine with a 32kW electric motor. Their joint efforts amount to 140 PS (137 hp, 100 kW) and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. The transmission is six-speed dual clutch semi-automatic, and the battery size is as small as 1.32 kWh. The hybrid consumes 4.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers on average, which corresponds to 60 MPG in Great Britain and 50 MPG in the United States.

The new 2021 Hyundai Elantra will enter production in Ulsan, South Korea, and Alabama, USA, this fall. First shipment will begin before the end of the year, and the high-performance Elantra N-Line may emerge later.