The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will be available in global markets later this year. The Elantra, one of Hyundai’s best-selling models, has been updated and restyled by the South Korean automaker. Hyundai customers prefer this brand because of the dependability of its vehicles. It is unlikely that a brand new Hyundai will become stranded on the side of the road. Nor with one that’s five years old, for that matter. Hyundai has demonstrated that their cars are not only valuable for their top-notch mechanics, but also provide a luxurious and especially safe driving experience with the upcoming 2017 Elantra. The car’s exterior appears to be very stylish and modern, while remaining relatively sober, as Hyundai has always prided itself on being a modest company.
Exterior design
The exterior of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra is heavily influenced by that of the slightly larger Hyundai Sonata. This is clear when looking at the large horizontally lined grille that has been scaled up for the Elantra. The almost massive grille makes the car appear much larger and tougher. Because Hyundai has used LED lights, the Elantra‘s headlights have shrunk in size. These bulbs produce more and brighter light than the bulbs used in the previous Elantra model and do not need to be as large. The Elantra‘s parking lights have also been redesigned. These are also smaller and more C-shaped, adding character to the car’s face.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra overall is 1 inch (2.54 cm) wider and 1 inch (2.54 cm) longer, which adds a lot to the interior volume.
Moving on to the side of the car, not much has changed except for the back door. The back door on the 2013 Elantra moved diagonally up and then curved off the other way to the top, best described as the standard back door for sedans. The back door now follows a straight line that curves along the wheelbase. This detail adds a more distinctive look to the exterior of the Elantra, and definitely hits home appearancewise.
The overall body line on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra looks the same, but has now been curved inwards instead of outward, creating a more distinguished line along the side.
Furthermore, the wheels have been updated. Not only are the rims more detailed and higher class, they are larger, and the actual tires are smaller. Another element which updates the Elantra in terms of design.
2017 Hyundai Elantra Rear
The back of the Elantra was also restyled. Again, the taillamps are LEDs and are now smaller than the previous model’s. They are also sharper and more angular, which is now the trend in automotive manufacturing. The button for opening the trunk has been moved to the right above the nameplate space, instead of it being a little cutout part at the bottom of the 2013 Elantra trunk. The nameplate space itself has also been moved to the upper part of the trunk, instead of being on the bumper. The whole space of all the backside details has been minimalized, and definitely makes the Elantra look more like a car of the modern age.
Interior design
The interior is obviously just as important as the exterior, and for people who drive a lot and for a long time, it’s probably even more important. How does the Elantra look and feel from a driver’s point of view?
Minimalism is the key word for the new 2017 Hyundai Elantra. No more awkwardly shaped details and accessories can be found in the car. Everything has been designed to look like it’s all in one line, from air vent to centre display to air vent. This has created a more subtle and calm interior, deleting all the unnecessary details and buttons.
The steering wheel looks sportier and a lot more sturdy. The quality of the materials Hyundai used for the interior has been improved, and this is quite visible. The seats and dashboard now appear much more luxurious than before. They are also more comfortable, since Hyundai used SoyFoam as a filling. This is an environmentally friendly material made from soybean oil. An interior upgrade to leather is also available.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is a conventional radio unit for the base models. The premium models have a 4.2 inch TFT-screen and an 8 inch infotainment system.
Engine specs
Two engines will be available on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra. The first is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp. A six-speed manual is available for the base model only, or there’s the choice of a new six-speed automatic transmission.
The other engine will be a new 1.4-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder in Eco trim. Hyundai released this engine to achieve the best fuel economy possible. It can produce 128 horsepower and has a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
All Elantras will have three selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, that are selectable via a button on the centre console.
Tech specs
Technology is not absent on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra! The standard package of driver and safety assist is present. Think of forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beams. Hyundai’s proximity key will not only unlock the doors, but will also open the trunk. All you need to do is stand near the car for three seconds with the proximity key on you. Easy as ABC, very handy when you have your hands full.
The optional list includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist and adaptive headlights. Also, there’s automatic emergency braking that detects cars, cyclists and pedestrians. One or more of these features will be standard or additional on the car. Android Auto will be available with either of the higher-level infotainment systems.
Standard on the Elantra will be ABS, electronic stability control and traction control. Finally, there’s vehicle stability management and a tire pressure monitor system.
Price
The standard 2017 Elantra SE model with manual transmission will start at $17,150. The standard automatic transmission Elantra will be $18,150, and the Elantra Limited model with automatic transmission will start at $22,350.