Having inspected the new Hyundai Elantra, one can say that this just-released seventh-generation Korean family or mid-executive sedan has a surprising new look.
“Parametric dynamics” is the phrase Hyundai designers are using to describe the dramatic look of this 2021 Elantra, and it is even more dramatic in the flesh during its recent unveiling at the Hyundai Sime Darby headquarters.
The selling price has not been shared as yet, and we are guessing that it would range between US$36,670 (RM148,888) to US$37,900 (RM153,888) as it is fully imported and is equipped with cabin features typically found in European brands.
But, sitting on an all-new third-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 30mm in overall length (which becomes 4,650mm) and 20mm in its wheelbase (2,720mm), and the overall width is increased 25mm (1,825mm). The overall height also dropped 20mm (1,420mm), and the front cowl point was moved back almost 30mm.
For the Malaysian buyer, this new Elantra comes fully imported and with just one engine option and a very high specification cabin.
The SmartStream G1.6 MPi petrol engine – which is is a four-cylinder engine that features continuously variable valve timing, a multi-port injection and a new thermal management module – delivers 123ps of power at 6,300rpm and a peak torque of 154Nm at 4,500rpm.
Apart from that, this Elantra comes with an eight-speed version of the Smartstream IVT which offers a 4.2% improvement in fuel economy and a reduction of 5% to 8% 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. The word ‘Smart’ implies being intelligent in design, control and operation, while ‘Stream’ refers to the dynamic movement of mobility.
Elantra’s sleek design, combined with Hyundai’s expertise in interior packaging, has produced an interior that delivers outstanding comfort, functionality and practicality.
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.
A large interface consisting of two harmoniously connected 10.25-inch displays enhances the futuristic feeling of the car and the angled touchscreen is easy for the driver to see and control.
As a bonus feature, 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.
Looks aside, the 2021 Elantra offers a new array of noteworthy advanced safety technologies worth paying attention to.
The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection, for example, helps to detect an imminent collision with a vehicle or pedestrian and avoid impact or minimise damage by braking automatically. The Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), on the other hand, helps prevent accidental lane departure by sensing road markings, automatically steering the car if necessary.
Other impressive features include the Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system that detects driver fatigue, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) which helps to detect a vehicle in the drivers’ blind spot while the turn signal is on, Highway Driving Assist (HDA) that assists drivers to maintain center at an appropriate speed and distance from the car in front, and the Safe Exit Warning (SEW) that will sound an alert when a vehicle approaches from behind (very helpful in letting passengers know it may not be safe to open the door to exit the vehicle).
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