If there was one vehicle I had to name that "punches above its weight," there's absolutely no question I'd pick the Hyundai Elantra. Priced like an economy car, sized like a midsize sedan and equipped pretty handsomely, it's a hard package to pass up.
In fact, I have placed a handful of friends in Elantras and every single one is happy with their purchase. Simply put, it's a great product.
So, now what? It's showing age and Hyundai is going to have to introduce an all-new Elantra. How does it follow up on such a strong generation? Easy. Deliver the goods in the same formula as the previous-gen car.
As of now we don't know any of the specifics but we do have a sketch so we can imagine how it will translate into real life. Confirmed for a 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) debut, we're eager to see the sheets come off this auto.
From what I can see, it appears that the Elantra will take some creative license from the Genesis with a hexagonal front grille and sharp looking headlights. The next-gen Elantra's side profile looks eerily similar to the current model with an upward kink along the vehicle's window sill.
Hyundai's press release follows:
Sleek All-New Elantra Reveals its Dynamic Impression
- Style of All-new Elantra places Hyundai Motor compact sedan in a class of
its own
- Appealing active character lines and creatively designed wheel arches
August 19, 2015 – Hyundai Motor is excited to provide customers a glimpse of the forthcoming All-new Elantra's modern looks and unique design ahead of the car's launch just around the corner. The new model's dynamic and sleek style received the approval of a recent consumer study, where the Elantra's striking appearance saw it ranked ahead of key rivals.
Designers of the All-new Elantra identified a series of innovative design aspects that give the car an unrivalled status and unique presence. Clever use of active character lines evoke a dynamic, stylish and confident appearance, building on the global popularity of the model.
Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer at Hyundai Motor Company said: "The All-new Elantra captures the car's unique design characteristics that really place this model in a class of its own. The subtle and innovative appearance enhancements reflect Hyundai Motor's vision for design. Furthermore, this car indicates a move from traditional to modern styling by communicating the new model's comfort, fashion and sporty feel."
In the newly released exterior rendering, the car's innovative design points become clear. Noticeably, the large hexagonal grille is paired with slim and sporty headlights for a feeling of energy, while clean and refined surfaces build on the active stance of the All-new Elantra. Additionally, wheel arches with a goal of expressing the car's dynamic road presence, help to set the new model apart from other compact sedans.