After teasing the fans with multiple images, Hyundai finally revealed the rival of Corolla, Civic, and Mazda3. The good news is the 2021 Elantra is a better compact sedan than the current model in every sense of the word. It is longer, smarter with a new platform and is techier, and safe. It also has a hybrid variant for the first time to give a tough time to Corolla Hybrid and Honda Insight.
Exterior
Hyundai added many high-tech features, we only expect in pricier cars, to attract more customers toward Elantra. It starts with a more innovative design taking some of its cues from the new Sonata. It is now more flowing and graceful. The new platform has also allowed the automaker to extend its wheelbase almost an inch and enhance its length by 2 inches. It is also wider, lower and sleeker than before. The good thing is, the coupe-like roof doesn’t cramp the space in the backseats. The legroom at the front is 42.3 inches and the rear passengers can sit comfortably with 38 inches space.
Interior
While the new design is certainly remarkable, the real magic happens inside. There is a range of new standard tech, which starts from the 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility. No other car in this segment is offering this as standard. Opt the higher grade and you get a bigger 10.3-inch touchscreen that is accompanied by an equal-sized digital gauge cluster. Both these displays give an illusion of one big screen that controls multiple functions. Comparing the dashboard to the current model and even the rivals, we can simply call it futuristic and more modern.
Safety
Hyundai has always given much importance to the safety of passengers and the 2021 Elantra has just got the right mix of safety features the passengers expect from a compact sedan. It has standard automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and driver attention monitoring system. Spend a little extra to get blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. The 2021 Elantra has also borrowed the digital key technology from the Sonata, permitting the owners to operate different vehicle functions via their smartphone.
Engine
Hyundai’s decision to introduce the hybrid model for the Elantra is perhaps the best move to cater to customer’s rising demand for electrified vehicles. The first Elantra Hybrid will carry a 1.6L inline-four engine assisted by an electric motor, creating 139 horsepower (104 kilowatts) and 179 Newton-meters of torque, collectively. Hyundai says it will deliver 21 kilometers per liter, which is on par to the Insight and the Corolla Hybrid.
Talking about the gasoline model, all the variants including the SE, SEL, and Premium will be powered by the old 2.0L inline-four generating 147 hp (110 kilowatts) and 264 Newton-meters of torque. Hyundai is also planning to offer a high-performance N-Line variant later down the road.
Price
Sadly, the South Korean automaker didn’t reveal the prices for both the 2021 Elantra and Elantra Hybrid. However, we do know the new sedans will enter production lines in Korea and Alabama by the end of this year. Will Coronavirus affect the production, we can’t tell for sure. But we do know, seeing all the changes, that the new Elantra will turn many more heads and bring more customers to the brand.
Source and Images: Motor1