2019 Hyundai Elantra Facelift Shown, Adds More Driver Assistance

Hyundai Motor America has just showcased the redesigned 2019 Elantra, which carries with it a new exterior design and more safety equipment.

The new car was first caught undisguised early last month, giving us a good look at the new C-segment sedan.

Up front, the updated Elantra features the signature Hyundai cascading grille with a more pronounced bottom half. As for the headlights, the new Elantra features a pair of sharper and wider units. The angular theme continues with the front bumper and front foglights, both of which are vastly different from the outgoing model.

Towards the rear end, the redesigned Elantra now closely resembles the facelifted Sonata, witha pair of slimmer tail lights and the repositioned number plate holder.

Moving inside, the dashboard layout remains similar to the outgoing model, but with new air vents, air-conditioning controls, and storage tray. The interior also sees the addition of a new meter cluster design. Hyundai has also given its new model a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the 7-inch unit of the predecessor. The North American model also features Infinity premium audio with 8 speakers, Qi wireless charging, and a rear view camera with dynamic guide lines on selected trim levels.

As for the safety front, Hyundai’s SmartSense is now available on more variants of the updated Elantra. SmartSense is Hyundai’s suite of advanced driver assistance, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Driver Attention Alert. Opting for the Elantra Limited with the Ultimate Package adds Safe Exit Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.

For the North American market, the Elantra is available with three engine choices:

• 2.0-litre Nu MPI Atkinson cycle petrol
• 1.4-litre Turbo GDI
• 1.6-litre Turbo GDI

Hyundai added that the redesigned Elantra Sport will debut towards the end of 2018. Further details of the Elantra Sport will be available at a later date, but Hyundai did confirm that the sportier model will continue with rear multilink independent suspension.

Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai said, “Refinements to both the interior and exterior were initiated on the 2019 Elantra to maintain its emotional design character and include affordable and desired features. The hood, front fenders, fascia, grille and headlights as well as the rear fascia, trunk and taillights each have been redesigned to convey a catchy and confident image. On the rear of the vehicle, the license plate has been relocated to the lower fascia to further enhance the new body sculpture.”