All-New 2016 Hyundai Elantra Debuts In Korea

Hyundai has just taken the wraps off its all-new sixth generation Hyundai Elantra, which will be sold in Korea as the Hyundai Avante.

What is it?

The C-segment Elantra is Hyundai’s answer to the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Jetta.

Hyundai Motor is expecting sales of around 50,000 units this year in Korea, with ambitions to deliver 700,000 units globally (Korea: 110,000 / Overseas: 590,000) to customers next year.

What’s new?

The body is now 20 mm longer and 25 mm wider than the previous-generation Elantra. Its 4,570 mm length is still 50 mm shorter than the Corolla Altis, while its 1,800 mm width is 4mm more than the Corolla Altis. In terms of height, the Elantra’s 1,440 mm is 20 mm less than the Corolla Altis.

Hyundai touts a series of class-leading features in the all-new Elantra - Integrated Memory Seat (IMS), Smart Trunk which opens automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).    

A premium eight-speaker Harman audio system is also available on some models.

There’s also air-conditioning vents in the rear and the Hyundai says the cabin’s surface is lined with soft-touch, high quality materials.

Engine and Transmission

In Korea, the Elantra (Avante) comes with three engine options – a 1.6-litre diesel VGT, a 1.6-litre GDi direct injection petrol, and Nu-series 2.0-litre MPi Atkinson. Yes, an Atkinson cycle engine, similar to the ones used inside a Toyota Prius.

The 1.6-litre GDi produces 132 PS and 161 Nm while the Nu 2.0-litre MPi Atkinson produces 149 PS and 180 Nm.

There are three transmissions options available - six-speed automatic, six-speed manual, seven-speed DCT, the latter is only available for the diesel-powered variant.

When will it be launched in Malaysia?

Currently, Hyundai is only producing left-hand drive variants of the Elantra for domestic sales ini Korea. Exports are not expected to begin until 2016.