2021 Hyundai Elantra Is Here! (Photos)

Hyundai Motors has been a very very busy company this year. They have been replacing their models across all their brands and the focus has now shifted to the famous Elantra. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is an entirely different vehicle from the previous model and it takes lots of styling from the latest Sonata. The car was launched on Tuesday night in Los Angeles in the United States. It’s kinda hard to believe that this model is in its 7th generation. Funny story, it has been around since the 90s and has been competing with the Civics and Corollas of this world.

Exterior

The looks of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is so eyecatching and it’s a good thing at best. We can all agree that some of its stylings are straight-up from the Sonata and its impressive. The signature design elements for the new Elantra include the sharp character lines along its flanks, a Hyundai “H”-shaped taillight design, and a series of small elements meant to appear crystalline from a distance, tying in with the sharp lines of the Elantra’s profile. Compared to its predecessor, the 2021 Elantra is 2.2 inches (56 mm) longer, 1 inch (25 mm) wider and 0.8 inches (20 mm) lower. The wheelbase also grows 0.8 inches (20 mm) to 107.1 inches (2,720 mm) overall. That makes it bigger than the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla which means more interior space.

Interior

The interior layout compliments the exterior and the improvements are vast. The dashboard just speaks “The Future” and that’s for a good measure. The 2021 Elantra has two futuristic 10.25-inch screens all under one piece of glass. The cluster has different views: utility, driver assistance, and navigation. The optional infotainment system displays a wide variety of useful information across its 10.25-inch split touchscreen. The navigation system includes a bird’s-eye view in navigation maps, and drivers get connected routing. Connected routing provides multiple navigation options and real-time route updates. Server-based routing makes the onboard navigation experience similar to current smartphone navigation apps. It now comes equipped with “segment-first” wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The interior is a lot roomier than rivals due to its added size.

Engines And Transmission

Hyundai has really taken their time to craft some of the engine variants of the 2021 Elantra. There will be both petrol and hybrid powertrains available for the vehicle. These engines include the regular  2.0-liter inline-4 making 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque.  Hyundai’s revised CVT gearbox will drive it. The hybrid is the most interesting and it’s the first time the Elantra will be available in this engine mode. The Hybrid will be powered by a new 1.6-liter ICE mated to a 1.32-kWh battery pack and a 32-kW (~43-horsepower) electric motor. The total output is 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission drives it.

The 2021 Elantra rides on the new K3 platform which is lighter, safer and stronger than its predecessor. The change also allows for a shorter front overhang and a lower center of gravity. The latter promises to improve handling and its one of several changes focused on making the Elantra more fun to drive. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra will be available in Nigeria before the year-end so stay tuned.