Small cars are hot right now, but they don’t get any hotter than the volume-selling market for entry-level compact 
sedans . Trying to stay one step ahead of its rivals in this highly competitive segment, Hyundai is preparing to introduce the next generation of its American-made Elantra sedan , and as a hint at the direction this new model will go, Hyundai has released a teaser sketch of its upcoming sedan.
Even though the current, fifth-generation Elantra was introduced in 2010, it has managed to stay fresh in the C-segment thanks to a trio of body styles and a minor refresh for 2014. There is no word if the Elantra will continue to get coupe and hatchback versions, but judging by this sketch, the new design will definitely make the 2017 Hyundai Elantra one of the most stylish offerings in its class.
The new Elantra is expected to debut in November at the LA Auto Show , and with the 2016 Hyundai Elantra already on sale, the next-gen model will most likely appear as a 2017 model.
Continue reading for my full review of the new Elantra.
Exterior
Note: 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT shown here.
Revealing only a single angle of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra , it’s easy to see that the sedan will get a healthy dose of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, but the overall design doesn’t seem to stray too far from the shape of the current Elantra. This includes cues such as the sleek, coupe-like roofline and the sharp creases along most body panels, but the new face is what will define this design the most, with a much more upscale appearance similar to what the new 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe and the 2015 Hyundai Sonata sedans offer.
Hopefully, this design won’t be too watered down in the transition from sketch to production model, and allow the sedan to retain the big six-sided grille and Jaguar -like headlights. The only other design elements apparent in this image are the angled lower fascia accents and split-spoke wheel design (vaguely reminiscent of the current 2014 – 2015 Honda Civic Si ), which add a sense of sportiness to the 2017 Elantra.
Interior
Note: Interior from 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT shown here.
Hyundai only provided the single rendering of the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, but similar to current models in the lineup, expect to see this Hyundai with a stylish interior loaded with advanced technology.
Drivetrain
Note: Engine from 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT shown here.
The current Elantra is offered with two four-cylinder engines and two six-speed transmissions: a base 1.8-liter and a sportier 2.0-liter paired with either a manual or automatic. For the next-gen Elantra, Hyundai will likely switch to more advanced powertrain options; perhaps even the 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder and seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that recently debuted in new Hyundais like the 2016 Hyundai Tucson .
Prices
It will probably be at least a few more months until Hyundai divulges any detailed information about the 2017 Hyundai Elantra, but the sedan will probably stay in the same price range as the current car. For 2016, the Elantra sedan is priced starting at $17,250 for the SE trim level up to $21,700 for the decked-out Limited model.
Competition
2016 Honda Civic
Before the next-gen Elantra hits the scene, one of the segment’s best-selling cars, the Honda Civic , will also receive a major overhaul. Judging by what was revealed at the 2015 New York Auto Show , we were able to put together a rendering earlier this year of what the next-gen Civic would look like. The new styling will definitely be a step up for the Civic, but the 2017 Elantra should still have an edge when it comes to beauty.
Read our full review of the 2016 Honda Civic here .
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
For those who like the wedge-like shape of the current Civic, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze should pick up the slack. The second-gen Cruze made its big debut this summer, but it won’t be arriving in showrooms until early next year. The good news for Cruze fans is that it will continue to offer a fuel-efficient diesel version, and reports indicate that a hatchback model will finally join the U.S. lineup as well.
Read our full review of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze here .
Conclusion
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will be an important new model in the Hyundai lineup, and this teaser sketch shows that things are definitely going in the right direction. If the 2017 Elantra can get an updated powertrain with improved and attainable fuel economy figures, then the new sedan should be yet another home run for Hyundai, like the recently introduced Genesis , Sonata , 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe and Tucson . For now, there is only speculation about the next-gen Elantra, but considering how revealing the sketch is, don’t be surprised to see more views and information surfacing in the coming months. Stay tuned to this review for more details leading up to the Elantra’s debut.
Press Release
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.