New Elantra Adds Refinement, Safety Features

Hyundai Motor Co. took the wraps off the next-generation Elantra compact sedan at an event in South Korea, where the car is marketed as the Avante. The U.S. version, which will be publicly unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show in November, is expected to look virtually identical.

The sixth-generation model is slightly longer, wider and taller than the current Elantra. The wheelbase remains the same. The redesigned car also gets a more streamlined look with improved aerodynamics (0.27 drag coefficient) and Hyundai's new large hexagonal grille and thinner headlights.

Hyundai hiked the use of high-strength steel in the Elantra by 32%, to improve durability and body rigidity. Other enhancements include a retuned suspension to boost driving dynamics and better feedback from the power-steering system.

Thicker door window glass, rear-wheel insulation and redesigned windshield wipers, reduce noise and vibration.

New safety features available in the Elantra include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic dimming of high-beam lights, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot detection. The car also gets memory seat positions and a hands-free auto-opening trunk.

The interior is more refined and adds higher-quality materials throughout. Hyundai says it also has improved overall ergonomics with a redesigned instrument panel and more intuitive controls.

Three 4-cylinder engines will be offered in South Korea: a 1.6-liter direct-injection gasoline engine, 1.6-liter diesel and 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle mill. Transmission choices include a 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch unit.

Sales of the Avante in South Korea will start later this year. Hyundai hasn't said when the 2016 Elantra will bow in the U.S. and other markets.