South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai unveiled on Wednesday the 2017 Hyundai Elantra at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The compact sedan sports a redesigned body that removes some of the previous model's distinctive edges.
The new 2017 Hyundai Elantra has a hexagonal shaped grille and a front-wheel air curtain that looks the same as the one on the Sonata Hybrid. The new air curtain improves air flow and in return increases gas mileage and fuel efficiency.
The looks of the 2017 Elantra is evident of Hyundai's ongoing transition in terms of design ethos. The company is slowly moving away from edgy themes characterized by previous models and move towards a more mainstream design theme. Evidence to this is the new headlight that looks more mainstream compared to the previous model's lumpy headlight.
In a press released obtained by Auto Blog, Hyundai highlighted some of the features of the new Elantra, "Assembled in both Montgomery, Alabama and Ulsan, South Korea, the new Elantra distinguishes itself from the compact car class with the addition of segment-first premium convenience and safety technologies, and is expected to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration."
The complete press release can be accessed Hyundai's website.
The standard model of the 2017 Elantra has a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with power output of up to 147 horsepower and 132 point-feet of torque. It is available in six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission.
According to USA Today, there is an option 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine variant called the Elantra Eco. It has a seven-speed dual clutch transmission that can deliver up to 128 horsepower and 156 pound-feet torque. Gas mileage is rated at 35mpg.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will hit dealers in January 2016.