On March 18, Hyundai Motor officially released the seventh-generation Elantra in Hollywood, USA. The new car was born on the Hyundai Group's new i-GMP platform. To be honest, whether you like it or not, this time the new Elantra definitely has an unforgettable design. Since the birth of the first-generation model in 1990, the Elantra has sold nearly 14 million units worldwide, making it the "mainstay" of modern cars. Therefore, Hyundai naturally does not dare to neglect such a "volume" car, but I don't know what stimulated the designer. Most people really can't appreciate the appearance of the seventh-generation Elantra.
You can probably tell from the pictures that the front face of the new car is not only the grille, but also the grille. It is so dark that you will probably be dazzled if you look at it for a while, and it even looks a bit like the "King of Shadow Stream".
Maybe it’s because I’m getting old. With all due respect, I personally don’t accept the work of Hyundai’s chief designer Luc Donckerwolke, but it is undeniable that the new car can really make people change from “a vast car.” "Sea" was instantly recognized. The unique design not only lowers the visual effect of the front of the car, but also makes the body, which is already 1826mm wide, look wider. Interestingly, unlike today’s popular integrated headlights, the turn signals are separated and hidden in the front grille.
As for the side of the car, the smooth and "Coupe" style design immediately evokes extreme comfort. Several sharp lines are interspersed among them, creating a very three-dimensional "concave-convex feeling" on the side of the car body. The official calls it a "gem structure." In addition, the short front overhang design also makes it look "out of place".
The design of the rear of the car is equally exciting, still using a large number of straight lines. The through-type rear taillights with LED light sources also display an "H" effect after being lit, which is highly recognizable. The rear luggage compartment and the roof are perfectly integrated into one, which is quite a coupe style. Therefore, looking at this car from the rear 45° must be the most beautiful angle, bar none.
In addition to the unique appearance design, the body size of the new Elantra has also been significantly improved. The length and width are 4676mm and 1826mm respectively, while the height has been reduced by 26mm to only 1414mm. This creates a "low-lying feeling" for the new car. In addition, the wheelbase has also increased by 20mm compared with the previous generation model, reaching 2720mm. I believe it will self-evidently improve the interior space.
The design inside the car is also sci-fi. The full LCD instrument is no longer a "patent" for luxury cars, and the display effect is impeccable. However, I guess this kind of configuration can only be "enjoyed" by mid-to-high-end models. Low-end models are likely to still use traditional mechanical instruments. For this compact car that emphasizes sportiness, the "wrap-around cockpit" design concept also well highlights the sporty atmosphere and always teases the driver's emotions.
Korean cars' tradition of "generous and generous" configurations has also been inherited on the seventh-generation Elantra, whether it is a 10.25-inch central control display, forward collision warning, 64-color ambient lighting, wireless charging, or even Bose audio systems appear in new cars. The new Blue?Link in-vehicle interconnection system can also control functions such as window lifting, air conditioning, and seat heating through the mobile phone App.
The biggest feature of the new i-GMP platform is sports. Not only has the transmission position been moved up, but the rear suspension has also been upgraded from the torsion beam non-independent suspension on the old model to a multi-link independent suspension. . This not only improves steering performance, but also enhances comfort.
In the North American market, the new Elantra has two power systems to choose from. A 2.0L naturally aspirated direct injection engine uses Atkinson cycle technology to improve engine thermal efficiency, with a maximum power of 110kW and a maximum torque of 179N·m. It is matched with a continuously variable transmission called IVT. Unlike the traditional CVT transmission, the IVT transmission does not use traditional steel belts, but uses a "steel chain" structure, which not only improves fuel efficiency, but also It can also "circumvent" Bosch's patented technology.
In addition, Elantra also introduces a hybrid system for the first time. It is composed of a 1.6L Atkinson cycle naturally aspirated direct injection engine, an electric motor with a maximum power of 32kW, and a battery pack with a battery capacity of 1.32kWh. This hybrid system has a combined maximum power of 102kW and a maximum torque of 264N·m, and is matched with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. I believe the fuel consumption results will also surprise us.
The exaggerated and sharp styling is definitely the biggest feature of the new Elantra. Although not everyone can accept such a design, it will definitely leave a deep impression on people. The interior design is also avant-garde and is in line with future trends. I believe it will be popular among many young people. More importantly, the new generation of Elantra will be introduced into the country in July this year. If it can continue the consistent high cost performance policy of Korean cars, I believe this will be a popular product of Hyundai in the Chinese market. As for the power part, due to the influence of the "Coffee Law", hybrid models may be introduced into the domestic market at the same time, taking on the important task of competing against the dual engines of FAW Toyota Corolla and GAC Toyota Ralink.
This article comes from the author of Autohome Chejiahao and does not represent the views and positions of Autohome.