Hyundai Teases Sixth-Gen Elantra Ahead of LA Show

For the second time in a 24-hour span Hyundai releases renderings of its sixth-generation compact Elantra, which is marketed under the Avante badge in South Korea.

The Aug. 19 global release of a heavily shaded rendering was followed up within hours by a complete dossier of renderings showing the new Elantra/Avante from several different angles.

Debuting in November at the Los Angeles auto show as a ’17-model precursor, the new Elantra’s design is tweaked to present an upscale appearance, but no details of any drivetrain changes are revealed.

The rendering indicates a longer front end and larger hexagonal grille, restyled bumpers with larger intakes and new and larger wheel arches.

Sources in Korea says the drag coefficient has been lowered and the Elantra/Avante body will feature a high percentage of high-tensile steel.

In the U.S. it will be available with both Android Auto and Apple Car Play infotainment systems and electronic safety features including blindspot detection and rear-collision avoidance.

While the sixth-gen Elantra will be marketed as a ’17 model in the U.S. and other global markets, in Korea the Avante version will be released as a ’16 model.

‟The subtle and innovative appearance enhancements reflect Hyundai Motor’s vision for design,” Peter Shreyer, Hyundai president and chief design officer, says in a statement. ‟Furthermore, this car indicates a move from traditional to modern styling by communicating the new model’s comfort, fashion and sporty feel.”

First launched in 1990, the Elantra has gone through five generational changes, the last of which was released in 2011 with an extensive refresh in 2013. Global sales passed the 10 million mark in October 2014.

The Elantra was the 10th best-selling compact sedan in the U.S. in June but slipped to 11th in July.