Next-Generation Hyundai Elantra to Stay Aggressive
Hyundai is unlikely to tone down the next-generation Elantra’s exterior design the way it did with the Sonata midsize sedan.
It remains to be seen whether the next-generation Hyundai Elantra will feature the swoopy, aggressive styling of its predecessor or take a conservative step back like its stablemate the ’15 Sonata.
Indications are the new Elantra, expected to go on sale next year as a ’17 model, will not have the watered-down styling of the Sonata, which already is slated for a redesign after consumers failed to embrace its more sedate exterior.
The philosophy behind Hyundai’s updated design philosophy, dubbed Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, was to give the brand a more upscale, but conservative, look that could be shared across the entire lineup. However, the Sonata proved it was a step in the wrong direction.
“It’s a very handsome vehicle, (but) it’s not as distinctive as the vehicle it (followed),” Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai Motor America CEO, told WardsAuto in January.
Hyundai officials have not revealed whether the next-generation Elantra will feature elements of Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, but it’s unlikely Hyundai will continue down the same path as it did with the Sonata.
Early consumer workshops indicate the design of the upcoming Elantra is appealing, Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager, product planning-Hyundai Motor America, tells WardsAuto at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month.