‘Wind craft’ gives new Elantra a design that turns heads
Taking inspiration from the interplay of wind and natural forms, “wind craft” was selected as the keyword that best summarises the aesthetic goals of the Elantra design team. With its windswept lines it is a design that is guaranteed to turn heads – it is sleek, assertive and highly distinctive with plenty of emotional appeal.
The new Elantra has the distinctive family look of “fluidic sculpture” – the new Hyundai design language that has come to unify the company’s new product line-up. “Fluidic sculpture” was first adopted by Hyundai for the very popular ix35 SUV and the attractive Sonata sedan, and in the Elantra it now artfully combines the interplay of wind with rigid surfaces to create the illusion of continuous motion.
Swept-back, elongated headlamps and flowing character lines along the sides of the hood gives the Elantra a graceful profile of a car that cuts through the air with improved aerodynamics, projecting a sporty and dynamic style.
Sharply creased character lines flow from the A-pillar along the hood and into the grille and front bumper. They are an integral part of the car’s muscular and athletic image. The front fog lamps are mounted low for optimal optical performance in difficult road conditions. They also combine with the distinctive hexagonal radiator grille to give the front end of the Elantra a sporty and elegant appearance.
By lowering the roofline, creating muscular wheel arches and adding long, sweeping character lines, the Elantra design team gave the car a bold and confident, assertive stance, yet sophisticated, graceful and agile. The lower roofline and low rear deck produces a slick and sportier profile with a class-leading drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0,28, reducing wind resistance and improving fuel economy.
The end result is form combined with function – an eye-catching, head-turning design statement that draws attention – in movement or standing still. The all-new Elantra’s various styling treatments form part of an overall functional design that – in conjunction with the efficient engines and transmission – deliver outstanding fuel consumption and ride quality.
Interior styling
On the inside of the all-new Elantra, every glance, every movement has been carefully studied and considered in the well-designed and smartly appointed interior that has been optimized to provide maximum space.
The flowing lines of “fluidic sculpture” are also evident here in the harmonious design lines that make the cabin of the Elantra a pleasant place to spend time in. There is a confident mastery over materials and forms that lets the cabin exude an air of inviting comfort and luxurious exclusivity that raises the bar for cars in this segment.
In particular, the silver garnish that starts from the crash pad and leads to the console features a windblown shape that exudes an overall refined and dynamic image. High-gloss black and metallic colours used in the cabin add a futuristic, high-tech look to the Elantra’s interior.
A blend of synthetic fibres and trace amounts of volcanic rock yield an innovative material with a textile-like finish that is pleasing on the eyes, soft to the touch and easy to clean. The newest display technology is used for an instrument cluster that is gentler on the eyes, more reliable and more accurate. Soft-touch materials and surfaces with chrome accents provide an upscale, premium look and feel.
From the basic layout to the execution of details the interior design reveals itself to be roomy, comfortable and simply brilliant. Although the package is compact, it feels a lot bigger than it is. The longer wheelbase helps to provide a secure and spacious interior living space. The Elantra rides on a 2 700 mm wheelbase, which is 50 mm longer than the previous model. Its overall length of 4 530 mm exceeds its predecessor by 25 mm, but the 1 775 mm track width is the same as before.
The height has been lowered by 35mm to 1 445 mm, but without affecting headroom. Interior cabin space has been enlarged by 18 litres.
