What If They Had a Multimedia Reveal Event & No One Could Come
The show must go on. That was Hyundai’s attitude this week. In spite of cancelling a planned media event to unveil the company’s redesigned 2021 Elantra compact, the company pushed forward with an online version of the same show. It wasn’t the same, but that doesn’t mean the car isn’t worth reviewing whether we saw it in-person or not.
The big news for Clean Fleet Report fans was the introduction of a first-ever hybrid model for Hyundai’s 2021 Elantra compact sedan with its promise of 50+ mpg. Along with the new model, the complete remake of the Elantra signals Hyundai’s commitment to cars as opposed to its truck models—something not surprising since the Elantra is the company’s best-selling model.
The seventh generation Elantra (first was in 1990) breaks new ground in what has traditionally been a fairly mundane segment. This is the land of the Corollas and Civics—fine cars that sell in large numbers, but not known as styling or performance leaders. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra aims to shatter that image with a car that checks all the boxes—dramatic styling, sporty performance and great fuel economy. We can check off the first one based on the intro—the latter two will have to wait until we get behind the wheel.
The New Look
Hyundai has launched some dramatic styling exercises in recent years, bringing out the sporty Veloster, upgrading its midsize Sonata and presenting the solid Palisade SUV. The new styling on the Elantra definitely takes it to the head of the compact class. It looks sporty and sleek, not like the econobox model started out as 30 years ago. It’s had some good looks thanks to Hyundai’s design department in recent years, but this is a great leap.
The numbers bear out the transformation of the Elantra from last generation to this. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra is 2.2 inches longer than its predecessor and sits on a wheelbase stretched almost an inch. Its an inch wider and almost an inch higher. Those numbers may seem small, but in a compact car now 181.9 inches overall, it is a very noticeable change.
As to performance, we can only quote the numbers we were given. Hyundai’s got a good track record to delivering as promised, so we think we can take them at their word that its “sensuous sportiness” will appeal to a new generation of eager drivers.
The non-hybrid Elantra, which will come in SE, SEL and Limited trims, will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 147 horsepower (hp) at a quite high 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,500 rpm. Running on the more efficient Atkinson-cycle, it is projected to have class-leading fuel economy mated with the chain-design belt Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), Hyundai’s version of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The All-New Hybrid
Under the hood of the new hybrid model is a different engine—a 1.6-liter GDI (direct injection) four-cylinder engine also running on the Atkinson-cycle. A permanent-magnet electric motor delivers 32 kilowatt of additional power for a total system horsepower of 139 as well as 195 lb.-ft. of torque. A 1.32 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion-polymer battery sits under the rear seat, storing energy for the system and delivering it to increase efficiency. Rather than a CVT, Hyundai uses a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that could make the hybrid model the sportier of the two versions of the new Elantra. Hyundai also confidently says the hybrid will deliver more than 50 mpg, which given their track record with the Ioniq family, is not hard to believe.
To complement the powertrain, Hyundai said it paid special attention to the suspension in order to deliver an “exciting and fun to drive” model with minimal body roll and maximum wheel impact absorption. The Hybrid model will run on 16-inch wheels and feature an independent multilink setup in the rear.
More Tech Inside
As is always the case in the 21st century, more technology has been added in the 2021 Hyundai Elantra’s cabin. In front of the driver are two 10.25-inch screens that are joined together. It’s still half the length of the Byton EV, but impressive for a compact sedan. We have no doubt that it will take weeks to find out all of the information embedded in those screens.
One clear advance we’re looking forward to is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection to those big screens. Also, two devices can be paired to the system at one time so, for instance, one screen could be used for phone calls while the other has streaming audio.
The list of standard safety features and advanced driver assistance technology (ADAS) continues to grow as does the options. Hyundai also claims to have improved the natural voice recognition system so controls are easier. Finally, it has added the Hyundai Digital Key that allows driving without a physical key.
There will be much to check out when this model arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2020.
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