Elantra

The Hyundai Elantra (sold in South Korea as the Avante) is a compact car from Hyundai of South Korea launched in 1991.

The Elantra was formerly sold as the Lantra and the Avante in some Australian and European markets. This gave rise to disagreement from other motor manufacturers (see "Naming disputes" below), and the name was standardised as "Elantra" worldwide in 2001. Between 1996 and 1998, the Elantra was called the Bimantara Cakra (1.5 L) and the Bimantara Nenggala (1.8 L) in Indonesia.

The Hyundai Elantra is listed as EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) Picks Ten Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles. The Elantra ranked #2 in 2006, 2007 Most fuel efficient sedans, also top ranked the most efficient non-hybrid mid-sized sedan.[1]

Naming disputes[]

Mitsubishi Motors of Australia complained that Elantra was too close to its Elante trim level, and Lotus (as well as Kia) in the UK and Europe suggested it was too close to its Elan name, and its Kia counterpart. By 2001, both the Elan and the Elante had ceased production but the Avante's renaming remained necessary as Audi owned the Avant name in Europe.

First generation (1991-1995)[]

Launched in 1991 (1992 in the United States) to compete with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, the Elantra (codename J1) received a mid-term facelift in 1993. It was originally designed to replace the Hyundai Excel, but the Excel ended up being sold for four seasons until being replaced by the Accent.

The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L (1596 cc) straight-4 This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced 113 hp (84 kW) at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 9.5 seconds. The quarter-mile (0.4 km) run took 17.1 seconds and produced 80 mph (129 km/h). Top speed was 116 mph (187 km/h). The Elantra got 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) in the city cycle. Starting in 1993 there was also a Mitsubishi-designed 1.8 L (1836 cc) straight-4 engine available the 1.8L unit that produced 124 hp (99 kW) at 6000 rpm.

Second generation (1996–2000)[]

Launched in 1995, the second generation (codename J2) was offered as a sedan and station wagon. Sold in Korean market as 'Avente'(sedan) and 'Avante Touring'(station wagon). Initially introduced with 1.5L Alpha DOHC(107 hp) and 1.8L Beta DOHC (137 hp) gasoline engine for domestic Korean market. Later, 1.5L lean-burn(98 hp) gasoline engine based on Alpha DOHC engine was added. A mid-life facelift arrived for 1998. The Philippine version, as well as in some European markets, had the 1.6 (1599cc) Beta, which produced 116 hp (86 kw). In the United States both a 1.8 and a 2.0 liter (Beta I) gasoline engine were offered, with the 1.8 liter engine being dropped for the 1999 and 2000 model years. The 2.0 liter Beta I engine produced a claimed 140 hp.

Hyundai based the Tiburon sports coupe on the J2 Elantra chassis. Consequently, the many engine and suspension parts for the Tiburon bolt up with no or very minor modification necessary.

Third generation (2001–2006)[]

An all-new model (codename XD) was launched in 2001. The wagon was dropped in favor of a five-door hatchback. Both were facelifted in 2004 (sometimes referred to as XD2). Starting in 2001, all American models came with standard front and front side airbags, air conditioning, power locks, power windows and power steering. This simplified dealer inventories and repairs and also sought to improve Hyundai's image of 'value' cars. A GT trim with a stiffer suspension, leather seats, fog lights, alloy wheels, lip spoiler and blue-lit instrument cluster has been offered as a hatchback since 2001, leaving the only options an automatic transmission, power moonroof and anti-lock brakes with traction control. The GT trim sedan was introduced in 2003 and discontinued in 2005.

The Elantra is available with 1.6 and 2.0 L gasoline engines and a 2.0 L turbodiesel. North American models are only available with the 2.0L gasoline engine.

While compact on the outside, it is listed by the EPA as a mid-size car because of a spacious interior. Although the basic powertrain design has changed little since the second generation, successive improvements have improved fuel economy from an EPA rating of 24/33 to 25/33 and the current 27/34 for manual transmissions, with automatic producing 2-3mpg fewer. Horsepower also improved from 135 hp (100 kw) to 138 hp (102 kw) and torque from 132 to 136 mainly thanks to the addition of continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) in 2004. Originally, the horsepower rating was misrepresented as 140 hp (104 kw).

• Hyundai Elantra (2003-2006) performance:

• 1.6L DOHC engine 108 hp 0-100 km/h: 11.8 sec., top speed: Template:Convert MT
• 1.6L DOHC engine 107 hp 0-100 km/h: 13.2 sec., top speed: Template:Convert AT

• 2.0L DOHC engine 132 hp 0.100 km/h: 9.1 sec., top speed: Template:Convert MT
• 2.0L DOHC engine 132 hp 0-100 km/h: 10.2 sec., top speed: Template:Convert AT

Fourth generation (2006–2010)[]

In 2006, a redesigned Elantra sedan(codename HD) debuted at the New York Auto Show and went on sale late in the Fall. The engine is the same 138 hp Beta-II with CVVT found in the previous generation Elantra but with different transmission gearing, resulting in improved EPA fuel economy of 28/36 city/highway MPG. A five-speed manual is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. The base GLS trim, unlike the previous year's, does not include air conditioning or a stereo as standard equipment, but adds side curtain airbags (previously front and side only), active head restraints and all-disc brakes with 4-channel ABS. Elantra also offers the most interior room in its class, leading the EPA to classify it as a mid-size car. The fourth generation Elantra has been criticized for its blander, more mainstream styling and similarity to the 2003-2007 Toyota Corolla. Head-to-head comparisons from Motor Trend and Car and Driver have not favored the Elantra, especially against the Mazda 3, Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic (which are more expensive).

"Hyundai gives the Elantra more standard features than its competitors get, prices it lower and throws in the market's most generous warranty to boot. Trim levels include the GLS, sporty SE and premium Limited." Cars.com

The GT trim is not available in the 2007 model. Hyundai has announced plans to offer a sportier trim in the United States starting in spring 2008 as a 2008 model, and will be a station wagon, competing up against the Volkswagen Jetta wagon. This model would be based on the european-designed Hyundai i30 chassis and thus be quite different from the sedan. The i30 has a slightly wider, taller body and longer wheelbase. Plans include a sport-tuned suspension, better steering response and more standard features, including stability control, traction control and a USB / MP3 stereo with standard XM Satellite Radio capability.

• Hyundai elantra 2007 performance:
• 1.6L DOHC engine 121 hp 0-62 mph: 10.3 sec., top speed: Template:Convert MT.
• 1.6L DOHC engine 121 hp 0-62 mph: 11.8 sec., top speed: Template:Convert AT.

• 2.0L DOHC engine 143 hp 0-62 mph: 8.3 sec., top speed: Template:Convert MT.
• 2.0L DOHC engine 143 hp 0-62 mph: 9.3 sec., top speed: Template:Convert AT.

Fifth generation (MD/UD; 2010–2015)[]

The fifth-generation Avante debuted at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show in April 2010. It was codenamed "MD" for the sedan,^[24] "UD" for sedans manufactured in the US, and "JK" for the coupe. It featured a 1.6-L gasoline direct-injection engine, producing 103 kW (138 hp) and 167 Nm (123 lb-ft) torque, mated to a new 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. For markets such as the Middle East, the 1.6-L engine was a MPI version that delivers 128 hp. The Israeli market received the Elantra, with a 1.6 GDI 132 hp coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission only. The design continued Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" styling theme first seen in the 2011 Sonata. The new model went on sale in August 2010 in South Korea, and began selling between end of 2010 and early 2011 as a 2011 model.^[25][26] The US version of the fifth-generation Elantra debuted at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show. It is powered by a new 1.8-L Nu engine producing 148 hp (145 hp-PZEV) and 131 lb-ft (130 lb-ft-PZEV). The fuel economy was aided by a low drag coefficient of just 0.28. The Nu engine block is made of aluminum instead of the previous cast iron.

EPA's estimated gas mileage 40/29 was questioned by Consumer Watchdog, a Santa Monica CA consumer group. USA Today writer Jefferson Graham claimed to get combined city/highway mpg of 22 mpg. However, a real-world test by Popular Mechanics showed significantly better fuel economy than EPA estimated MPG.^[27] Also, The Truth About Cars editor tested real-world MPG, leading them to give Consumer Watchdog a thumbs down.^[28] EPA mileage estimates were originally 29 mpg_‑US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg_‑imp) in the city and 40 mpg_‑US (5.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg_‑imp) on the highway but were revised to 28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) in the city and 38 mpg_‑US (6.2 L/100 km; 46 mpg_‑imp) on the highway due to a series of testing procedural errors in November 2012.^[29] The underpinnings of the second-generation i30 and Elantra were similar in their configuration and makeup. The similarities between the second-generation i30 and Elantra continued in front end and suspension characteristics.

It was available in two trim levels, GLS and Limited. Premium features included heated front and rear seats, proximity key entry with electronic push-button start with immobilizer, and touch screen navigation.^[30] US 2011 sales reached 186,361 units, up 41 percent from 2010.^[31] The Elantra was crowned North American Car of the Year at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, over the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Passat.^[32] The Elantra was crowned South African Car of the Year for 2012. At the 8th Manila International Auto Show, the Elantra was crowned as the Philippine Car of the Year, the first Korean car maker to win the award.^[33] Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS won the WesBank's Car of the Year in South Africa^[34] and North American Car of the Year at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

• • 2012 model year: An ActiveECO system was now included with automatic transmission models, a dual-shell horn was added, steering calibration was adjusted, fog lights and passenger side sun visor extension were added to the GLS Preferred Package, and some exterior color adjustments were made.
  • 2013 model year: Manual transmission models received an increase in standard equipment, and heated front seats were added to the GLS Preferred Package. On Limited trims, a power driver seat with lumbar support was now standard and dual zone automatic climate control was available on the Limited Technology Package. Atlantic Blue was a new exterior color option. Halfway through the model year, audio head units were revised to include separate knobs for volume control and tuning options.

  Facelift

Facelift Hyundai Elantra Active sedan (Australia)

In 2013 for the 2014 model year, the Elantra sedan received significant updates. The GLS trim was changed to SE and an all-new Elantra Sport was now available with a more powerful 2.0 liter GDI engine.

Exterior enhancements include new front and rear styling with tinted taillights and L-shaped fog light housings. Limited and Sport models included projector headlights with LED accents and LED taillights. New wheel designs were available for all trims, including the base SE, SE with SE Preferred Package, Limited, and Sport models. A driver's blind spot mirror was added and a new Driver Selectable Steering Mode is standard on the Limited and Sport models.

Interior enhancements include raised HVAC vent locations and new HVAC control design; 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen radio with backup camera on the SE Preferred Package, Limited, Sport models; updated navigation system; increased center armrest location; and straight pull gear selector with leather boot.

• • 2015 model year: A new SE Style Package is available for SE trims and included a sunroof, leather steering wheel and shifter, projector headlights with LED accents, chrome belt molding, and aluminum door sills. A Sport Tech Package added navigation and premium audio.
  • 2016 model year: A new Value Edition for the SE package replaced the SE Style Package, and included wheels from the Elantra Coupe SE, sunroof, leather steering wheel and shifter, smart key and push button start, heated front seats, and side mirror turn signals. Limited models now included standard smart key with push button start and dual zone climate control. Sport models had reduced pricing, but no longer included leather seats or a sunroof.

Elantra Langdong[]

Elantra Langdong (朗動) is a longer version of Elantra for the Chinese market. The Langdong sedan is 4 cm (1.6 in) longer and 1 cm (0.39 in) thicker than the Elantra sold in other markets. Its hexagonal front grille was replaced with a chrome wing-shaped version to give it a higher-end appearance.^[35][36] The design was based on the Wind Craft concept.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Production models included a choice of 1.6-liter MPI engine rated 127.4 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) and 15.9 kg·m (156 N·m; 115 lbf·ft), 1.8-liter MPI engines rated 146 PS (107 kW; 144 hp) and 17.8 kg·m (175 N·m; 129 lbf·ft); six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.^[37]

Coupe (JK; 2013–2014)[]

For the 2013 year, a coupé based on the sedan debuted. The coupé featured a continuation of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture body design language, with more aggressive styling than the sedan.^[38]

The vehicle was unveiled at the Busan International Motor Show 2012. Production model included 2.0 Nu GDi Engine with a 6-speed transmission.^[39]

On 13 August 2014, Hyundai announced that the Elantra Coupe was discontinued in the US due after the 2014 model year to poor sales, citing that the brand will focus more on the sedans, GT models.

Sixth generation (AD; 2015-current)[]

• Following the 2015 launch of the Avante in South Korea, the sixth generation Elantra was announced to be released for sale in February 2016 for the 2017 model year in North America.^[43] Two trims are present in the 2017 model release: SE and Limited (Value Edition and Sport released later). In India, the AD series Hyundai Elantra launched on 23 August 2016 with petrol and diesel engine options. Its petrol variants displaces 2.0 liters, while the diesel engine is a 1.6-litre unit.^[44]

• The design of the car has been changed to a more conservative appearance. The "fluidic sculpture" design that persisted across the Hyundai portfolio since 2011 is gone in the sixth generation Elantra. The car is now more like a fastback with its roofline sloped from the windshield to the rear of the car and it has less curves overall with pentagonal head and tail lights, a hexagonal grille, and redesigned body panels and bumper emphasizing straight lines along the body. The windshield is drawn back from the hood further than the prior generation, making for a more traditional sedan look. The interior is also less curved, with a cockpit, audio/temp controls and glove compartment in a single bow line across the dash. This was done without reducing the interior cabin space of the prior generation at 110.2 cubic feet (while the Elantra is sold under the compact class, it classifies as a mid-size sedan according to the EPA.)^[45]

The SE Model in 2017 has been noted to come standard with less features compared to the prior generation trim level. Packages include for the SE Trim: An ECO package which replaces the engine with a lower displacement 1.4-liter, 126 hp (94 kW) Kappa type along with a manual transmission that improves eMPG use for eco driving customers;^[46][47] a Popular Equipment package which includes alloy wheels, cruise control, automatic headlights, and touchscreen stereo with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support; and a Tech Package (that requires the Popular Equipment package) which includes LED daytime running lights, blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert system, proximity key/push button start, hands-free trunk access, and TFT monochromatic cluster display (replacing the LCD cluster that comes standard).^[43]

In the middle of the 2017 model year, steering wheel audio controls become standard equipment across all trims. A mid-level Value Edition trim was also added. On top of the Popular Equipment and Tech Package for the SE, it included a power adjustable driver's seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power sunroof, and automatic up driver's power window.

Packages for the Limited Edition includes a Limited Tech Package with a power sunroof, touchscreen stereo with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, heated seats, and ClariFi module to enhance interior car audio; and the Ultimate Package (that requires the Limited Tech Package) which adds automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, lane keep assist, and memory presets for mirrors/driver seat adjustments.^[43]

• • 2018 model year: The SEL trim replaces the SE with Popular Equipment Package, and now includes blind spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert and lane change assist, four wheel disc brakes (instead of front disc brakes and rear drum brakes), and rear seat cupholders instead of center console mounted ones. Limited models receive glossy black interior accents and a standard auto-dimming rearview mirror. All models also receive a new machine grey exterior color option and three years of complementary Blue Link/Homelink services.

Elantra Sport[]

Roughly halfway through the 2017 model year, Hyundai released a Sport model for the North American market. The Sport slots between the Eco and Limited models and is differentiated externally by different headlights and taillights, ground effects, a more aggressive front and rear bumper and dual chrome-tipped exhaust outlets. Under the hood, the Sport features a 1.6-liter direct-injected four cylinder with a turbocharger producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb. ft. of torque. Transmission options include a 7-speed dual clutch automatic with manual shift mode or a traditional 6-speed manual. Additional modifications for the sport include a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red stitching on the seats, shift boot and steering wheel, larger front brakes, 18" alloy wheels, an independent multi-link rear suspension, a thicker front stabilizer bar and a steering ratio tuned for a quicker, sportier feel.

• • 2018 model year: A power sunroof and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist are standard.