News Source: topspeed.com

Small cars are hot right now, but none are hotter than the volume-selling market for entry-level compact  sedans. Trying to stay one step ahead of its rivals in this highly competitive segment, Hyundai  has introduced the next-generation Elantra sedan. 

Even though the fifth-generation Elantra was introduced in 2010, it managed to stay fresh in the C-segment thanks to a trio of body styles and a minor refresh for 2014. There is no word if the Elantra will continue to get coupe  and hatchback  versions, but the new design has certainly made the 2017 Hyundai Elantra one of the more stylish offerings in its class.

The new Elantra has debuted at the LA Auto Show,  and will go on sale in January of 2016.

Updated 01/15/2016: Hyundai announced prices for the 2017 Elantra which will arrive at dealers later this month. Surprisingly - despite the updates - the 2017 Elantra is $100 less expensive than the model it replaces.

Designers of the 2017 Elantra’s design have taken a decidedly more upscale approach to the car, despite its budget-friendly and C-segment status. The car still carries its familiar shape, but every body panel and angle is new. The larger grille is more defined and aggressive, flanked on either side by HID headlights with LED daytime running lights. LED fog lights down low are mounted vertically, giving the car a unique look.

The newly sculpted hood features accent lines that run into the A-pillars and down under the side mirrors, only to continue as the belt line under the side windows. Another accent line starts on the front fender and slopes upward over the door handles, ending at the taillights. A deep scallop along the bottom of the doors helps give the lower third of the car a sculpted appearance.

Around back, LED taillights with shapely accents make the car unmistakable at night. The bumper and lower black fascia aren’t as detail-rich as the front and sides, but its shape doesn’t detract form the car. Anything more would have made its appearance too busy.

The premium look continues with 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome trim.

Besides aesthetics, the new look also improves aerodynamics, dropping the Elantra’s coefficient of drag to 0.27. The car is also constructed from more high-strength steel than before, making the chassis more rigid than before. In fact, the car is comprised of 53 percent high-strength steel verses the outgoing model’s 21 percents makeup. The result is a car that is 29.5 percent stiffer torsionally and has 25.3 percent more bending strength. These stats lead to an improved ride with better handling characteristics and a quieter cabin.

Inside the Elantra, Hyundai designers have ditched the old design in favor of something similar to the Sonota’s interior. The dash contains several rectangular segments, including the gauge cluster and infotainment screen area. Not only does the dash more improved, the car is larger overall. For 2017, the Elantra grows wider and longer by one inch in both directions, giving it more interior volume than before. In fact, the Elantra should technically be classified as a midsize sedan by the EPA, thanks to its 110.2 cubic feet of interior volume.

The instrument cluster features a new 4.2-inch color TFT display for the driver and an eight-inch infotainment system. Mid-grade models feature a seven-inch display and base models come with a conventional radio head unit. Also depending on trim level, leather replaces cloth on the seats. The under the covering, the seats are made from a material called SoyFoam, an environmentally friendly material that is made from soybean oil. The rear bench offers seating for three and 60/40 split folding for hauling longer items in the trunk. Speaking of the trunk, the Elantra now has Hyundai’s Smart Trunk feature. Simply stand behind the car for more than three seconds with the key on your person, and the trunk will open automatically.

The Elantra’s upscale feel continues with its impressive list of in-car technologies. Both the 7.0- and 8.0-inch touch screens come with Android Auto, Hyundai’s next-gen Blue Link telematics system, SiriusXM and HD Radio, Pandora, and Siri Eyes Free. Oddly enough, Hyundai makes no mention of Apple CarPlay being available.

The 2017 Elantra comes powered by two all-new powertrains. The volume engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that runs an Atkinson combustion cycle while producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual (base SE trim only) or a new six-speed automatic.

Optionally, the Elantra offers a new 1.4-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder on its Eco trim. Like the trim level suggests, this turbo four isn’t a rocket. It’s purpose is to achieve the best fuel economy possible. Producing 128 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, the engine sends power to the front wheels via Hyundai’s EcoShift seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. All this is designed to net the Elantra Eco 35 mpg combined. It has yet to be determined is the EPA’s testing will back up Hyundai’s projections.

Regardless of trim, the Elantra comes with selectable Drive Modes. They include Eco, Normal, and Sport – all changeable via a center console-mounted button.