Hyundai India may have just launched a facelift for the sixth generation Elantra in the Indian market and is almost set to introduce a BS6 spec diesel engine in the coming weeks. However in International markets, the Korean automaker has released the seventh generation Elantra.
Built up on the new K3 platform, the 2021 Elantra has a length of 4650mm, width of 1825mm, height 1,420mm but has a wheelbase now measures 2,720mm while sitting lower by 20mm. It  gets a brand new design language which employs a more stylish version of Sensuous Sportiness known as Parametric dynamics; this concept revolves around having three surface lines meeting at one point is the main highlight of the design.
The car gets sleek bonnet with pronounced lines and large sweptback headlamps that merge with the huge cascade grille; a closer look reveals the turn indicators cleverly tucked away into the elements in the grille. The bumper too is part of sharp creases, but it’s the large rectangular air inlets and chin spoiler that really make it stand out. The side profile gets several sharp lines but the standout is the roofline that falls seamlessly in a fastback sense of style into the rear making it look like a four door coupe. The rear however gets large T-shaped taillights meant to mimic the H of the Hyundai brand, there’s also a thick boot huge spoiler and a diffuser kind of finish for the dual tone bumper.
The interior has also been heavily worked on and now follows the latest layout seen in the latest Hyundai’s in the market. The cabin now gets a four spoke steering wheel complete with twin touchscreens (instrumentation and infortainment) and a slim A/C vent element running the length of the dashboard. A functional touch here is the rising centre console that forms as a grip or grab handle for the co-passenger.
In terms of equipment the 2020 Elantra comes fully loaded like always, there’s LED headlights and taillights, 15-inch alloy wheels, Hyundai digital key, 10.25 inch touchscreen infortainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Blu Link technology, wireless charging, ventilated seats, 64 colour ambient lighting and an electric sunroof.
Powering the latest seventh generation Elantra is a 1.6 litre T-GDI petrol hybrid engine for the very first time, this engine when coupled to a 32kw electric motor makes 139 bhp and 264 Nm of torque. Also on offer will be a 2.0 litre four cylinder petrol engine that produces 147 bhp and 179 Nm of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed CVT.
In terms of safety it gets forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, parking collision avoidance assist, Lane following assist, highway driving assist, Smart cruise control with stop and go among many more.
Buyers can also choose between 9 exciting paint schemes such as Intense blue, Lava orange, electric shadow, fluid metal, Fiery red, Cibber grey, Amazon green, Phantom black and Polar white.
The 2021 Elantra however is still very far away from being launched here, considering the current sixth generation has just got a facelift, it would be safe to expect the launch somewhere in late 2022 or early 2023. However when it does get here it will pitch up quite a fight with the Honda Civic and New generation Skoda Octavia with the Toyota Corolla Altis now discontinued.
