2012 Hyundai Elantra Unveiled in Korea

This really is a beautiful cor it's class. Hyundai can't afford to not bring this car as is to the states. If Hyundai is going to usurp the automotive giants of the US, this car and it's direct injection engine are essential.

This really is a beautiful cor it's class. Hyundai can't afford to not bring this car as is to the states. If Hyundai is going to usurp the automotive giants of the US, this car and it's direct injection engine are essential.

Phenomenal lines. Great job Kia! I never thought I would find a Kia this beautiful. Now....don't screw up with the rest of the car. If you don't, will get some serious market share in this segment.

Looks like hyundai is going old school BMW. Sausage of different lengths.

better looking that sonata by far if you ask me.

@ cb_racer

Are you aware that Hyundai owns Kia, not the other way around?

@ throwback

I agree, but hey, if the cars are looking this good then that's fine with me. I just hope that in 10 years they don't all look like total junk like all the past BMW's of the past 8 years (minus the 335i with the thick 5 spoke rims), in my opinion.

The front is very new-Ford-Focus-like. Back is a bit more unique, though.

Hyundai's new styling theme works well on this sized car. Better than the ungainly look the Sonata has from some angles.

Great looking car, but will it offer a sporty driving experience or just sporty looks?

I'll take the car, but only if the models come as standard equipment

Beautiful lines. The light designs are outstanding, especially with LEDs. Wow, this is the new Elantra? Congrats, Hyundai, another winner in my opinion! Beats the unproportional, ugly Honda Civic with it's spacey interior two tier design.

Do the cute Korean girls come with the car?

Much better looking than the Sonata. It just seems polished where the Sonata comes across as bloated and unfinished. It certainly doesn't remind me of a clam. Definitely the best use of these cues on any Hyundai product, but I still like Kia's design direction better. The new Optima could pass for a Saab or quirky French product.

Wow Hyundai and Ford are doing everything right lately. I like this design

feloniousmonk
"The new Optima could pass for a Saab or quirky French product."

So true, check out the dashboard and tell me if it doesn't scream Saab.
by the way, as a Jazz fan, I like your handle.

I don't think this car looks at all similar to the Sonata (that's because I've stared at a Sonata for hours on end reading reviews or on the freeway/in parking lots). The Elantra has a relatively cheeky look that's apt for its segment, whereas the Sonata is a lot more aggressively styled. I like the differences. As for the mileage, I wonder what it will be for the 1.6L when the 2.4L in the larger Sonata is already 35mpg hwy.

This is the best design I've seen on a car of this class. I'm moved by the profile: and the black trim around the windows set it off perfectly! A+ perfect 10 whatever you call it, i love it!

While I really like the looks of the new Sonata, I have to agree that this car is better looking. The new Elantra's styling seems a little less busy to me, especially without the chrome sawtooth edge incorporated into the grill area (as per Sonata).

I would have to say that Hyundai, with this second effort, has definitely refined their new design language. I can only hope that as they redo the entire lineup, they keep getting better and better at it.

BTW, does anyone know who is in overall charge of the development of this new design direction? That person needs a bonus.

Very nice indeed! Makes the Corolla look 60 years old, and the Civic even uglier. Hyundai is moving closer and closer to my shopping list.

They should make a high-spec version of it like Civic SI.
Stick a 1.6 turbo

the elantra doesnt look like the focus/fiesta at all. the front takes some design elements from the 2010 tucson (the hexagonal grill, front lights) while the back takes design elements from the 2011 sonata (back lights). Also the crease that goes through the handles and goes towards the backlights are from the sonata also

Toyota and Honda are rapidly running out of time to pull their heads out of their keasters. Hyundai and Kia are rolling -- clearly positioned to become the leader of the Asian imports. It's just a matter of time.

Looks like the CANADIAN VERSION of the Acura CSX google it!

Damn it looks good. A lot better than the new Focus. Add a Coupe and we'll never see them on the lots.

Now that the Elantra has a sportier and more athletic look, Hyundai needs to develop an AWD rally version of it. This manufacturer is on a roll and they now need to branch out more into racing to help build their performance credibility.

Just think about this car with a 2.0L. TDIG engine making 275+hp or a 2.4 TDIG making 320+hp. Next, add a 6 speed manual or a paddle shift 6A and AWD. And finally, finish it off with a Recaro bucket option and some subtle aerodynamic modifications. A rally equipped Elantra would make people realize just how fugly the Impreza actually looks. I, for one, would buy an Elantra optioned like that in a heartbeat.

If Hyundai is worried about R&D costs, I am sure that some of the engine and transmission costs could be rolled into the upgrade programs for the Genesis coupe.

This thing is sweet.
I'm buying 2.

WOW!

Gorgeous. But why not give up on the "Elantra" name? Call it , I don't know...AVANTE ?

I understand some cars need to be named differently in different markets (e.g. Just ask why the Mitsubishi Montero is not called the Mitsubish Pajero, like it is in Brazil...obviously in portuguese, "Pajero" doesn't mean a thing, however, in spanish....well...).

But, IMO, the Elantra name is kinda, well, old and it keeps reminding me of an ugly car.

Anyway, a sweet looking car. I wonder if they'l change the "Elantra " Touring's face anytime soon too (Again, why not just keep it's international name, the i30 ?, since it has nothing to do with an Elantra)

I know, I know, marketing...

Have ANY of you ever DRIVEN or OWNED an Elantra?? If not, you are in for the biggest surprise of your life with this new model. I have a 2003 Elantra that will cross 33,000 miles next week. It screams! This car holds the road better than anything I've driven in a few decades, and I've taken it out on country winding roads at 110 mph with absolutely no problem. The new body is stunning, and you don't buy an Elantra to put four adults comfortably in it. In addition to the finer engine and much finer design, Hyundai has added a revamped interior, HID headlights, LED taillights and even a heated rear seat (which my Black Lab will appreciate). This car begs to be driven, and if it comes with both a six-speed auto and manual, I'm taking the manual. This is ONE FUN CAR!!! Hyundai knows what they're doing!

This will get a 2.0 for the US market, producing ~170 HP. This 1.6 GDI=US Accent engine. There will be a Turbo for this car, probably a 1.6 GDI Turbo for the US market.

This will be the Equus of small cars in America. Upmarket, yet Affordable for the kit. The Accent will be the Genesis of small cars.

2.0 GDI=40 MPG. 1.6 GDI Turbo=~40 MPG. Since this Korean spec Model gets a 6 Speed Auto Tranny mated to an Accent Engine, I hope US Accent gets this tranny.

Please, Car God!!!!

My firebirds decklid is bigger than that, and it's a damn hatch! Lol

I think the pics look fantastic. Really accentuate the curves and great proportions. Oh, and the car looks good too ;)

Any idea when it is available in US. Looking for a mid size sedan. Thinking about Accord / sonata. I am not completely convinced about either of them. This one will do fine for me if they will come up with 2.0 DI which produces 10 -15% more than current Elantra with slightly better milage. This looks better than sonata. This kind of design is bit matured on Elantra compared to bit childish on Sonata.