It
remains to be seen whether the next-generation Hyundai Elantra will feature
the swoopy, aggressive styling of its predecessor or take a conservative step
back like its stablemate the ’15 Sonata.
Indications
are the new Elantra,
expected to go on sale next year as a ’17 model, will not have the watered-down
styling of the Sonata, which already is slated for a redesign after consumers
failed to embrace its more sedate exterior.
The
philosophy behind Hyundai’s
updated design philosophy, dubbed Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, was to give the brand
a more upscale, but conservative, look that could be shared across the entire
lineup. However, the Sonata proved it was a step in the wrong direction.
“It’s a
very handsome vehicle, (but) it’s not as distinctive as the vehicle it
(followed),” Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai
Motor America CEO, told WardsAuto in January.
Hyundai officials have not
revealed whether the next-generation Elantra will feature
elements of Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, but it’s unlikely Hyundai will continue down the
same path as it did with the Sonata.
Early
consumer workshops indicate the design of the upcoming Elantra is appealing,
Brandon Ramirez, senior group manager, product planning-Hyundai Motor America, tells
WardsAuto at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this month.
“We had
the new (Toyota) Corolla, (Honda) Civic, (Chevrolet) Cruze and (Ford) Focus,
and the next-generation Elantra
scored significantly higher than them,” he says of the consumer clinic. “The
results, in relation to competitors, were the best ever in Hyundai history.”
One
recent Hyundai
design element that is likely to carry over to the next Elantra is the
hexagonal front grille introduced on the ’15 Genesis luxury sedan.
“You’re
going to start to see a growth pattern (of the Genesis grille) in the future,”
Ramirez says. “Whether it applies to every model remains to be seen.”
The
consumer workshop also revealed fuel economy remains an important selling point
despite the recent drop in gasoline prices.
Ramirez
says fuel efficiency was the No.1 purchase reason among buyers of compact and
subcompact cars.
“Even
with gas prices low, that’s what they’re looking for,” he says, citing a study
predicting gasoline prices will rise 53% by 2018.
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