The Hyundai Elantra (), also known as the Hyundai Avante (), is a series of compact cars produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990.
In South Korea, the first-generation model was initially sold under the "Elantra" nameplate, but starting from the second-generation, Korean models were sold under the "Avante" nameplate, with the "Elantra" name continue to be used on export models. The "Avante" name is not used in most export markets due to its similarity with Audi's "Avant" designation, used for their station wagon models. As of 2018, Singapore is the only export market outside South Korea to utilize the "Avante" name.
In Australia and some European markets, the Elantra was initially marketed as the Lantra during its first two generations, due to the similarly named "Elante" trim for the Mitsubishi Magna in the former market, and the Lotus Elan in the latter. After Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) dropped the "Elante" trim from the Magna range, and Lotus ceased production of the Elan in 1995, Hyundai standardized the "Elantra" name for both Australian and European markets in 2001, following the introduction of the third-generation model.
The first-generation model was also sold as the Bimantara Nenggala in Indonesia between 1995 and 1998. Since the seventh-generation, the "Elantra" name was retired in Australia, when Hyundai integrated it into the i30 range, badging it as the i30 Sedan.
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First generation (J1; 1990)
left|thumb|Rear (pre-facelift)
The Elantra (codename J1) was launched in October 1990, and received a mid-term facelift in 1993.
It was sold in Europe from the spring of 1991. It replaced the somewhat larger on the outside Stellar, although that model had not been offered in many markets. The Elantra competed with the likes of the Ford Sierra and Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Vectra, but at a considerably lower price.
The Elantra was powered by a Mitsubishi-designed 1.6 L (1595 cc) straight-four. This DOHC 16-valve 1.6 L unit produced at 6000 rpm and could push the Elantra to in 9.5 seconds. The quarter-mile (0.4 km) run took 17.1 seconds and produced . Top speed was . The Elantra got in the city cycle. Starting with the 1993 facelift a Mitsubishi-designed 1.8 L (1836 cc) inline-four option was available; this unit produces at 6000 rpm and replaced the twin-cam 1.6 in many markets. A twin-cam, 1.5-litre engine was introduced at the same time, mainly for the domestic market where 1.5 litres marked a major tax threshold.
Facelifts
The vehicle was refreshed in 1992 for the European market, swapping for Hyundai's updated logo to the grille - although North American models retained the previous year's look. In April 1993, the vehicle received a facelift, including revised front and rear fascias including new, more organically shaped head- and taillights. The vehicle now also featured ABS brakes, front airbags, fog lamps, power-operated side mirrors, and optional alloy seven-spoke wheels.
Between 1995 and 1998, the first-generation Elantra was also produced and sold for the Indonesian market as the Bimantara Nenggala, it is only available in there with 1.6 L engine.<gallery widths="220">
File:Hyundai Lantra front 20080228.jpg|Facelift (front view)
File:1995 Hyundai Lantra 1.6 GLS (14574968066) (cropped).jpg|Facelift (rear view)
</gallery>
Second generation (J2/J3/RD; 1995)
The second generation (codename RD or J2) was launched in March 1995, initially offered as a sedan and six months later also as a station wagon. It was sold in the South Korean market as the "Hyundai Avante" in sedan form and "Avante Touring" in the wagon body style. Some export markets such as Australia and a number of European countries received the series as the "Hyundai Lantra" as per the first generation. The Lantra went on sale in Europe in September 1995, typically fitted with the 1.6-litre Beta DOHC engine, which was not offered in South Korea. Australian-market wagons were given the "Lantra Sportswagon" name.
As per Chief Designer Choi Jong-min, the new, grilleless organic design was inspired by Korean blue and white pottery. The suspension was developed with the aid of a recently acquired Cray super computer and used MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link, coil sprung rear axle. European testers complained that the steering was imprecise and the seat squabs and backs were insufficient for taller drivers; ample equipment, a powerful engine, and a low price made up for this.
In the domestic South Korean market, the new Avante was initially sold alongside the previous Elantra (J1). Aimed at a more affluent buyer, the Avante was only available with the more powerful, twin-cam 1.5-litre Alpha II or 1.8-litre Beta engines. Power outputs were respectively, both at 6,000 rpm. In October 1996, power outputs increased marginally, to .
The 1.6-litre engine initially used in Europe came in two different power outputs; German buyers had the option of a lower-powered variant to suit that country's insurance and taxation system. Power outputs are either . The 1.6-liter engine also met Germany's D3 emissions requirements (a voluntary standard situated between Euro 3 and Euro 4), which gave it a temporary tax exemption in that market.<br />Russia: Taganrog (TagAZ)<br />Taiwan: Hukou, Hsinchu (SYM Motors)<br />Ukraine: Cherkasy (Bogdan)<br />Venezuela: Barcelona (MMC Automotriz)
| body_style = 4-door sedan<br />5-door Liftback
| platform =
| related = Kia Spectra
| engine =
| transmission = 5-speed manual<br />4-speed automatic
| wheelbase =
| length = (2000–2003 Sedan)<br /> (2000–2003 Liftback)<br /> (2004–2006 Sedan)<br /> (2004–2006 Liftback)
| width = (2000–2003 Sedan)<br /> (2004–2006 Sedan)<br /> (Liftback)
| height =
| weight =
| successor = Hyundai i30/Elantra Touring (station wagon/Estate)
| model_years = 2001–2006
An all-new model (codename XD) was launched in 2000. The station wagon version was dropped in favor of a five-door Liftback. In the European and Australian markets, the "Lantra" name was retired and replaced by "Elantra" for this generation. Starting in model year 2001, all American market 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 supplant Hyundai's image of "value" cars.
Pre-facelift
<gallery widths="220">
File:2003 Hyundai Elantra (XD) GLS hatchback (2015-07-14) 02 (cropped).jpg|Hatchback (pre-facelift)
File:2003 Hyundai Elantra (XD) GLS sedan (2015-07-03) 02 (cropped).jpg|Sedan (pre-facelift)
</gallery>
Facelift
In 2004, all models were refreshed (codename XD2); this introduced new headlights and tail lights, a new grille, updated front and rear bumpers with a split lower grille, a redesigned hood and trunk lid, and a redesigned dashboard that added more functionality.<gallery widths="200">
File:2004 Hyundai Elantra (XD MY04) hatchback (2015-07-06) 01 (cropped).jpg|Hatchback (facelift)
File:2004 Hyundai Elantra (XD MY04) hatchback (2015-07-06) 02.jpg|Hatchback (facelift)
File:2005 Hyundai Elantra VE Sedan in Candy Apple, Rear Left, 04-29-2023.jpg|Sedan (facelift)
</gallery>The GLS trim was the base model standard for the Elantra. The top-of-the-line model, the GT trim, came with a stiffer suspension, leather seats, fog lights, alloy wheels, lip spoiler, and blue-lit instrument cluster. Offered as a Liftback since 2001 as a 2002 model year vehicle, the only options for the GT were a power moonroof and anti-lock brakes with traction control. The only major option was a Kenwood MP3/CD deck. The GT trim sedan was introduced in 2003 and discontinued in 2005. The GT trim was replaced for the 2006 model year with the Limited trim, which featured new paint colours, a chrome vertical grille, leather interior with leather steering wheel and leather shifter and wood trim. The Limited trim featured steel rims with a 6-spoke cover featured in the GLS model. The GT trim for the five-door was produced for the remainder of the 2006 model year.
Canadian trim levels differed from that in the US: "GT" models came standard with alloy wheels, four-wheel disc brakes and ABS. Leather upholstery and TCS were only available on the "premium" GT edition.
The XD was available with 1.6-, 1.8- and 2.0-litre petrol engines and a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. North American models are available only with the 2.0-litre petrol engine. The 1.8-litre engine is a 1.6-litre engine modified for the New Zealand market.
While compact on the outside, it was listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a mid-size car because of a spacious interior. Although the basic powertrain design had changed little since the second generation, fuel economy improved for Elantras with manual transmissions from an EPA city rating of , and further to in 2006. Cars with automatic transmissions returned , a reduction of .<!--The "convert" function should NOT be applied to differences where an inverse relationship exists or where a constant is used in calculating the value-->Horsepower improved from , and torque from 132 to 136, mainly due to the addition of continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) in 2004. Originally, the horsepower rating was misrepresented as . In 2006, the Elantra was offered with a SULEV emission rated engine in some US states.
In China, the Elantra XD was produced by Beijing Hyundai from 23 December 2003 to 2011. It is available in 5 door Liftback for 2007 and sedan form from 2003 to 2010. Pre facelifted models of the Elantra XD were produced for the 2004 model year and had a facelift in 2007 consisting of new headlights, radiator, rear foglights on the rear bumper, and new wheels. Production ran up to 2010. It was facelifted again for the 2011 model year featuring new front and rear lights, bumpers, a single rear bumper fog light, radiator and power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals. A 1.6-litre engine is available on taxi and passenger cars paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. A 1.8-litre engine was available until 2007.
This car was used as a taxicab in Beijing, where it replaced the popular red Tianjin Xiali taxi in 2006 in an effort to cut down pollution. The Elantra taxi was used from 2005 until 2020, after which it was replaced by the Beijing EU300 and EU5 in Beijing's taxi fleet.
Engines
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:91%;"
|-
! colspan=7 | 2000–2003
|-
! Model
! Engine
! Displ.
! Power
! Torque
!
! Top speed
|-
! 1.6L DOHC
| I4 16V || 1599 cc || @ 5,800 rpm || @ 3,000 rpm || 11.0 sec. ||
|-
! 1.8L DOHC
| I4 16V || 1795 cc || @ 6,000 rpm || @ 5,000 rpm || 9.7 sec. ||
|-
! 2.0L DOHC
| I4 16V || 1975 cc || @ 6,000 rpm || @ 4,500 rpm || 9.1 sec. ||
|-
! 2.0L CRDi
| I4 16V || 1991 cc || @ 4,000 rpm || @ 2,000 rpm || 11.7 sec. ||
|-
! colspan=7 | 2004–2006
|-
! Model
! Engine
! Displ.
! Power
! Torque
!
! Top speed
|-
! 1.6L DOHC
| I4 16V || 1599 cc || @ 6,000 rpm || @ 4,500 rpm || 11.0 sec. ||
|-
! 1.8L DOHC
| I4 16V || 1795 cc || @ 6,000 rpm || @ 4,500 rpm || 10.2 sec. ||
|-
! 2.0L DOHC
| I4 16V || 1975 cc || @ 6,000 rpm || @ 4,500 rpm || 10.4 sec. (9.1 sec. manual) ||
|-
! 2.0L CRDi
| I4 16V || 1991 cc || @ 4,000 rpm || @ 2,000 rpm || 11.6 sec. ||
|}
Safety
Fourth generation (HD; 2006)
thumb|left|Hyundai Elantra SX sedan (Australia)
A redesigned sedan (designated HD) debuted at the 2006 New York International Auto Show for the 2007 model year. As before, the HD was sold under the Hyundai Avante name in its South Korean home market. It had a more rounded, jelly bean-like design used in the US in the 1990s.
The engine lineup included 1.6- Gamma and 2.0 L Beta II petrol inline-four engines, and a 1.6 L turbodiesel inline-four. All engines featured improved fuel economy. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with an optional four-speed automatic.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) the Elantra received a Good overall score in the frontal crash test and a Marginal overall score in the side impact test, but all Hyundai Elantras manufactured after November 2009 earned a Good overall score in the side impact test. Standard side airbags included front and rear head curtain airbags and front seat-mounted torso airbags.
China
Beijing Hyundai launched a redesigned Elantra called the "Elantra Yue Dong" for the Chinese market with an updated exterior and a separate facelifted 2011 Elantra model. The model was later updated in 2017 and is currently known as the Hyundai Celesta.
North America
Only the 2.0 L engine was offered in North America. Unlike the 2006 model year XD series, the 2007 model year base Hyundai Elantra GLS trim did not include air conditioning as standard equipment, but added side curtain airbags (previously front and side only), active head restraints and all-round disc brakes with four-channel ABS. The Elantra offered the most interior room in its class, leading the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to classify it as a mid-size car.
Hyundai offered the Hyundai i30 wagon in the U.S. and Canada marketed as the "Elantra Touring". Elsewhere, the same vehicle was marketed as the Hyundai i30cw.
- 2008 model year: the "Limited" trim level was dropped, leaving "GLS" and "SE" trim choices. The SE trim included features not available on the "GLS" such as a telescopic steering wheel and electronic stability control (ESC), with sunroof and leather upholstery as options. According to Consumer Reports testing, the "SE" trim has significantly better handling and braking than the base "GLS" trim.
- 2009 model year: iPod and USB interfaces became standard on the "SE" models. On the instrument panel, the gear shift indicator moved to the trip computer display, and the coolant temperature gauge was removed. "GLS" models received new wheel cover designs, and "SE" models had a rear garnish on the rear registration plate border. Exterior colour choices now included Natural Khaki. The 2009 model year was J.D. Power's highest quality compact car. The study measured 228 attributes, including overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners. The 2008, 2009 and 2010 Elantra SE was consistently chosen as a Top Pick for compact sedans by Consumer Reports magazine.
- 2010 model year: a new "Blue" trim was added, a basic model modified for increased fuel economy. The grille design was slightly modified and "Blue" and "GLS" models received chrome rear garnish. The interior received chrome door handles, new metallic interior finish, cup holders, and a chrome-trimmed gear selector for "SE" models. On "GLS" and "SE" models automatic transmission became standard, while the lesser "Blue" models only offered manual. The "GLS" offered sunroof or an LG navigation system; "SE" included a choice of two packages: a sunroof with heated seats or a sunroof with heated seats, LG navigation and Bluetooth. iPod and USB connectivity became standard on the "GLS" and available on the "Blue". Exterior colour choices were slightly changed, with Nordic White and Black Noir Pearl replacing the Captiva White and Black Pearl, respectively; Purple Rain was deleted.
Canadian trim levels were different from the US models. The base model "L" offered a base package with a four-speaker CD/MP3/Auxiliary stereo and front airbags. This trim included power windows in the front with manual windows in the rear. The "GL" added heated mirrors, air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, a six-speaker stereo, wheel-mounted cruise control, and keyless entry with alarm. The "GLS" trim added wheel-mounted audio controls, ABS, all-round disc brakes, and front seat-mounted side-impact and roof-mounted side curtain airbags. The "GLS" with the Sport Package included a rear spoiler, power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather shifter. The final trim level, the "Limited", added leather seats, a telescopic steering wheel, and automatic climate control air conditioning.
LPI Hybrid
Hyundai presented the LPI Hybrid at the 2009 Seoul Motor Show, and sales began as the Avante "LPI Hybrid" in the South Korean market in July 2009. The LPI Hybrid (liquefied petroleum injected) is a mild hybrid and is the world's first hybrid electric vehicle to be powered by an internal combustion engine built to run on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as a fuel. Hyundai developed the technology and all key components in the LPI Hybrid, together with its local partners including the electric motor, battery and low DC/DC converter. The LPI Hybrid shares its powertrain with the Kia Forte LPI Hybrid.
The Elantra hybrid comes with an "Eco Guide" tree icon meant to coach the driver into developing more eco driving habits. The CVT has an optional "E (Eco-Drive)" gear to maximize fuel efficiency. The LPG Hybrid was dropped in Australia due to lack of demand, increase in emphasis on brand image and change in focus to cleaner diesel engines.
Safety
Fifth generation (MD/UD/JK; 2010)
The fifth-generation Avante debuted at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show in April 2010. It was codenamed "MD" for the sedan, "UD" for sedans manufactured in the US, and "JK" for the coupe. For the U.S. and Canadian market, it featured a new 1.8-L petrol engine. In other markets, it featured a 1.6-L petrol direct-injection engine, producing 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. 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. Also, The Truth About Cars editor tested real-world MPG, leading them to give Consumer Watchdog a thumbs down. EPA mileage estimates were originally in the city and on the highway but were revised to in the city and on the highway due to a series of testing procedural errors in November 2012. 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. US 2011 sales reached 186,361 units, up 41 percent from 2010. The Elantra was crowned North American Car of the Year at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, over the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Passat. 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.
Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS won the WesBank's Car of the Year in South Africa 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 colour 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 colour option. Halfway through the model year, audio head units were revised to include separate knobs for volume control and tuning options.
Facelift
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 L GDI engine.
Exterior enhancements include new front and rear styling with tinted tail lights and L-shaped fog light housings. Limited and Sport models included projector headlights with LED accents and LED tail lights. 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 a backup camera on the SE Preferred Package, Limited and 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 a 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 (Chinese: 朗動) is a longer version of Elantra for the Chinese market. Released in August 2012, the Langdong sedan is longer and wider than the Elantra sold in other markets. Its hexagonal front grille was replaced with a chrome wing-shaped version. The design was based on the Wind Craft concept.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show. Production models included a choice of 1.6 L MPI engine rated and , 1.8 L MPI engines rated and ; six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
<gallery widths="200" heights="116">
File:HYUNDAI ELANTRA (MD) China (8) (cropped).jpg|Hyundai Elantra Langdong (pre-facelift)
File:HYUNDAI ELANTRA (MD) China (12) (cropped).jpg|Hyundai Elantra Langdong (first facelift)
File:Hyundai Elantra Langdong Facelift Shishi 01 2022-05-20.jpg|Hyundai Elantra Langdong (second facelift)
File:Hyundai Elantra Langdong Facelift Shishi 02 2022-05-20.jpg|Hyundai Elantra Langdong (second facelift)
</gallery>
Coupe (JK; 2013–2014)
thumb|left|2014 Elantra Coupe (US)
For the 2013 model year, a coupe based on the sedan debuted. The coupe featured a continuation of Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture body design language, with more aggressive styling than the sedan.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2012 Busan International Motor Show. The production model included a 2.0 Nu GDi Engine with a 6-speed transmission.
The Elantra Coupe was discontinued after the 2014 model year in the US due to poor sales, allowing the brand to focus on the sedan and GT models.
Safety
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) was safety tested by IIHS in 2015
{| class="wikitable"
|+IIHS Hyundai Elantra scores:
|-
|Moderate overlap frontal offset
|style="background: yellow"|Acceptable
|-
|Small overlap frontal offset
|style="background: green"|Good
|-
|Side impact
|style="background: green"|Good
|-
|Roof strength
|style="background: green"|Good
|-
|Head restraints & seats
|style="background: green"|Good
|}