2007 Hyundai Elantra

backy

Go back a couple of pages:

mike_belknap, "2007 Hyundai Elantra" #176, 1 Aug 2005 8:06 pm

New Elantra will be a '07 model, due in the fall of '06.

thegriffon

Korean websites regularly refer to the next Elantra as the "ED", not HD. Having decided the RC Talus must have been cancelled, since the current Accent hatch is longer, European media think this hatch is the "ED" Kia Carens, despite other spy shots of a completely different "UN" Carens, which is a compact MPV like the Mazda5, or the replacement for the brand-new Kia Cerato. My guess is that the RC code mentioned in previous Hyundai press releases has been dropped in favor of ED. It's still not clear whether the sedan gets a different "HD" code, whether both are "ED", or if perhaps the hatch is still the "RC" Talus.

mike_belknap

That's interesting: I too am hearing that the ED is a compact 5-door hatch from Kia destined for Europe (ED = European Design), but really very much unlike the Carens MPV. How confusing.... One good tidbit, though: whatever this is in the spy shots, it's supposedly 4400mm in length rather than the 4250mm that was previously reported - that's a little longer than the Tucson.
Mike

codata99

"Well, Hyundai has revised the earlier projection that the new Elantra (HD) will be available in early-to-mid 2006."

For the record, Hyundai's never said the new Elantra would be available in "early-to-mid 2006"

codata99

"The codename for the sport wagon version of the HD is "RC." It has been rumored for a while that the name may change to Talus, but that's yet to be determined."

RC is the code for Hyundai's new WRC rally car.

codata99

That's the Europe-only hatchback for Kia. It will be built exclusively at the new Kia plant in Slovakia.

mike_belknap

Actually, they did: Link. It's an old and outdated projection, but they did say it. I'll try to find the better article.

Mike

mike_belknap

I found this on a Korean website -- it shows when (by quarter) home-market Kias and Hyundais will debut:



I just thought it was an interesting tid-bit, as it lists the CM (next Santa Fe), UN (next Carens), BH (Equus-replacement; a RWD luxury sedan), and HD (next Elantra), among others.

If anyone knows Korean, it would be a great help if you could translate for us!

Mike

codata99

"Actually, they did: Link. It's an old and outdated projection, but they did say it. I'll try to find the better article."

From Automotive News June 28, 2004

"Hyundai product rollout

Fall 2004: Tucson sport wagon launch

Spring 2005: Sonata redesign

Fall 2005: Accent, XG 350 redesigns

Spring 2006: Minivan launch, Santa Fe redesign

Fall 2006: Elantra launch

Summer 2007: Mid-sized SUV launch; pickup possible"
http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=48829

mike_belknap

Yeah, it's been back and forth for the last couple of years. That all seems fairly accurate -- except for maybe the large midsize SUV and pickup. I personally think it will be later. Here's my current projection:

August 2005 Ulsan production of 2006 Santa Fe (CM)

September 2005 2006 Accent (MC)

October 2005 2006 Santa Fe (non-NA market CM)

November 2005 2006 Azera (TG)

February 2006 2007 Entourage

March 2006 Montgomery production of 2007 Santa Fe (CM)

May 2006 2007 Santa Fe (NA-market CM)

October 2006 2007 Elantra-replacement (HD/ED?) / 2007 Accent Hybrid

March 2007 2008 Tiburon-replacement

April 2007 2008 Sonata coupe / 2008 Tucson TDI

October 2007 2008 RWD luxury sedan / 2008 Tiburon-replacement convertible

January 2008 2009 full-size SUV / 2009 pickup

What do you think? And do you know the internal codename for the Entourage?
Mike

codata99

"Yeah, it's been back and forth for the last couple of years."

No, that was not the case at all. The "24/7" plan was revealed for the first time last summer. That schedule in the article came from none other than Hyundai.

mike_belknap

OK, that works for me. I suppose that there were some untrustworthy sources online reporting wrong information (big surprise there, eh?), and not HMA itself. We cool?

So what do you think of the list -- what modifications would need to be made in order for it to be accurate? And do you know the "code-letters" for the Entourage? If I can get those, I might be able to find some spy shots of the vehicle (assuming any exist at this time) on certain Korean sites.

Oh, BTW, here are a couple of new high-res spy photos of the Elantra-replacement... at least I think that's what it is.... :

Front
Rear

Mike

iluvmysephia1

whoa, did that list come off of the top of your head, or what? Great compilation of upcoming Hyundai releases, a must-save list for Hyundai and even Kia enthusiasts.

Do we have any un-masked shots of the 2007 Hyundai Elantra yet?

Also, any shots of the 2008 Tiburon replacement yet?

mike_belknap

The list was generated by compiling press release information and rumors from presumably-accurate, presumably-legitimate inside sources.

I don't know of any unmasked shots of the Elantra or Tiburon replacements (only an unfounded sketch of the latter). Once they are available, I'll be sure and post them in the appropriate threads.

One thing will change on that list, however: the Entourage plans have been cancelled. Check this thread out.

Mike

iluvmysephia1

picture was a sketch, so it likely will change a few more times as production gets closer, huh? I remember a few months back on the net I saw a sketch of what Hyundai was working on for the future Tibby. I must say it looked impressive. No need pondering that one much for now.

A few of the latest superficial changes are kind of interesting that Hyundai has made to the current Tibby, though, including the dumping of the shark's "gills" just to the rear of the front wheel wells. This is one change that I like the current idea of, a reverse '64 1/2 Mustang-ish slat thing, just about as much as the faux shark's gills that are seen on the 2003-2004 Tiburon's.

Back to the 2007 Hyundai Elantra. Does it get a new body style for '07? Pictures yet on it?

backy

Uh, iluv, just scroll up--lots of info on the all-new-for-'07 Elantra here and even some spy pics, which even with the disguising show that the body will be different.

The interesting thing about the article on the cancellation of the Entourage is that it says indirectly that the '06 Santa Fe will not have seating for seven, although that is what the press has said about it. The six-seat sport wagon is not a surprise, though, since Hyundai has showed a prototype off at auto shows. I suppose that means there will be no resurrection of the Elantra wagon.

mike_belknap

Well, the USDM '06 Santa Fe will definitely not have seating for seven, but the '07 model will. Here's my understanding of the most recent developments: while the late-2006 "large midsize SUV" will be able to seat seven adults easily, the Santa Fe's fold-away third row is designed mainly for children. Therefore, unlike the new unnamed ute and Portico-type sport wagon, the CM is not really a "people-hauler" and is in no way a substitute for the minivan. The larger SUV will apparently be built on a different platform (perhaps even truck-based), but may still be to the Santa Fe what the Azera is to the Sonata: that is, perhaps technically in the same size class, but pricier and designed to appeal to a different crowd.

As to the Elantra, no, I wouldn't expect a traditional wagon bodystyle. As far as I know, though, a 5-door sport wagon is still in the cards.

Mike

backy

Sorry, I meant '07 Santa Fe--unless Hyundai pulls a Kia or VW and calls the new Santa Fe the '06 New Santa Fe. It's just that the article made it sound as if this new big SUV would be the first Hyundai SUV with 7-passenger seating.

mike_belknap

You know how I said that I'd post spy shots whenever I found 'em? You may want to mosey on over to the Tiburon thread now.... It's definitely not a very impressive image, but it is legit and only the first.

Mike

mike_belknap

Check this out.

Mike

smith20

Interesting pictures, thanks for the link. My impression is that the new Elantra is looking more like the new Hyundai Accent as opposed to the Sonata and Azera. What do you all think?

backy

I see more Azera than Accent, especially in the roofline. Which btw is not too original--cf. Taurus and Grand Prix. I will be sorry to see the distinctive rear end on the current Elantra go.

Also it looks like there might be folding mirrors, unlike the Sonata--hope, hope.

mike_belknap

I see just a little more Accent than Azera at this point (mainly because of the vehicle's size, and yeah: I do see a touch of Taurus there), but the camo is covering the more major styling areas, so I'll reserve final judgement 'til I see the car uncovered - or at least less covered.

Mike

smith20

I guess I was mainly looking at the front when I made my comment. I think I was also influenced by the comments of the article that they think this style is going to be somewhat different from the Sonata (specifically they think this new Elantra is "curvaceous"). I think the headlights are going to be more in a triangular arrangement in the front as opposed to a horizontal rectangular arrangement . . . and I'm not sure I like that as much. I guess, like Mike says, I'll just have to wait and see it a little less covered up.

backy

Yes, it's really hard to tell with all the cladding, isn't it? I'm surprised the roofline isn't more covered than it is!

hemi_ownz_u

">link titleI'm more of a Dodge fan than anything else, but Hyundais are pretty cool nuntheless. Anyway i'm confused here...maybe someoen can clear this up for me... Thecarconnection.com says these are the latest sypyshots of the Elantra... ' 07 Elantra

But if that's the case then what are these spyshots of?

This

or this



or even the shots also from thecarconnection

They can't both be the eleantra, the first (newest) set of photos clearly differ from the others. Epecially when you see the rear side glass is rounded on the first (newest) photos while on the otheres the rear sideglass is verticle. Can anyone explain this?

backy

I think we discussed this earlier and agreed this is the new Optima--someone correct me if I'm wrong on that.

mike_belknap

Yes, those are images of the 2006 Kia Optima (well, here in the US anyway; in other countries, it'll be called Magentis or Lotze). Here's a thread with some good shots of the vehicle - see post #445.

When TheCarConnection.com published that last Fall, it was pretty much universally believed (amongst the media) that it was the '07 Elantra. It wasn't until fairly recently that absolute confirmation was made concerning the identity of the vehicle - when spy shots turned-up with a Kia badge on the center of the steering wheel hub! LOL!

But yes, the newest shots (see posts #157, #216, and #225) are all confirmed as the 2007 Hyundai Elantra. In fact, you can see Hyundai's US-bound, rear-wheel-drive, full-size luxury sedan (internally known as the "BH") in the background of these photos: Image1, Image2.

Mike

hemi_ownz_u

oh ok, yeah now that i look at it more closely i see it's the new Optima. Thanks tho

keyser2

The new Elantra looks like a combination of a Spectra and an Ion.

I hope that Hyundai doesn't lay another egg like the new Sonata

backy

You mean the Sonata that is getting a lot of positive press, including beating Accord and Camry in Edmunds.com's recent comparo? I hope Hyundai does as nice a job on the new Elantra as they did on the '06 Sonata.

IMO based on spy pictures, the new Elantra looks nothing like the Elantra or ION. We can't clearly see the front and rear of the car, and the greenhouse certainly looks nothing like those cars. If anything there is a resemblence to the Saturn L Series, and the Taurus, with respect to the roofline. But until the wraps come off it's hard to tell just what this car looks like.

keyser2

It is about impossible to see much regarding the new Elantra. As for the Sonata, I fear that Hyundai may have moved the Sonata up in size, engineering and price a little too much. For example, when I go to shop for a fairly low-end midsize (4 cyl, auto) and the Sonata is within $3k of a Toyota or Honda, I'll buy the Toyota. Maybe it's just me, but as good as Hyundai is, they are not at Toyota's quality level yet, warranty notwithstanding.

backy

I guess everyone's price threshold is different. I actually like the Sonata better than the other cars in its class right now; the fact it costs thousands less for a roomier car with more safety equipment and a longer warranty is gravy to me.

If you won't buy a Sonata for $3000 less than a Camry, then I imagine you won't buy a '07 Elantra if it's $3000 less than a Corolla no matter how good the Elantra is. All indications are that the new Elantra will be bigger than the current model (which is already a mid-sized car according to the EPA, based on interior room) and will have more safety features, including ABS and side curtains standard. That will undoubtedly raise the base price of the Elantra quite a bit. I predict a starting price for the '07 Elantra of at least $15k, but including the power package, CD/MP3/XM audio, ABS/traction, and six airbags. So compared to today's Elantra even $15k wouldn't be too bad; you'd need to pay about that for a '05 model that doesn't have all those features. For those who want a lower-priced Hyundai, they can turn to the all-new Accent, which will start at around $12-13k list price.

As for price--consider that the new Civic LX with six airbags and ABS is $17k, and the Mazda3i is similar. If the new Elantra can match or exceed those cars, I wouldn't have any problem with a $2k difference (which will grow when the inevitable loyalty rebates and other rebates start showing up).

keyser2

Well, I think you did boil it down to one thing, you feel that the Sonata is better than a Camry, and you probably feel that Hyundai quality is as good or better than Toyota. I do not feel that way, and I think that the vast majority of car buyers agree with me.

backy

No, actually I think the quality and performance of the new Sonata is comparable to that of the Camry. I think the quality of the Tucson is pretty good too. All other current Hyundai designs are at least five years old, so they are a tad behind the latest offerings from Honda and Toyota. We'll see how Hyundai does over the next year as it replaces its old models, including the Elantra. But I like what I have seen from Hyundai since 2000 as it has focused on improving quality.

iluvmysephia1

have improved tremendously since 2000. The new Santa Fe for 2007 produced at their new Alabama plant should improve the public perception of Hyundai, too. The Kia Amanti and Sportage just won awards for their 2005 models from JD Powers as well. I do think that HyunKia both should hold their pricing down, well below Honda and Toyota pricing. They are doing just that-the '05 Sportage starts at just $15,999.

307web

Time to dump Kia.
It's mostly redundant, restyled Hyundais. They could move the very few unique models (like the the minivan) over to Hyundai and make a stronger brand.

backy

By this time next year Kia will have at least six unique models: Sorento, Sedona, Rio5, Spectra, Spectra5, and Amanti. (This assumes the '07 Elantra moves upmarket and is larger than the current Elantra/Spectra.) Also Kia's version of the Sonata platform--Optima--will be significantly different according to reports. The only cross-overs will be the Accent/Rio sedans (which have significantly different styling) and the Tucson/Sportage, which seem like different vechicles due to different interiors, exteriors, and suspension tuning. So there is a LOT of differentiation between the brands, and it is increasing.

rcinmd

Driving by the Hyundai dealer Saturday on the way to the mall, I glanced over at the back lot, and saw a new Sonata in the wrapper, and alongside, something 'else'. I only got a glimpse, but was able to determine whatever it was, it was far sleeker than the Sonata. I wondered if it could be the Azera, but ruled that out since it did not have the rear quarter windows. When I finished shopping, I went back, and as I pulled into the lot, it dawned on me that it must be the new Milan, since they are also a Mercury dealer. That's what it turned out to be. And I must say, while the Sonata is a safe mainstream design, parked alongside the Milan, it was almost dowdy in comparison. The Milan is taut, looks in motion sitting still, and frankly one of the better lookers in the huge mid-size sedan arena. Both cars were fully loaded, the Sonata being an LX, and the Milan a Premium series. At this point, I don't know where that stands within its model line, but it was fully equipped, including moonroof, leather, 6-disk, etc. I don't recall if there was traction control. Both cars were over $24K, with the Milan being a few hundred dollars less. Based on the Mazda 6 platform, I am sure it will be a good driver. So who knows, maybe Ford has a new capable and exciting offering in the Fusion / MIlan / Zephyr.

iluvmysephia1

shows that you know the Hyundai and Kia brands very well. There is good deal of difference between Kia and Hyundai's lineups and your post details them well. The two brands differentiate themselves more and more each year from each other. They'll continue to go further apart from each other as the years tick by, yet each one still has several great offerings to consumers that fit different slots required by them.

I can't wait to see the new 2007 Elantra, either. I'm sure it won't disappoint. backy, what is it you most want to see in the '07 Elantra, and is Hyundai going to be able to deliver those things to you?

backy

I want to see styling and handling as sharp as the Mazda3i's, a stick shift as smooth as the Civic's, a ride as smooth as the Cobalt's (or even the current Elantra GLS), an updated interior with seats as comfortable and adjustable as on the current Elantra, 140+ hp with at least 10% better fuel economy, standard 16" wheels, build quality at least as good as the new Sonata's, more rear-seat leg room, and a few other little things like folding mirrors. And a starting price no more than $15k for a GLS stick would be nice too.

iluvmysephia1

for much, do you, backy? Just kiddin'! Might as well ask...it challenges them to better their Japanese friends, eh?

backy

Actually, I think everything I asked for is well within reach, except maybe for the handling being on a par with the Mazda3--Hyundais are not known for crisp handling, although the Tibby is good in that department (with a bone-crushing ride though) and the new Sonata is much improved there over the old one. The current Elantra already has a pretty good shifter, the ride is already one of the smoothest in its class, and we know that Hyundai will be adding lots of standard safety gear and features like XM radio. So, "not so wild a dream."

idrankwhat

I'll be much more interested in the new Elantra if it continues to offer a hatchback GT model.

Any news on this? :confuse: I want to know before I settle on a Spectra5 or one of the other ones.

smith20

I'm pretty sure they will retain a hatchback version of the Elantra in the redesign, though it might not be fastback as opposed to a more wagon type body. That's what some people are speculating at least. I personally like the fastback look and wish they would retain that body style to differentiate from the Kia Spectra hatchback. Either way, you still have probably a year to go before a redesigned Elantra is available for purchase . . . I'm sure plenty of photos and specs will be available before then.

backy

I saw the next-gen Focus 5-door in London last week and it reminded me a lot of the current Elantra 5-door, with a fastback-style rear. Even the little rear side windows were a similar shape. So if Hyundai doesn't continue the fastback style with the new Elantra, there's another alternative when the next-gen Focus eventually makes it here.

I think there were some spy photos back a ways in this discussion of the new Elantra 5-door, and it did look like the Spectra5 in the rear.

smith20

I wasn't sure if that was a confirmed image of the Elantra hatchback or not. I'm not sure how I feel about Ford since our Escort has given us some repair headaches. It's had a lot of 5 and 10 dollar parts that have failed resulting in us paying out quite a bit of money in repairs on the car. The wagon style hatchback does have more useful space too . . . so I'm not totally against it. It's just from a styling perspective I'd like to see them retain a fastback type shape for the Elantra. But, the issue is moot since at this point in time the design was chosen and implemented long ago.

carguy58

-Will it have standard ABS amd side impact airbags just like the 06 Sonata has?

-Will it still be built in Korea like the 01-06 Elantra are will production of the 07 Elantra be moved to Hyundai's new plant in Alabama?

Answers to these couple questions would be helpful.

backy

It's a near certainly the '07 Elantra will have standard side bags and curtains, since even the low-end Accent has those and Hyundai has made a big deal about safety in its marketing. Standard ABS is also likely, since the Accent has that, too, so it would make little sense for Hyundai to omit safety features from its all-new Elantra that are on the smaller, cheaper Accent. We probably won't know for sure until the Elantra is officially unveiled early next year.

Hyundai has announced no plans to build the Elantra in Alabama, but what I have read about that plant is that it is set up to produce the Sonata and new Santa Fe.

carguy58

Thanks Backy! You are always a help with Hyundai news.