Hyundai Launches Redesigned Elantra for China

It has only been on sale since late 2006, but it looks like Hyundai’s
Elantra is getting ready for a bit of a facelift. The sedan version of
the compact car, noted for its massive step up in quality, performance
and equipment will receive a new nose that will make its grand debut at
this year’s Auto China motor show to be staged in Shanghai next
week.

The
Elantra’s update is focused solely on the nose and the tail. It
receives a new grille, new headlamps as well as bumpers, which give the
car a slightly less bulbous and more progressive, angular shape. It
isn’t hard to see that these changes were inspired by other vehicles,
but all in all the updated Elantra looks better than before. The rest
of the car, short of the wheels and the side view mirrors with
integrated turn signals remain untouched.

And
while it is possible to order an Elantra with leather here in North
America, the vehicle is being positioned as a premium entry from
Hyundai. One glimpse at the interior and you’ll spot toys and goodies
in the form of digital climate control and (faux) wood trim.

As
of right now there’s no confirmation on whether or not this will be a
look targeted at the local Chinese market, or whether it will be wider
spread. Even if we don’t receive this particular Elantra here in North
America, there’s still much to look forward to, including the Elantra
Touring wagon.