2016 Hyundai Elantra previewed by sporty rendering – UPDATE

The next-generation, 2016 Hyundai Elantra small sedan was today previewed by this rendering, ahead of its imminent world reveal “just around the corner” and an Australian premiere in 2016. 

Boldy, the Korean company states the design of the new Hyundai Elantra will place the sedan in “a class of its own”, thanks to its coupe proportions, character lines, bold grille flanked by slim headlights, and “creatively designed” wheel arches.

Hyundai is even citing a recent consumer study that ranked the new model’s looks â€" presumably under a veil of secrecy outside that room â€" “ahead of key rivals”. Expect also to see a more upmarket and premium cabin. 

These key rivals will, once again, be sedan versions of the Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Holden Cruze, Kia Cerato and Ford Focus.

The 2016 Hyundai Elantra has been confirmed for an Australian launch next year, where it will continue it potent double act with the just-updated Hyundai i30 hatch. Hyundai’s local arm is rumoured to be keen to change strategy and rename hatch and sedan the same, but global policy prevents it.

In fact, if you combine sales of the i30 and current Elantra, Hyundai has sold 23,333 small cars so far in 2015, which is actually more than the Mazda 3 hatch and sedan’s combined total of 23,252, and thereby behind only the Corolla (25,323), which reigns as Australia’s top-selling vehicle. 

The 2016 Elantra will, like all Hyundai Australia vehicles, get local-specific suspension tuning.

Hyundai Motor Company president and chief design officer Peter Schreyer said: “The all-new Elantra captures the car’s unique design characteristics that really place this model in a class of its own,” though, naturally, he would say that.

“The subtle and innovative appearance enhancements reflect Hyundai’s vision for design. Furthermore, this car indicates a move from traditional to modern styling by communicating the new model’s comfort, fashion and sporty feel,” he added.

The rendering certainly looks promising.

As we know, the preview for the 2016 Elantra comes hot on the heels of the new, Genesis coupe-previewing Vision G, in a busy week for Hyundai’s passenger team.

What are you thoughts? Tell us below in the comments.