Citation:
LOS ANGELES — Spotted in the desert in the American Southwest is the latest prototype of the next-generation Hyundai Elantra, the latest in a continuing series of new and redesigned vehicles from the Korean powerhouse.
The Elantra slots into the lineup above the entry-level Accent and below the midsize Sonata. Current prices start at just over $14,000. The Elantra is sold in the home market in Korea as the Avante.
The replacement model, which is expected to use components and architecture from the recently redesigned Kia Spectra, goes into production this spring in Korea.
Its American cousin won't get the new design, however, until this fall, at the start of model-year 2007.
Early reports from our spy photographers out in the field say the new Elantra sedan gets a curvier body and a longer wheelbase, which means more passenger space inside. Family styling cues are shared with the recently revamped Sonata and Accent sedans.
Major mechanical components — including a twin-cam, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual gearbox — will likely be shared with Kia.
What this means to you: Korean kingpin Hyundai is aiming for 1 million sales a year in the States — and the new Elantra will move it closer to that target.
On parle donc d'une élantra 2007 sur le chassis d'une spectra.