2011 Hyundai Elantra Photos, engines & full specs

Instead of facelifting the fourth generation of the Elantra, which was introduced in 2006, Hyundai rushed the fifth generation of this nameplate to the market and unveiled it in April 2010.

Hyundai’s engineers burned the midnight oil to launch the fifth generation of the Elantra despite the world financial crisis that brought more carmakers to their knees. However, the Korean brand was doing well thanks to its pricing policy, and the wide range of products fit for every pocket. In addition, the introduction of a new design language helped the brand to gain a larger market share in several significant markets, such as the one in the U.S., where it jumped from 2.8% to 4.6% between 2006 and 2010 and, together with its sister-brand Kia, becoming the sixth car manufacturer in the world. One of its spearhead models in Hyundai’s lineup was the Elantra, a small-sized sedan that could carry a family of four in comfort and safety. Moreover, the car’s price was decent, below most competitors. In addition, a rich safety package granted Elantra a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The new design language, which Hyundai called “Fluidic Sculpture,” revealed an organic shape with waved lines and ample, curved panels. In addition, the swept-back headlights were stretched rearward on the upper side of the front fenders like they were liquid and pulled back. The front upper grille was shaped to look like a smile, while the lower one featured an upside-down trapezoidal shape. From its profile, the enlarged front and rear wheel arches created a somehow muscular look for the otherwise mundane vehicle. In addition, the ascending waistline added a dynamic image to the 2010 Elantra.

Inside, the car boasted a much more refined interior design than its predecessor, featuring waved shapes on the dashboard, door cards, center console, and even the spokes on the steering wheel. Fronting the driver was a two-dial instrument cluster with a TFT display that took center stage between them. As an option, Hyundai installed a touchscreen infotainment system with a backup camera on the center stack. A tall armrest and two cup holders were between the front occupants, who sat on wide, slightly bolstered bucket seats at the front. To add a sporty touch to the vehicle, Hyundai added aluminum pedals. In the back, there was room enough for three adult-sized passengers, although the sloped roof line limited the headroom. In addition, the center tunnel that crossed the car from front to back forced the middle-seated passenger to squeeze their legs left and right.

Under the hood, Hyundai installed a 1.6-liter or 1.8-liter gasoline engine for the U.S. market mated with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission that sent the power to the front axle. Thanks to the independent suspension in all corners, the 2010 Elantra rode comfortably and safely on roads.