The 2016 Elantra sedan has been on sale for only a few months, but Hyundai already is ushering it off the stage, as it has rolled out the redesigned, 2017 version. (The hatchback GT version continues as is for the time being.) The sixth-generation Elantra sedan boasts an all-new exterior design that, unsurprisingly, borrows heavily from the larger Sonata. The thick, horizontal bars in the large new grille set the tone of the more straight-edged design, which make the car look bigger. In fact, it is an inch wider but only fractionally longer, while the wheelbase again spans 106.3 inches. Taking the passenger and cargo volumes together, the EPA classifies the Elantra as a mid-size car, like the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla.

Changes also have been made underneath the sheetmetal, with Hyundai boasting of various structural reinforcements and additional high-strength steel, with the goal of improved crash-test performance. The company is expecting a top safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

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The current Elantra’s naturally aspirated, 145-hp 1.8-liter and 173-hp 2.0-liter (in the Sport model) four-cylinder engines have been tossed out in favor of two new powerplants. The SE and Limited models now are powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-capable four-cylinder, with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. This engine is offered with a six-speed manual in the SE and a six-speed automatic that’s optional in the SE and standard in the Limited. With the automatic, Hyundai is expecting fuel-economy ratings of 29 mpg city, 38 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

A direct-injected 1.4-liter turbo four lives under the hood of the newly added Eco model. It makes 128 horsepower and 156 lb-ft. Paired with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, it’s expected to be the mileage champ, although so far Hyundai only has an estimate for the combined fuel-economy rating: 35 mpg. (You may have noted that the Sport trim level has gone missing, but we hear it’s merely taking a hiatus—and when it returns, it could be with as much as 200 horsepower.)

Outside of the engine room, the other big news is the raft of available driver aids. The list includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, adaptive headlights, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking that detects both cars and pedestrians. Also new is proximity-sensing trunk opening; it senses the remote in your pocket, beeps three times, and then pops the trunk. Android Auto—but not yet Apple CarPlay—connectivity will be available with either of the higher-level infotainment systems, the 7.0-inch Display Audio or the 8.0-inch touch screen with navigation.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

Uplevel models have an additional screen in the form of a 4.2-inch TFT readout in the instrument cluster. The new Elantra also boasts available leather, heated front and rear seats, and a power driver’s seat with memory (the memory function being a claimed first for this class). Standard on all trim levels are USB inputs, satellite radio, Hyundai’s BlueLink, and a new drive-mode selector. That selector offers three modes—Eco, Normal, and Sport—that adjust steering effort and powertrain response.

Base prices for today’s car range from $18,085 to $22,535, and we’d expect the 2017 version not to stray too far from those numbers when the 2017 Elantra sedan goes on sale in January. As for the aforementioned GT hatchback, we might not see the new version until next spring.

Correction: Only the 1.4-liter engine is turbocharged in the new Elantra; the 2.0-liter four-cylinder is naturally aspirated.

MICHAEL SIMARI, THE MANUFACTURER

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