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The sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra has debuted at the 2015 L.A. Auto Show, sporting a new, more upscale design and all-new efficient powertrains.

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will be arriving at dealerships in January 2016 and will try to distinguish itself from the rest of the compact car segment with the addition of segment-first convenience and safety technologies. The Korean automaker also expects to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) once crash tests are conducted.

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Featured prominently on the front end of the Elantra’s new design is Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille accented with new lighting including available HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights and unique vertical LED daytime running lights, both of which are firsts for the model. The front end integrates functional front wheel air curtains derived from the Sonata Hybrid, helping manage air flow from the front of the vehicle and around the wheels to minimize turbulence and wind resistance. Contributing to the model’s 0.27 coefficient of drag are underbody covers, an aerodynamic rear bumper bottom spoiler and a rear decklid designed with an expanded trunk edge.

When the Elantra launches early next year, available features include 17-inch alloy wheels, all-new LED door handle approach lights, side-mirror LED turn signal indicators and LED tail lights. The model will be offered in eight exterior colors, five of which are new to the Elantra. Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 Hyundai Elantra is 0.8 inches longer at 179.9 inches and one inch wider at 70.9 inches.

SEE ALSO: 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show Coverage

Heading into the cabin, Hyundai has outfitted the new Elantra with a modern driver-oriented design, optimized for intuitive control and packed with high-quality materials and premium technology features. Along with improved interior roominess, the compact sedan integrates premium soft-touch materials in key touch points to deliver a comfortable interior environment for all passengers.

Compared to its competitors, the Elantra offers more passenger volume (95.8 cubic feet), cargo volume (14.4 cubic feet) and total interior volume (110.2 cubic feet) and even bests some luxury sedans such as the 2016 Audi A4 and 2016 Acura ILX.

Powering the Elantra for the 2017 model year are two all-new powertrains, designed for improved fuel efficiency and everyday drivability performance. Standard for the sedan is a 2.0-liter Atkinson four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The company anticipates that the model will return 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway for a 33-mpg combined rating when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The other powertrain is a 1.4-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine that will be available in spring 2016. Producing 128 hp and 156 lb-ft of torque, the engine will be available on the Elantra Eco model and is mated to an EcoShift seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai estimates that the Elantra Eco will return an estimated 35-mpg combined rating based on internal testing.

Expect pricing information on the 2017 Hyundai Elantra to be announced closer to the model’s launch early next year.

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