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Fresh CGI gives a playful — and polarizing — preview
A new wave of CGI renderings has surfaced for the upcoming 2027 Hyundai Elantra, and they reinforce two things: Hyundai is pushing a sharper design language, and the next Elantra will once again divide opinion. These recent images from Digimods Design emphasize angular surfaces, a full-width lighting theme and a silhouette that borrows cues from the brand's crossover family.
What the render shows
The most prominent visual elements in the CGI are:
- A full-width LED light bar across the front for a modern, connected look.
- Angular LED daytime running lights and additional lighting clusters positioned lower on the fascia.
- A squared-off grille with very sharp corners, echoing recent Hyundai crossovers.
- A rear end that hints at vertical brake lights similar to the Kia EV4 and a potential light bar between them.
While the Digimods take is creative, certain proportions — especially the rear pillars and overall profile — appear exaggerated compared with spy shots and previous realistic renderings.
Design direction and market context
Hyundai has steadily evolved the Elantra from a conservative compact sedan into a design-forward model that competes visually with rivals in the compact and near-premium segments. The new generation looks to lean further into that strategy, mixing sharp crease lines and crossover-inspired details to stay relevant as buyers favor crossovers and bold styling.
Highlights from the likely production design include new front, side and rear skirts, a refreshed color palette, and multiple wheel options. Expect Hyundai to balance showy elements in concept images with more practical, aerodynamic choices on the production car.
Powertrains and lineup expectations
Despite the futuristic lighting and cues in renders, the all-new Elantra is expected to retain internal combustion options rather than going fully electric. Reports from South Korea indicate the base engine will be a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, with a hybrid variant available in many markets. Some regions could also receive an LPG offering. There’s no official word on an Elantra N performance model, but the N sub-brand remains a likely possibility given its importance for enthusiasts.
Timing and market rollout
Hyundai is widely expected to unveil the next Elantra during the coming year, with the first units arriving as 2027 model-year cars in markets such as the United States. That timeline gives Hyundai room to update the current Elantra for 2026 with minor revisions and pricing adjustments while finalizing the next-generation model.
Why renderings still matter
CGI and enthusiast renders play a role in shaping public expectations. They can be optimistic or deliberately radical, and while some takes — like Digimods’ latest — are highly stylized, other renderings and spy photos help paint a clearer picture of the production car. For readers tracking the Elantra’s evolution, these images are a reminder of the brand’s current design intent and the broader trend toward sharper, lighting-focused aesthetics.
Highlights & quick specs:
- Expected engines: 1.6L four-cylinder, hybrid; possible LPG in select markets
- Styling cues: full-width LED bar, angular DRLs, squared grille
- Market timing: reveal next year; 2027 model-year entry for some markets
Whether the final 2027 Elantra mirrors the bold CGI or a more restrained production design, Hyundai seems set to deliver a compact sedan that emphasizes distinctive lighting, crisp surfaces and a family look aligned with its latest crossovers.
Source: autoevolution
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