Hyundai Elantra 2019 revealed

The Hyundai Elantra 2019 model has been revealed, with the small sedan losing its sedate styling in favour of a much edgier look that could appeal to a completely different buy demographic.

As you can see from the images here, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra's front-end design is completely new, with triangular headlights, a much broader and bolder 'cascading' grille treatment, and a revamped front bumper.

The rear has seen major detail adjustments, too, with a newly-shaped set of tail-lights - which still fit into the existing metalwork of the rear three-quarter panels, but now cut a new line into the boot lid and rear bumper, both of which are redesigned. The numberplate is moved down to the bumper, and so are the reversing lights.

The adjustments to the front- and rear-end styling, in combination with the sportier looking 17-inch alloy wheels fitted to the car in these pictures, give the Elantra a far more youthful appearance than the current model.

Inside there are changes, too, but they're not as dramatic as the exterior. The instrument cluster has been in for some work, and there appears to be new climate controls, as well. Australian buyers can expect all models sold here to come with at least a 7.0-inch touchscreen media system, and there'll be an 8.0-inch unit in higher-spec versions.

The new model comes with sportier 17-inch wheels.

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The new Elantra features Hyundai's 'cascading' grille.

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Buyers can expect advanced smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), plus USB charging, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.

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Entry-level models will likely employ a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the sportier SR model will retain the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine.

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There's a new steering wheel - the same as is fitted to the i30 hatch - and of course buyers can expect advanced smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), plus USB charging, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and the top models should have wireless phone charging, too.

It is expected that Hyundai Australia will follow the same strategy put in place with the i30 hatchback range in terms of safety offering. The entry-level model, expected to be known as Go, will likely have a safety pack option. Higher-grade variants will get the safety kit as standard, and it will consist of auto emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and more. No advanced safety tech has been available on Elantra to this point.

As for drivetrains, little change is expected. That means entry-level models will likely still employ a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, while the sportier SR model will retain the 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine. Exact outputs and full specifications will be announced closer to launch.

Australian customers can expect to see the shapely new Hyundai Elantra 2019 model in showrooms before the end of 2018. Stay tuned for more news, and full pricing and specifications, in the coming months.

Are you a fan of the cutting-edge styling of the new Elantra? Tell us what you think in the comments below.