Beauty or Beast: 2011 Hyundai Elantra

Beauty or Beast is where I talk in more detail about the styling and the design of cars. This is my first time doing it, so it might be a bit sloppy. I've split this critique into 3 parts; (1) what makes it pretty?, (2) what makes it ugly?, (3) what does it remind me of?, and (4) some technical facts.

2011 Hyudai Elantra

1. What makes this car pretty?

Quite a lot. I've been staring at this picture for quite some time. I really think that this may be the most beautiful Hyundai I've ever looked at by far. To me, the most distinguishing feature in the styling of this car is all the curves.

This picture has obviously optimized all the lines on this car. According to the video in the precious post, this design concept is called "Fluidic Sculpture". So the lines on this car should have a fluid-like nature to it. The body styling is based on a coupe-saloon which explains the lower roof-line. The front wheel arches are swollen to make it look athletic, giving the impression that it can grip the road like a hungry tiger. The rising lines on the sides, from the front doors give the car a sense of in-motion, and the lines connect to the rear-wrapping taillights to highlight its curve. A very popular trend nowadays; a built-in skirting makes this car look executive. The headlamps are stretched to hood of the car above the wheel arches also supporting the in-motion look. I think bigger lights make cars look more modern. The face of the car has a serious and sharp expression, almost sinister with tricks up its sleeves. The nose of the car is extended forward further make it look like it's moving at high speeds. And if view from the side, I think the body of the car is one of the most pleasant figures to looks at. The way the car gradually rises to from the nose to the rood, then slides down to the rear almost the edge of the boot. The extended c-pillar makes the boot seem shorter and more compact.

Now on to the rear, if you've noticed, the rear lamps are using the long-LED style lights seen on BMWs. This give the car a more premium look on the dark. But even without the lights, the high boot or bonnet and it's solid and compact rear style is enough to make this car look expensive.

2. What makes this car ugly?

I can't think of any right now, except for the lines connecting the top-grill and the bottom-grill. I thing the car looks better without it.

3. What does it remind me of?

Of course it looks a lot like its big brother, the Hyundai Sonata released earlier this year. Many the design ques from the Sonata has been adapted onto the Elantra.

The front windshields looks like the Honda Civic's, while the front hood and the extended headlamps resembles the Ford Fiesta. The rear end of the Elantra reminds me of the rear end of Lexus GS.

The soon to be Elantra is one of the prettiest small-sized saloon I've looked at. I like it so much, I actually stared at it for quite some time. Not many cars get this much attention from me accept for Ford cars. Hyundai has always been one of the brands I often ignore, but not anymore. Which makes the 2011 Hyundai Elantra a BEAUTY.

Sneak Peak: 2011 Hyundai Elantra / Avante

For so long, I've always hated the way Hyundai cars looked. I also didn't like it because it's an under-performing, low-quality styled, and cheap looking car. It looked ugly in my eyes, but I think that's about to change. I've just watch a video on the new 2011 Hyundai Elantra/Avante. In Malaysia, it's call the Elantra. The current one is not that bad, better than the previous one. But this new one really caught my eye. It's a small sized sedan, the same segment as the Civic, Carolla, Focus, and Sylphy.

Here's a glimpse of the new Hyundai Elantra.

As you can see, this car is more curvy than the previous one. Much, much more. You see, lately, I think curves and bulges have been the secret to good looking cars for quite some time now. This is something that Hyundai has finally grasp.

You can see a lot of design ques from the latest Sonata which was recently released, I forgot when. There goes my credibility.

Overall, I believe the Koreans have found the right styling. The Kia Forte is a good looking car, even though I think it copied the Honda Civic, but a bit boxy. "Give the Koreans a chance man!"

Introduction

You know how guys stare at "hot" women who expose themselves too much? That's how I look at cars, only without getting turned on. I love looking at cars. For me, a car is art. Every car has its unique identity and I like distinguishing between the different styling. A car's design is like language. The Japanese design language is different from the American design language as well as the European design language. There's always an element in the styling that reflects the language design. Sometimes, it's just fun to appreciate how a car looks rather than emphasizing so much on the technical specifications. Art is subjective. That's what makes it fun.