Hyundai's next-generation compact sedan, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, has just been previewed courtesy of a new teaser image. The upcoming model appears to sport a more toned down and sophisticated design.

The artist rendering of the all-new Elantra, which you can see above, is posted by The Korean Car Blog. It teases a major overhaul in the vehicle's design as the automaker opts to make it different from the current model.

The Elantra is one of the Korean car manufacturer's best-selling lines, mostly due to its competitive price range and various customizable options. President and Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer mentioned that the 2016 Hyundai Elantra will feature subtle and innovative appearance improvements that reflect the company's vision for design.

Design is indeed one of this model's stronger suits. In a recent consumer study, the updated Elantra's design has been ranked above its rivals, the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla, in the compact sedan category.

Speaking of the vehicle's aesthetics, the teaser image mostly focuses on the side and front profile. The new model's exterior looks like it will have a more streamlined façade that the outgoing Elantra's sporty style. 

Since Hyundai has used its "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0" design language for this new model, the 2016 Hyundai Elantra will likely be furnished with a prominent hexagonal front grill, LED fog lights, and a chrome belt-line for a more premium look. A sleek, sloping roofline is also evident along with a stylishly angled windscreen.

The Korean automaker is still coy about the car's engine options but there are rumors that the North American version will be fitted with a 1.6-liter T-GDi engine with 175 bhp, similar to the Hyundai Tucson, partnered with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It will reportedly have a class-leading 43 MPG rating.

The same Korean source that gave us the artist's sketch above also reported that 53% of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra's body will be made out of high-strength steel. Moreover, the drag coefficient is predicted to be at 0.27, effectively making the upcoming vehicle one of the most aerodynamic models in its class.

Going inside the cabin, the car is rumored to have Hyundai's 8-inch Infinity infotainment touchscreen that is expected to have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Some spy photographers previously managed to capture the model's alleged interior, showing the updated Elantra's actual dashboard and audio system.

No word has been shared about the official launch of the 2016 Hyundai Elantra, but many automobile observers believe that it will make its debut during the Los Angeles Motor Show in November.