- Hyundai has introduced the new Avante (Elantra) in the Korean market.
- The compact sedan grows in size, adopting a sharper design language.
- It gets a more spacious interior with advanced infotainment and AI tech.
The eighth generation of the Hyundai Avante, known as the Elantra in North America, broke cover in South Korea, six years after the debut of its predecessor. The compact sedan has grown in size, adopting sharper looks, an overhauled interior with the latest infotainment, AI, and safety features, alongside improved gasoline and hybrid powertrains.
Visually, the new Elantra looks nothing like the previous generations, adopting a sportier and more muscular stance thanks to the “Art of Steel” design language. The first thing you notice is the sharper surfacing, with sculpted fenders looking similar to the Lamborghini Urus. The new face features split LED headlights with ultra-slim DRLs and main units integrated into the bumper intakes.
More: Hyundai’s New i20 Morphs Into A Baby Crossover
The side windows are similar to the larger Grandeur, combined with toned rear shoulders and a new five-spoke design for the 18-inch alloy wheels. The rear is quite futuristic, with vertical and horizontal LEDs forming an H-shaped lighting signature, a dual splitter, and a boxy ducktail spoiler. In terms of personalization, buyers have access to six new exterior shades and three interior themes.
Larger Dimensions, More Spacious Cabin
The new model measures 4,765 mm (187.6 in) long, 1,855 mm (73 in) wide and 1,425 mm (56.1 in) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm (108.3 in). This makes it 55 mm (2.2 in) longer and 30 mm (1.2 in) wider compared to its predecessor, with an extra 30 mm (1.2 in) between the axles.
More: Another Automaker Is Killing Its Wagons To Chase SUV Money
According to Hyundai, the larger dimensions contribute to an increased interior space closer to that of a midsize sedan. Overall, the interior design is inspired by furniture, with more rounded shapes and soft-touch surfaces.
The dashboard is dominated by a 14.6-inch (or 12.9-inch) display running the new Pleos Connect infotainment with the generative AI agent “Gleo AI”. The latter is already found in the facelifted Grandeur flagship, supporting natural conversations.
Under the touchscreen we find a row of physical buttons and knobs. A small digital instrument cluster is positioned closer to the windshield showing vital information. Equipment can include a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system, a built-in cam, dual wireless charging pads, and 100W ultra-fast charging USB ports.
More: Hyundai’s Cabin Lights Can Kill 99.9% Of Pneumonia Bacteria In 30 Seconds
In terms of safety, the Avante has 10 airbags and a comprehensive suite of ADAS including the new avigation-based Smart Cruise Control 2, Memory Reversing Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, SBW P-mode Emergency Braking, and Pedal Misuse Safety Assist systems.
Gasoline And Hybrid Options
The Korean-spec Avante will be available with two powertrain options at launch. The first is an improved version of the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS), which is 26 hp (19 kW) more compared to the outgoing model.
The other option is a self-charging hybrid setup with a more efficient 1.6-liter engine, a more potent electric motor and a larger battery, producing a combined 155 hp (116 kW / 157 PS).
The hybrid features “Smart Regenerative Braking 3.0” and the “Hybrid Hierarchical Predictive Control System” which is said to improve fuel efficiency by making route predictions. Finally, there is a “Stay Mode” that keeps the climate control and the infotainment running when the vehicle is stationary.
More: Hyundai’s New Wedgy Sedan Claims 404 Miles On A Surprisingly Small Battery
In the future, Hyundai will most likely roll out a new generation of the Elantra N with a more powerful engine, sportier looks, and a more aggressive chassis setup. This is rumored to receive a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, although nothing has been confirmed at this point.
Availability
While the company didn’t get into details about availability, the new Hyundai Avante is expected to hit Korean dealers later this year, likely followed by its gradual roll out to other markets. The compact sedan will likely reach North America as the 2027 Hyundai Elantra sometime in the coming months. It has also been reported that the Elantra will return to Europe after a long hiatus.
Hyundai Motor President and CEO José Muñoz said: “The All-New Avante is a model that sets a new standard for its class by balancing unrivaled design, interior space, safety, and digital experience”.
