The eighth generation of the Hyundai Elantra, known domestically as the Avante, debuts with solid and eye-catching exterior design, some high-tech options to play with, and upgraded powertrains.
The new sedan is 4,765 mm (187.6 inches) long, 1,855 mm (73 inches) wide and 1,425 mm (56.1 inches) tall with 2,750 mm (108.3 inches) between the axles. As such, it’s 55 mm (2.2 in) longer, 30 mm (1.2 in) wider and 5 mm (0.2 in) taller than the preceding generation. Wheels are available in diameters from 16 to 18 inches.
The interior of the car looks clean and well-appointed with numerous physical buttons and controls offering a superior tactile experience to touchscreens. The main display is 12.9 inches large by default, but a 14.6-inch panel is available at a premium. The dashboard starts off as a HUD in the base trim and evolves into a 9.9-inch digital gauge cluster in the top trim. Opting for the most expensive trim also moves the gear selector from the tunnel to the steering column.
Hyundai still offers two powertrains for the new Avante/Elantra, but both have been redesigned with greater power and torque. The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine now churns out 149 PS (147 hp / 110 kW) to a continuously variable transmission. In turn, the 1.6-liter mild-hybrid mill mated to a six-speed DCT now makes 157 PS (155 hp / 115 kW).
Prices in South Korea start from just under 24 million KRW for the 2.0L Avante, which currently amounts to U.S. $16,854. The mild hybrid starts from 30.42 million KRW, or $21,380.