By: IOL Motoring Staff
Hwaseong, South Korea - Hyundai is hoping to take another step up the smartness and sophistication ladder with its new Elantra, which is called the Avante in South Korea.
The biggest stylistic departure is its Audi-like front end, complete with a large trapezoidal grille and pointy headlights, while the side profile and rear end are an evolution of the current model's design themes. Don't let that fool you though, as this is a larger car.
According to Hyundai's tape measure, the new Elantra is 20mm longer and 25mm wider than its predecessor and the company claims that interior room is comparable with cars in the segment above. The new sedan is more rigid too, thanks to its body structure using 32 percent more high-strength steel.
On the technology front, this Elantra offers an entourage of modern gadgets such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Detection and rear Cross Traffic Alert. Furthermore, Hyundai's Integrated Memory Seat was designed to make life even cosier for the driver.
The technological rejuvenation stops short of the engine bay, however, as the new Elantra sticks to normally aspirated engines, at least in South Korean spec. The most exciting option for now is 110kW 2-litre unit while the price leader is Hyundai's direct injection 1.6, rated at 97kW and the most frugal option is a 100kW/300Nm 1.6 turbodiesel.
Hyundai South Africa says that at this stage it can't confirm when the new Elantra will be hitting local shores.