Hyundai has revealed the next iteration of its Elantra saloon, which brings a dramatic new look.
Named the Avante in its home market of South Korea, it is the most extreme example of the brand’s new 'Art of Steel' design language yet, with a number of sharp lines and aggressive angles across its bodywork.
It is slightly larger than the rival Skoda Octavia, owing to a 30mm increase in its wheelbase compared with the previous-generation Elantra. The saloon has also grown 30mm wider and Hyundai said it has prioritised improving interior space.
Inside, it has been designed to be “cozy and comfortable”, according to Hyundai. The dashboard and door cards’ designs cocoon around the seats, with customisable LED backlighting.
As in the recently revealed Ioniq 3 hatchback, the driver’s display is set high on the dashboard. This is intended to keep important information in the driver’s line of sight, so they do not have to divert their attention away from the road to check their speed or remaining range.
A large infotainment touchscreen, measuring either 12.9in or 14.6in, takes centre stage. It runs on Hyundai’s new Pleos operating system, which will allow new functionality such as installing navigation and music apps in the screen, rather than having to use smartphone mirroring. An array of switches and dials for the climate control system sits just below the main screen.
In South Korea, it will be available with two powertrains: a 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder with 147bhp and a 1.6-litre hybrid with 155bhp.
The hybrid also brings a new predictive regenerative braking system that reads the road ahead and automatically adjusts the strength of the regenerative effect, helping to keep the battery topped up.
In addition, it gets a ‘stay mode’ that allows the small traction battery’s reserves to power the climate controls and infotainment system while parked, in similar fashion to an EV with a larger battery.
South Korean deliveries of the new Elantra will begin in the coming weeks, although Hyundai has yet to confirm whether it will be sold in mainland Europe or the UK. The previous-generation car was not made available in those regions, despite having been tested there. However, Autocar understands that it has not been ruled out for the latest iteration, suggesting Hyundai may have had a change of heart.
It also remains to be seen whether the high-performance Elantra N will return – and whether it too could make it to Europe.
