18th March was the date when the latest 7th generation of Hyundai Elantra made its global debut in 2020, and today it has completed 2 years of its life. While Elantra is the name used for most international markets, the car is also marketed as Hyundai Avante back in its home market of South Korea as well as the i30 sedan in selected right-hand drive markets.
Related: The History of Hyundai Elantra
The 7th gen Elantra bears Hyundai’s latest design philosophy called ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ featuring a distinctive mesh grille up front & sharp polygonal creases on its sides. Defined by the harmony between four of the fundamental elements- proportion, architecture, styling, and technology, the design is aimed to bring instinctive beauty and create emotional value and desirability in Hyundai vehicles.
A few days after the global debut of 7th Gen Elantra, Hyundai-Nishat launched the 6th generation model in Pakistan marking yet another addition to a long list of globally obsolete models that were introduced here once done from the rest of the world.
Related: 6th Gen Honda City- Yet Another Globally Retired Car Arrives in Pakistan
The 6th generation Elantra made its debut in its home market back in 2015 while for international markets, its sales started in early 2016. A couple of years later in August 2018, the Elantra received a thorough facelift (the same we have here) with the revised exterior styling, improved safety & equipment as well as a refreshed interior.
The Elantra in Pakistan comes with a single GLS variant and is powered by a 2.0-liter engine that’s paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and is capable to deliver 154hp of power and 175Nm of torque. Although it was launched at PKR 40.49 lac back in March 2021, after a couple of price revisions the 6th gen Elantra is currently available for PKR 43.99 lac.
Related: Not the First Honda Civic in Pakistan to Launch in March
As far as the sales are concerned, it is the second bestselling car behind the Tucson crossover in Hyundai’s local portfolio. So far during the first 8 months of the current fiscal year, 1,929 units of Elantra have been sold averaging 241 units a month. However, with such figures, it poses no threat to the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, although the two are considered its main rivals in other markets.
Hyundai-Nishat currently has no plans to bring in the new model in Pakistan, which is now officially 2 years old already. For how long the company will drag the 6th gen Elantra here, we have absolutely no idea. But from the looks of it, the 6th gen will remain on Hyundai’s menu for a long long time.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com