Almost 3 years after the 7th gen Hyundai Elantra debuted in March 2020, the South Korean automaker has revealed its facelift which is set to be launched in its home market (where is sold as Avante) in near future.
Hyundai released a trio of images showing subtle design changes that seem to sharpen up the front and rear-end styling as well as a new interior trim color, of the C-segment sedan that is seen as a rival of the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
Related: The History of Hyundai Elantra
There is a greater focus on horizontal lines and motifs, echoing the trend set by the company’s latest models, with new slimmer LED headlights, a wider grille, and updated bumpers having new lower air intakes with the rear one getting an added silver garnish. Plus there appear to be new 18-inch alloy wheels, tweaked trim on the rear window pillars, and side mirrors modules for a 360-degree, surround-view camera.
Inside, changes appear to be limited to a new Sage Green seat upholstery & eco-friendly materials for the South Korean market. The instrument display and infotainment touchscreen appear to be unchanged at 10.25 inches each. Engine options are likely going to be carried over from the pre-facelift models.
In South Korea, the Elantra is offered with a Smartstream 1.6L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 121 of power and 154 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with 8 virtual speeds. Plus there is a Gamma 1.6L naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that runs on liquified petroleum gas (LPG) with 118 hp and 152 Nm. This unit gets a 6-speed automatic transmission. Another powertrain option is a hybrid with 139 hp and 265 Nm, which consists of a Smartstream 1.6L unit assisted by an electric motor.
The Elantra also comes in N Line performance guise that packs a Smartstream 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 265 Nm and is mated to either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top of the line is the Elantra N, which gets a Theta 2.0L turbo making 276 hp and 392 Nm with transmission choices of 6-speed manual or 8-speed DCT.
Related: New Hyundai Verna Exterior Revealed Ahead of Debut
Other than being called Avante back in South Korea, the Elantra is also sold as the i30 sedan in right-hand-drive markets such as Australia & New Zealand. The new Hyundai Elantra facelift is expected to begin reaching export markets in the second half of this year.
In Pakistan, we still get the globally obsolete 6th gen Hyundai Elantra which was launched here a year after the latest 7th gen model made its world debut. Although Hyundai sells the globally retired versions of Tucson & Elantra in our country, it sells the latest 8th gen Sonata mid-sized sedan here. But how long will it take for the 7th gen Elantra to reach Pakistan is yet known.
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
