Elantra

Make
Hyundai
Segment
Sedan

Hyundai has released more details about the new Avante, providing us with more information about a potential Elantra facelift for the United States.

We first caught a glimpse of the fresh-faced Avante a few weeks back and noted the design changes that bring it in line with the rest of Hyundai's range. For now, it appears the Avante will be made available with two gasoline-powered 1.6-liter engines. The Streamline engine produces 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. The LPI engine is even less powerful and only makes 118 hp and 112 lb-ft.

A hybrid derivative is also available and boasts combined outputs of 139 hp. That's on par with the model sold stateside.

It's safe to assume the US-spec Elantra will continue to use the base 2.0-liter with 147 hp, and we believe the turbocharged N will soldier on as the halo model in the range.

Other mechanical changes include a revised suspension setup, claimed to improve handling and ride quality. The specific details of the suspension upgrades are not available, however.

The sleek front-end redesign brings aerodynamic improvements, too. By updating the aerodynamic elements on the front fascia and the rear bumper, Hyundai claims the Avante cuts through the air more cleanly than before. This not only improves high-speed stability but also minimizes fuel bills. Equipped with the Streamline powerplant, the company says the Avante consumes around 36 mpg.

The Avante is available in considerably more colors than the American Elantra. Meta Blue Pearl (pictured) is one of the new hues. The Elantra is offered with just six different paint colors in the United States. Hopefully, the palette will gain more shades with the facelift.

The specification is high on the Korean market Avante. According to Hyundai, the new model will be made available with heated rear seats, a power-adjustable driver's seat (already available in the States), and a memory setting for the driver.

Local Elantra models can be equipped with heated seats, but the new Avante goes one step further and offers ventilated seats, presumably at extra cost (or as part of a package). Other features already available here include wireless smartphone charging and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with navigation.

A double-glazed windscreen will also be offered. Thanks to sound insulation film between the two layers of glass, Hyundai says noise permeation is greatly reduced within the interior.

Where the Elantra receives six airbags, the new Avante gets an extra two. Other safety features include the "posterolateral" monitor that provides the driver with a live feed of their blind spot.

The Korean automaker has also previewed several accessories for the Avante, including a dog harness that keeps your pooch safe while on the move.

Hyundai has a habit of releasing information in drips and drabs, as we've seen with the all-new Kona lineup. More Avante details will likely arrive in the coming weeks. Hopefully, the automaker will detail more powerful engine choices and give us a preview of the high-performance N variant.

It's safe to assume these changes will make their way to the Elantra, as the competent compact sedan is due for a facelift. We're confident Hyundai will retain the existing engines but hope they're tweaked slightly for better economy and more power.

As a reminder, the 2023 Elantra retails from $20,650 for the base SE derivative. The mid-spec SEL comes in at $21,900, while the Limited will set buyers back $26,500. Finally, the N Line model costs $27,200.