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The eighth-gen 2027 global Hyundai Elantra, sold as Avante in Korea, gets larger dimensions, Pleos Connect, Gleo AI and an updated hybrid system
Hyundai has unveiled the new generation Elantra at the ongoing 2026 Busan Mobility Show in Korea. The sedan is sold as the Avante in its home market of Korea and the eighth generation moves to a far sharper design language compared to the outgoing model that debuted six years ago. It is arguably the most radical styling ever presented on an Elantra.
The front end is low and wide with angular elements instantly giving sportscar vibes. Thin LED light strips sit across the nose while the bumper has sharply cut surfaces and prominent corner detailing. The bonnet, front fenders and lighting give the sedan a more technical look – moving it away from the smoother shape of the outgoing version.
Hyundai has given the side profile a dramatic treatment as well. The shoulder line runs almost parallel to the ground while the doors have crunched creases around the front and rear haunches. The rear handle placement has been shaped around the deep side crease. The C-pillar is apparently one of the standout design elements on the new Elantra.
A thick body-coloured section forms a triangular link towards the rear pillar and the rear quarter glass has a distinctive shape. The sedan also gets a short boot, sharp deck surface and a duck-tail-style spoiler. The rear design follows the same theme with sleek LED tail lamps stretching across the tailgate and the bumper using angular cuts and a wide lower section.
The pronounced rear haunches and clean horizontal lines give the sedan a retro modern look similar in spirit to Hyundai’s N Vision 74 concept. More importantly, Hyundai has also increased the size of the car. The new Elantra is 55 mm longer and 30 mm wider while the wheelbase has grown by 30 mm which should help liberate more room for occupants at the back.
The cabin uses a wraparound dashboard theme seen on Hyundai’s latest global offerings. The steering wheel has a flat-bottom design and the four-dot Morse code signature for the letter H. The driver display measures 9.9 inches and sits above the steering wheel. The centre of the dashboard houses a 17-inch touchscreen running Pleos Connect, Hyundai’s new-gen infotainment system.
The company has retained a row of physical controls below the screen so key cabin functions are not buried fully inside the display. The centre section also gets a tubular armrest area with an integrated wireless phone charger. Gleo AI is another new addition as the generative AI-based assistant can respond to voice commands for vehicle functions and information searches.
The setup gives the new Elantra a software-rich cabin. Powertrain details are still limited but the 1.6-litre hybrid is expected to receive the biggest technical update. Reports indicate a two-motor hybrid setup with total output of around 155 PS. They also point to V2L support and an updated regenerative braking system.
The new Elantra will first go on sale in Korea as the Avante before reaching select export markets later. India launch plans have not been known and it is highly unlikely as Hyundai no longer sells the Elantra here and demand for sedans continues to slump.
The post New Gen Hyundai Elantra Breaks Cover With Radical Design appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.