The premium mid-size sedan from the Korean auto giant has finally made its debut with all-new styling and a key focus on connected car tech
The new 8th-gen Hyundai Elantra has made its debut at the Busan Auto Show. Note that for the international markets, it is called the Avante. However, in India, we know it as the Elantra. In our market, the Elantra was moderately successful, to put it mildly. The premium mid-size sedan space, in general, has not been too hot, especially after the arrival of mid-size SUVs. That is why we have seen Hyundai discontinue it from time to time. In any case, we might see the next-gen Elantra on our roads in the future. Let us check out what it offers.
8th Gen Hyundai Elantra Debuts – Exterior Styling
Hyundai is known for experimenting with its design philosophy every couple of years. That is evident in the new Elantra as well. At the front, we see the existing Verna-line sleek LED light strip running the width of the car and culminating in LED DRLs on either side. The main headlamp cluster is situated on the extreme edges of the bonnet and bumper, while a colossal grille and an angular bumper complete the fascia. On the sides, we witness elegant alloy wheels, a distinct third quarter, flush-fitting door handles and sharp creases towards the shoulder line. This lends it a muscular appeal. Finally, at the rear, the integrated spoiler on the bootlid, fragmented LED lighting, sloping roofline and massive bumper with diffuser-like components give it a unique appearance. As is almost always the case, Hyundai has created a car with a controversial design.
8th Gen Hyundai Elantra Debuts – Interior and Features
Now, we know that the Korean auto giant loves to equip its models with tons of new-age tech and convenience amenities. That is also the case with the new Elantra. There is a mammoth free-standing touchscreen infotainment taking the centre stage, a chunky steering wheel with what looks like the Morse Code finish, a black sporty theme, soft-touch materials, a unique instrument cluster close to the windshield and the prominent Pleos Connect System with Gleo AI assistant. As expected, the sedan won’t be short on tech, connectivity and convenience features.
8th Gen Hyundai Elantra Debuts – Specs
Finally, since this is an international model, the choice of powertrains includes a 2.0-litre petrol mill and a 1.6-litre hybrid engine, making 149 PS and 157 PS of peak power, respectively. The latter comes with an improved motor output, battery capacity and a predictive energy management based on navigation data. It remains to be seen which engines the Indian model will get if Hyundai decides to bring it to our shores.
Editor’s Note
Yatharth Chauhan, Managing Editor
The new-generation Hyundai Elantra showcases just how aggressively the Korean carmaker is pushing the boundaries of automotive design and in-car technology. While premium sedans have lost some ground to SUVs in recent years, models like the Elantra continue to appeal to buyers who value sharp styling and a refined driving experience. The eighth-generation model also gives us a glimpse of Hyundai’s future design direction and connected mobility solutions. Whether or not it returns to India, it is certainly a car worth keeping an eye on.
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