February 27th 2023
Hyundai has surreptitiously published on its website in South Korea the first images of its mildly updated Elantra, which is sold as the Avante in the compact sedan segment. The aesthetic modifications made to the latest iteration of the Elantra are noteworthy as they have been introduced early on in the life cycle of the seventh generation, which was unveiled in March 2020 and was made available for purchase later that year. It is fascinating to note that Hyundai has established a precedent of promptly refreshing its range of vehicles, and even though the Elantra still retains its novelty, it is time for the automobile to receive some much-needed alterations to remain competitive in the market.
In terms of the alterations implemented, the majority of the modifications are glaringly evident at the front of the vehicle, where the 2024 Avante model has undergone a transformation with the inclusion of flatter headlights that flank a recently added metallic bar that spans across the entire width of the grille.
Additionally, Hyundai has determinedly opted to bifurcate the grille into two segments by seamlessly incorporating a body-colored element in the center, which can be deemed an astute decision as it serves to reduce the vehicular facade’s ostentatiousness. Further augmenting the front-end’s sporty aesthetics are the faux air intakes positioned at the corners of the bumper, thereby lending a more athletic demeanor to the vehicle’s front fascia.
Upon scrutinizing the rear of the Elantra, it appears that there is a lack of obvious alterations, as the taillights seem to have been retained from the previous iteration. However, upon closer inspection, you can observe that the bumper exhibits a distinctive appearance, as it boasts a faux diffuser and a wide U-shaped silver element that extends seamlessly from one corner of the bumper to the other.
Furthermore, it seems that the Elantra’s rear has been bestowed with an abundance of glossy black surfaces that imbue it with an urbane and sophisticated aura. In addition, the red horizontal reflectors appear to have been rendered slightly wider, thereby rendering the vehicle’s rear end with an enhanced visual appeal.
As this is solely a facelift, it appears that the side profile of the vehicle has remained unchanged, with the exception of the introduction of an alluringly novel two-tone wheel design that seems to be a variation of an existing set. An intriguing modification to note is the more intricate pattern infused into the plastic panel at the C-pillar, which seamlessly complements the slightly thicker chrome beltline at the vehicle’s end. Upon entering the vehicle, you cannot help but be captivated by the novelty of the Sage Green theme, which boasts eco-friendly materials, thereby making it a conscientious and eco-conscious choice.
Of note, these alterations have been subtly applied to a regular trim since it does not appear to be an N Line version. According to Hyundai’s website in South Korea, it can be construed as a design preview of the 2024 Avante (also known as the i30 Sedan in certain markets), as only four images have been made available at this juncture. However, it is highly likely that additional photographs will be disseminated in the coming days, thereby enabling consumers to glean vital insights into the vehicle’s technical specifications.
Source and Images: Motor1