2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift revealed in South Korea

2023 Hyundai Elantra facelift revealed in South Korea

Hyundai has released the first images of the facelifted Elantra in South Korea, where it is known as the Avante. The mid-cycle update arrives nearly three years after the seventh-generation (CN7) Elantra made its debut back in March 2020.

In terms of styling changes, the Elantra receives a completely new front end that continues to feature the brand’s parametric grille, albeit reshaped (wider and not as tall than before) and with an insert that is similar to recent Hyundai models like the Tucson.

Joining the new grille are reprofiled headlamps that have a sleeker shape to them, while the lower apron sports a wide intake and diagonal trim, the latter framing the faux air channels at the corners of the bumper.

The rear bumper also gets tweaked to be stand out more, with a U-shaped accent in body colour contrasting the black lower section that also comes with a decorative diffuser fins. The trim on the rear window pillars is also revised to blend in better with the windows, and there’s a new wheel design.

Inside, the Elantra continues to be available with dual displays – digital instrument cluster and infotainment – that measure 10.25 inches each. The dashboard layout appears pretty much identical to before aside from a new green seat upholstery option.

In South Korea, the Elantra is offered with a Smartstream 1.6 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 123 PS (121 hp or 90 kW) and 154 Nm of torque. This is paired with the brand’s own take on a CVT called Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with eight virtual speeds – this is also the setup we get in Malaysia.

There’s also the option for Gamma 1.6 litre NA four-cylinder that runs on liquified petroleum gas (LPG) with 120 PS (118 hp or 88 kW) and 152 Nm – this gets a six-speed automatic transmission instead. Another powertrain option is a hybrid with 141 PS (139 hp or 104 kW) and 265 Nm, which consists of a Smartstream 1.6 litre unit augmented by an electric motor.

For those seeking performance, the Elantra also comes in N Line guise that packs a Smartstream 1.6 litre turbo-four with 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) and 265 Nm, which is mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The top of the range is the Elantra N, which uses a Theta 2.0 litre turbo-four making 280 PS (276 hp or 206 kW) and 392 Nm – transmission choices are a six-speed manual or eight-speed DCT.

GALLERY: 2021 Hyundai Elantra Smartstream G1.6 Premium (Malaysia market)

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Bob Mal on Feb 27, 2023 at 3:06 pm

    One just have to admire Hyundai pricing in Malaysia from the 5th Generation (2015) 1.6L engine retailing for RM86k+ to 1.8L at RM115k+ while the 6th Generation (2017) retailing 2L RM120k or the 1.6L Turbo RM135k and the 7th Gen (2021) 1.6L NA engine retailing for RM140k – RM160k.

    Imagine if your salary can increase at that rate in just a couple of years.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
    • Tortilla on Feb 27, 2023 at 4:22 pm

      Now at Korea, Elantra Avante 1.6L Starts from 19,010,000krw/RM 64k+.
      Can still priced the similar here

      Benchmarking to Kia Carens Naza Citra 2.0L RM59k+

      https://paultan.org/2009/06/12/another-facelift-for-the-old-naza-citra/

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Anonymous on Feb 27, 2023 at 3:08 pm

    is there a reason why this doesn’t sell in malaysia? is it after sales support? reliability? because with the way things are as it is, with the packaging of the elantra here, it’s actually competitively priced. kia and hyundai are popular brands elsewhere except malaysia for some reason.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • pop2po on Feb 27, 2023 at 3:19 pm

      they purposely designed the front to look very low, like lips trying to kiss the floor is funny.
      the steering is very ugly.

      i am not sure what went wrong with this generation of Hyundai design.

      the 2010 generation elantra is the most normal and handsome one
      Look at kona, that headlight and signal light, my goodness.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 11
      • anonymous on Feb 27, 2023 at 4:13 pm

        but design is subjective and honestly, i much prefer this radical look compared to the very bland designs of its competitors. as for the kona, yeah it’s definitely not attractive at all, but the new kona looks good though.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
    • (Dude) on Feb 27, 2023 at 3:26 pm

      It is because:
      1) Malaysian mentality for Korean cars still stuck at 10 years ago
      (no resale value, unreliable, spare parts hard to find)
      2) Rm160k++ for 1.6NA on C-Segment
      (Mzd 3 is 2.0NA, Civic 1.5 Turbo & 2.0 Hybrid, Toyota Corolla is 1.8NA)

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
      • anonymous on Feb 27, 2023 at 4:16 pm

        it is difficult to shift mentality for sure, but i think people are becoming slightly more informed about things no? your second point might be it though. maybe if the engine was a touch more powerful more people would make the purchase because looking back at Paultan’s article about this car it doesn’t seem like the engine is competitive enough. maybe something Hyundai Malaysia needs to look into idk.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
      • Undi PH dapat Zahid on Feb 27, 2023 at 5:39 pm

        Because of the pricing. Too expensive compare to competitors

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • Sohai on Feb 28, 2023 at 6:41 am

      They are reliable. The after sale is okish.
      The problem is the price.
      If it gets too close to the Toyota and Honda, you know which one people would rather buy. Call it brand value if you like.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • @NotBruceWayne on Feb 27, 2023 at 3:27 pm

    Coz the usual shit la all-foreign brands cannot sell at P1 price.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • kimchi ramen on Feb 27, 2023 at 3:59 pm

    as expected, another sexy design from the korean carmaker. The problem is the price when it reaches our country.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • ramen kimchi on Feb 27, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    as expected, another ugly elantra from the korean carmaker. The problem is the looks when it reaches our country.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 5
  • Add A Comment on Feb 28, 2023 at 8:57 am

    A bit overly styled….And it look fast but engine small and slow. Senang kenag buli Myvi…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Zulro on Feb 28, 2023 at 9:42 am

    Msians still stuck in old mindset, prefer to be in old cocconn shell rather than going out to explore. They prefer getting those jap brands eventhough the design and tech is outdated, nvm the extra skirtings and chromes on those jap models, which look horrendously ugly.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
    • ramen basi on Feb 28, 2023 at 10:56 am

      Yup, usually these old outdated morons are just listening to their outdated mechanics bawah pokok. Those mechanics keep saying this because their jobs are gonna be extint. New cars all using new tech, these mechanics cannot fix anymore. so keep brain washing people to stick to toyota and old engines.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • msia driver on Feb 28, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    not as reliable as H&T , enuf say

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 5
    • That’s according to your perception. Meanwhile in US, Hyundai Kia is top 3 reliable brands there. Even outpaced T&H. Malaysian look too highly on Japan makes.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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