Happenings

Hyundai's Best Seller Has A New Old Name

BY Burnpavement

Move aside Avante, say hello to the new fifth-generation Elantra!

The new car replaces the best-selling Avante and returns to using the Elantra moniker, which was last seen in 2006. But where the old car's styling was conservative, the new one continues to push Hyundai's “fluidic design” language, which we first saw on the swoopy i45 and Tucson.

Inside, everything has been redesigned and looks futuristic and cool. In the brief night drive we had, the dashboard was bathed in a soft blue glow and the car feels punchy too. Powered by an all-new 130 hp Gamma 1.6 MPI engine with Dual CVVT, power is fed to the wheels though a new six-speed automatic transmission with manual override.

With the new running gear, fuel consumption has gone from 14.9 km/l to an improved 16.5 km/l on the highway. Power delivery is smooth and the ride is pleasingly quiet and comfortable. The new Elantra is available in three trim levels, Basic, Elite and Elite with sunroof. Prices start at S$92,999 with COE, S$6,000 more buys additional toys such as automatic air conditioning, light control, electric seats, reverse camera, a delightful "supervision cluster" display on the dash and S$1,000 on top of that gets you a sunroof.