Hyundai has finally lifted the covers off its all-new Elantra compact sedan – or Avante as it is known in Korea. The automaker has introduced the new model during a ceremony at the Namyang R&D Center Seoul in Korea.

The sixth-generation Elantra is 20mm longer and 25mm wider than the previous model, which means it has a more spacious interior.

Hyundai says the space offered to passengers is comparable to what can be found in models from a segment above, with quality also improved compared to the previous Elantra thanks to more soft-touch and high-quality materials.

The cabin has a driver-focused interior layout, with the cockpit display angled 6.9 degrees towards the driver and buttons on the dashboard regrouped ergonomically according to their functions.

Hyundai says the all-new Elantra benefits from a redesigned suspension geometry that boosts ride comfort and handling. Steering feel has been further increased and is said to offer smooth, stable handling and better responses at different speeds.

Special attention was paid to reducing road and wind noise in the cabin, and the Elantra’s Air Resistance Coefficient of 0.27 certainly helps. Furthermore, the re-engineered windscreen wipers are said to “dramatically reduce road and wind noise in the cabin, while the thickened door glass significantly reduces noise penetration.”

The all-new Elantra / Avante is offered in Korea with three engines, two gasoline and a diesel. The most powerful is the Nu 2.0 MPi Atkinson engine rated at 149PS (147hp) and 180Nm (132lb-ft) of torque. The sedan is also available with a 1.6-liter GDi gasoline unit producing 132PS (130hp) and 161Nm (119lb-ft) of torque. Finally, the 1.6-liter VGT diesel delivers 136PS (134hp) and 300Nm (221lb-ft) of torque. The engines are offered with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. The diesel is also offered with a seven-speed DCT.

The US-spec Hyundai Elantra will debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, while the EU-spec model is likely to debut in Frankfurt next week. Hyundai expects sales of around 50,000 units this year in Korea and wants to deliver 700,000 units globally next year, 110,000 of which in the domestic market.

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