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Hyundai Elantra vs. Hyundai Avante Capable of trading punches
Korean cars have come a long way since they first appeared on our roads in the 1980s. Back then, they were often derided for their budget status, offering four wheels and not much else. Driving a Korean car was a sign that you were desperate for a set of wheels.
Not today. Step into a Hyundai now and you’ll find a car that’s a world apart from its predecessors. And one of their most popular models around is the Hyundai Elantra, also known as the Avante.
The trusty Car team at Budget Direct Insurance has all the latest:
Elantra vs. Avante - What’s the difference?
Actually, not much. They are in effect the same car. To explain the difference, here’s a quick history lesson.
- The Elantra is the name that Hyundai bestowed on its compact family sedan all the way back to the early 1990s. However, when the fourth-generation version was sold here between 2006 and 2011, the local distributor decided to use the name ‘Avante’.
- This is the car’s name in its domestic market in South Korea. The reason for the change has never been explained, but it mattered little to car buyers here.
- The Avante’s arrival coincided with the days of low COE prices in Singapore, and as a result it was a huge hit among buyers, managing to be the best-selling car in Singapore in 2009.
- It left a distinct impression among Singaporeans, helped by the fact that it was pretty competitive, offering great value and excellent build quality.
What about now?
After a brief hiatus, the Elantra name made its return when the fifth-generation model debuted in 2011, and the car has gone from strength-to-strength. Now in its sixth-generation (introduced in 2016), the Elantra is a far cry from the first model made in the 90s. Even when compared to the Avante from a decade ago, the new Elantra has taken a huge leap in quality and competitiveness. Which is saying something, considering how good they were already.
What’s the new car like?
Very impressive. Hyundai’s strength in offering great value continues, but the Elantra takes it further. For less than a 100 grand, you can have an Elantra decked out with all the bells and whistles, with features such as six airbags, Blind Spot Detection, heated and ventilated front seats, and Hill Start Assist, among other things, available as standard. These are features usually found in larger, more premium cars, and it only goes to show the lengths that Hyundai will go to offer great value to their customers and one of the cheapest to insure.
And it is no dud either. The interior quality is top-notch, and wouldn’t look out of place in a European-made car. The drive is similarly competent, smooth and comfortable. The Elantra is well capable of trading punches with the very best in the market.
Whatever name it goes by, there’s no denying that Hyundai has on its hands a truly impressive product, one that has improved by leaps and bounds over the years. Watch this space for exciting things to come!
For more car reviews and motoring tips, look out for regular posts in this series.