Hyundai has unveiled the 2011 Elantra (known as the Avante in South Korea) at the Busan Motor Show in its home country. This is the fifth generation of the popular compact car, Hyundai’s best-selling model worldwide, with over 6 million units sold since 1990. 
Completely redesigned, the Elantra uses design cues from the new Accent, unveiled this month at the Auto China 2010 in Beijing, but also from the new Sonata. The new Elantra wears a "fluidic sculpture" design with four-door coupe styling, High Intensity Discharge headlights (HID) and LED taillights. Interior pictures are yet to be released, but Hyundai says in the press release that the cabin offers "advanced features not found on other compacts." Equipment includes heated rear seats, ambient lighting, and a color TFT LCD information display.
Under the hood, the Elantra is powered by a 1.6-liter Gamma GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) four-cylinder engine, developing 140 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque (167 Nm). The unit is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It’s the first time GDI technology and six-speed automatic are put together on a compact sedan in Korea. The direct injection and the automatic gearbox make the Elantra “10 percent more fuel efficient than its closest competitors,” according to Hyundai.
"The new Avante encompasses Hyundai's latest ambitions, featuring the best styling and performance in its class. We're confident that it will once again redefine the compact segment worldwide," said Steve S. Yang, president and CEO of Hyundai's Global Business Division. Korean sales will begin in the second half of 2010, with global availability shortly thereafter.
[Source: Hyundai]
