What Is an “Avante” Car? Hyundai’s Elantra by Another Name

The Avante is Hyundai’s South Korean-market name for the Elantra, a compact four-door sedan sold globally. In essence, if you see “Hyundai Avante,” you’re looking at the model most markets know as the Hyundai Elantra, with the same platform, engines, and technology—plus performance (Avante N) and hybrid variants depending on trim and region.

Name and Market Positioning

Hyundai uses the Avante badge in South Korea for its long-running compact sedan, which competes with the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Mazda3. Outside Korea, the car is almost universally branded as the Elantra (and as the i30 Sedan in Australia). Despite the different badge, the car’s core hardware and features are aligned across markets, with regional tuning, options, and safety specs.

Key Facts at a Glance

The following points summarize the Avante’s identity, where it fits, and how it’s configured today.

• What it is: Hyundai’s compact (C‑segment) sedan; the Korean-market name for the Elantra.
• Also sold as: Hyundai Elantra (global); i30 Sedan (Australia).
• Current generation: 7th gen (chassis code CN7), launched in 2020; facelift introduced for the 2023–2024 timeframe depending on market.
• Powertrains:
  – 2.0L naturally aspirated gasoline (daily-driver focus),
  – 1.6L turbo gasoline (N Line performance-lite),
  – 1.6L hybrid (high fuel economy),
  – 2.0L turbo gasoline in the Avante N (high performance).
• Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive; transmissions include an “IVT” CVT, 6-speed manual (market dependent), 7-speed dual-clutch (N Line), and 8-speed wet dual-clutch or 6-speed manual in the N.
• Tech and safety: Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance suite available, including forward collision avoidance, lane centering, adaptive cruise, and highway driving assist (availability varies by trim/market).
• Where it’s built: South Korea (Ulsan) for domestic/selected exports; Elantra production for other regions also occurs in countries such as the U.S. and Mexico.
• Main rivals: Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Kia K3/Forte, Nissan Sentra.

Taken together, these points show the Avante’s global role as Hyundai’s volume compact sedan, sharing its DNA with the Elantra while tailoring features to local needs.

Recent Models and Powertrains

Below are the typical variants you’ll encounter in the current generation, along with indicative outputs and characteristics. Exact specs can differ by model year and region.

• Avante 2.0 MPI (gasoline): Around 147 hp (110 kW) with an IVT (CVT-style) transmission; tuned for efficiency and smooth city/highway use.
• Avante Hybrid: 1.6L GDI Atkinson-cycle engine paired with an electric motor and e-CVT; combined output around 141 hp (105 kW) with notably higher fuel economy than non-hybrid models.
• Avante N Line (1.6T): Roughly 201 hp (150 kW) with a 7-speed DCT or 6-speed manual (availability varies); sportier suspension and styling without the full “N” hardware.
• Avante N (2.0T): About 276 hp (206 kW, 280 PS) with an 8-speed wet DCT or 6-speed manual; performance upgrades include enhanced cooling, larger brakes, electronically controlled suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, and track-oriented drive modes.

This lineup spans economy-focused to track-capable, letting buyers prioritize efficiency, comfort, or performance without leaving the Avante family.

Design and Technology

The current Avante uses Hyundai’s “Parametric Dynamics” design language, with sharp creases, a low stance, and a wide grille. The latest facelift refined the front and rear fascias and added cabin updates such as revised climate controls. Inside, higher trims commonly feature a dual-screen layout (driver display and infotainment) up to 10.25 inches each, over-the-air update capability in many markets, and smartphone integration. Hyundai’s SmartSense driver aids—ranging from lane keeping and blind-spot monitoring to adaptive cruise with lane-centering—are widely available, though exact features and tuning vary by trim and region.

Pricing and Availability

In South Korea, recent Avante pricing typically starts around ₩21–24 million for mainstream trims, with hybrids often in the ₩28–32 million range and the Avante N typically from roughly ₩37–45 million depending on options and taxes. Direct currency conversions to USD can be misleading due to local taxes and equipment differences; outside Korea, the same car badged as Elantra is priced according to each market and may be built locally.

Common Misunderstandings

Because the name “Avante” appears in other contexts, here are a few clarifications to avoid confusion.

• Avante vs. Elantra: They are the same core car; “Avante” is the name used in South Korea.
• Not “Audi Avant”: Audi’s “Avant” refers to wagon body styles, unrelated to Hyundai’s Avante.
• Tamiya Avante: A well-known radio-controlled buggy from Tamiya; unrelated to Hyundai’s sedan.

Keeping these distinctions in mind will help ensure you’re researching or shopping for the intended vehicle.

Buying Tips

Choosing the right Avante variant depends on your priorities, from efficiency to performance and technology.

• Commute and economy: Consider the Hybrid for lower fuel costs and smooth urban driving.
• Balanced daily use: The 2.0L gasoline model offers lower upfront cost and broad availability.
• Sporty feel without full track focus: The N Line adds power and handling upgrades at a lighter price.
• Maximum performance: The Avante N delivers genuine hot-sedan capability with track-ready hardware.
• Check local specs: Infotainment features (e.g., wireless CarPlay/Android Auto), ADAS packages, and warranties differ by market and trim.

By matching the variant to your driving needs and verifying local equipment lists, you’ll avoid surprises and maximize value.

Summary

The Hyundai Avante is simply the South Korean-market name for the Hyundai Elantra, a compact sedan offered globally with shared underpinnings and features. The lineup ranges from efficient hybrid to enthusiast-focused Avante N, and recent models add modern infotainment and advanced driver-assistance systems. If you’re researching an “Avante,” you’re effectively looking at an Elantra—with market-specific badges, trims, and options.

What kind of car is an Avante?

The Avanti (including the Avanti II) is an American performance sports coupe based on the Studebaker Avanti and marketed through a succession of five different ownership arrangements between 1965 and 2006.

Is Avante the same as Elantra?

The Hyundai Elantra (Korean: 현대 엘란트라), also known as the Hyundai Avante (Korean: 현대 아반떼), is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai since 1990. The Elantra was initially marketed as the Lantra in Australia and some European markets.

Is Avanti a luxury brand?

Yes, Avanti is an excellent brand known for offering reliable, high-quality, and luxurious cars with standard features competitive in the market.

How much is a 1963 Avanti worth today?

Typically, you can expect to pay around $29,500 for a 1963 Studebaker Avanti in good condition with average spec.