We already knew that Hyundai is working on a mid-lifecycle update of the Elantra sedan, but the camouflaged prototypes did a great job of hiding the styling changes. Thankfully, we now get a full preview of the exterior and interior design, thanks to the first official images of the facelifted Hyundai Avante – which is what the Elantra is called in South Korea.
Predictably, changes are focused on the front end, with the sedan adopting a more serious and high-end look. The redesigned face includes a new pair of more horizontally-arranged headlights that are connected through a trim piece, a narrow grille that is now separated from the lower intake, and sportier faux side bumper intakes surrounded by black-finished trim pieces. Note that this is the regular trim of the Avante and not the N Line or the N, making us wonder what Hyundai designers have in store for those.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Sonata Facelift Caught Undisguised With Kona-Style Headlamp Bar
The updated model retains its signature profile, including the characteristic surfacing on the doors and a set of new alloy wheels with a duo-tone finish. At the back, the full-width LED taillights, the heavily inclined rear glass, and the sharp tailgate are carried over from the current model. However, the rear bumper now boasts a new design, featuring a large black-painted area and decorative aluminum-style trim surrounding the faux diffuser.
Not much has changed inside where Hyundai kept the digital cockpit with dual 10.25-inch screens in the same panel. The only visible update is the new Sage Green upholstery, which can be seen on the seats, center console, and door panels. It’s unclear whether this option will be available exclusively in the Korean-spec model or in other markets as well.
The technical specifications of the facelifted Hyundai Avante will be announced at a later date as this was a design preview and not a full reveal. The outgoing model is available in ICE-powered and hybrid forms, with the sportier N Line and the full-blown N being more focused on performance.
In Korea, the Avante sits below the soon-to-be-facelifted Sonata and the recently revealed Grandeur flagship that’s not available in North America. In addition to the Avante (Korea) and Elantra (North America / Vietnam) nameplates, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra also goes by the i30 Sedan moniker in Australia and New Zealand.
