2019 Hyundai Avante Previews Domestic Elantra Sport
Hyundai is bestowing upon the Elantra Sport the same visual refresh that will modernize its less-aggressive twin. Like the standard Elantra sedan, the Sport will receive a new hood, triangular headlamps, fascias, and updated taillights for 2019.
In fact, the only apparent visual difference between the two is that the Sport has unique exhaust tips and a honeycomb mesh grille while the plain-jane sedan uses chromed slats. That could change, however, as what we’re actually seeing is the Korean equivalent of the car — the Avante. But there’s little reason for Hyundai to make any major alterations for the U.S. market; the Elantra Sport might even keep that bedazzled bar running between the headlights and will assuredly have a set of unique wheels to further differentiate itself.
Expect the modest interior changes to carry over, too. Those appear limited to new air vents and tweaked HVAC and console controls. But the Sport should bring some visual flare all its own, even if it isn’t apparent here beyond the bright red, bolstered seats — which may never make it out of Asia.
Mechanics should remain stable. Like the new Kia Forte GT and the current Elantra Sport, the car will be powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. While exclusively front-wheel drive, buyers will have the option to send that power through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch.
The Elantra Sport should also maintain the more-sophisticated rear suspension setup the standard sedan lacks, in addition to slightly larger brakes. It should also have forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and driver-attention alerts, as the brand intends to include SmartSense on most of the lineup as standard equipment.
Pricing creeps up slightly for 2019, with the Sport falling in between the $17,985 base model and $23,485 Limited trim. Hyundai’s earlier pricing announcements had the model sitting at $23,285 with a manual, a $600 increase from the previous model year. That doesn’t look to have changed, although you can bump up your transaction price by adding an 8.0-inch touchscreen with navigation, Blue Link, additional driving aids, and a premium audio system.
[Images: Hyundai]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Really happy with my 2017 sport, not a big fan of this refresh. If I had to replace it today, I’d have to skip this new design and get it’s cousin, the Forte. The 2019 Forte looks sharp and much better than the 2019 Elantra, and the turbo model finally gets IRS. As a gen X Honda/Mazda fanboy, I feel like I’ve went completely off the deep end. First with a Hyundai purchase, and now I’m preferring a Kia. A Kia.
I would’ve bought a Civic 1.5T if I didn’t think they look like doo doo. And now that it looks like there is a fuel dilution issue with that engine, I’m glad I didn’t.