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]