Hyundai Avante shall be available in India by end of July this year. It shall replace its mid-size sedan Hyundai Elantra which was launched in early 2003 but the Korean car maker started phasing out the model globally since mid-2007. Hyundai Elantra shall be replaced by the new Hyundai Avante in India this month. The new model was launched in India earlier this year at the Delhi Auto Expo 2008. Hyundai currently has only one car in this segment and a new model shall give a face-lift to the existing product portfolio. It shall be pitted against successful sedans in India like Honda Civic, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Optra.

The Engine and the Machinery

The new Avante is expected to be launched as with a 2 litre DOHC petrol engine and a 1.6 litre CRDi diesel engine that produces a 1582cc displacement with a maximum power of 115bhp@6000rpm and a maximum torque 26kgm@1800rpm. The 1.6 litre diesel engine has been developed at Hyundai`s power plant and you cannot expect much from its 121bhp does not actually give a scintillating performance. However, you cannot really blame it to be slow either. Once you floor the throttle, you would be surprised to find enthusiastic response from the car. The car has four-speed automatic transmission which performs its business unobtrusively.

The Looks and Style

 
The car is basically a face-lifted Elantra but still carries contemporary looks of modern day sedans. The grille design may disappoint you a little and the bumper would have looked good with more chiselled look. However, you can be happy with its rear look as its gets its tail lamps and chunky bumper from the looks of a Corolla. Avante looks at its best from the sides as well which has a small crease-like lining running along the sync. The sleek design and the curve originating from the side doors and curving at the tip of the head lamps gives a stunning look from the outside.

Interiors are plush just like any luxury sedan and the car has quite a roomy cabin. It has comfortable seating capacity for five people. The sleek dashboard gives a pleasant look and the controls and instruments come with a soothing blue back-lighting. The car comes with standard luxury features like AC with climate control, power windows, remote central locking, remote boot, remote fuel filler, rear defogger, steering adjustment, electric driver seat adjustments, MP3 CD player, tinted glass and button controls on steering.

On Road Safety and Other Features

The car comes with two airbags and fog lamp for damp weather conditions. It comes with anti-braking system for smoother and safer ride but lacks other safety features like parking sensors, traction control, EBD and ESP.

The new Avante is expected to be priced at around Rs. 11 lakh in India. Elantra has failed miserably in the country but what remains to be seen is the face-lifted version, Avante will be able to make its mark in the luxury sedan segment in India. There are already strong competitors in this segment for Hyundai to occupy a considerable market share.

This article was previously published on EzineArticles.com