2021.01.15 Hyundai Motor Company
The Pioneer of Compact Sedans: Avante N Line
The Hyundai Avante has been loved around the world for the past 30 years. Here is the story of Avante and its 7th-generation model.
Your Ride, Your Rules
The Hyundai Avante celebrated its 30th-anniversary last year. Through the 30-year journey, Avante has set a lot of meaningful records. Avante was not only the first compact sedan but also the first ten million-seller model in South Korea. Here is the story of Avante, which is now evolved to the 7th generation, being loved by so many around the globe.
Avante was first introduced in 1990 as 'ELANTRA'. While Korea back then had only small, mid-sized, and large-sized cars, this became the first of a new segment called compact sedans, with the cost-efficiency of small cars and the cabin as spacious as those of mid-sized cars. Since then, Avante has been steadily gaining popularity as a pioneer of a new segment.
Since the name Avante first introduced from the second-generation version released in 1995, the third-generation Avante XD in 2000, the fourth-generation Avante HD in 2006, the fifth-generation Avante MD in 2010, the sixth-generation Avante AD in 2015, and the 7th generation Avante CN7 in 2020 have evolved to keep up with the global trends. In 2014, Avante exceeded 10 million cumulative sales for the first time as a domestic car. In other words, it steadily sold 420,000 units per year, over 1,100 units per day. The sales record of Avante is a very meaningful achievement as there are only about 10 models worldwide with the same record, including Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus.
Avante is gaining great popularity both inside and outside Korea; seven out of ten were sold overseas. In particular, the North American market, which is regarded as one of the biggest battlefields of the automotive industry, seems to love Avante for its outstanding quality and design. At the recently held '2021 North America Car of the Year (NACTOY)', Avante (Elantra in North American continent) was selected as the best car in the passenger car segment after fierce competition with other global rivals, further highlighting its presence as a global best-selling car. For reference, in 2012, the fifth-generation Avante was selected as the 2012 North American Car of the Year.
Now, Avante is showing a variety of characters to meet the diverse needs of customers and changes in the global automobile market. Last year, the 30th anniversary of its debut, the automaker also launched the Avante N line, which maximizes driving sensibility, and the Avante Hybrid, which emphasizes eco-friendliness, to extend its customer base even further.
The Avante N Line for this short winter getaway gave us outstanding driving pleasure in everyday life. Various changes were applied inside and outside the vehicle for the sensibility of N, a high-performance Hyundai Motor brand. The Avante N Line houses a SmartStream 1.6 turbo engine with a maximum output of 204 hp and a 7-speed DCT for the sake of a high-performance sensibility. The Smartstream 1.6 Turbo engine features better performance and fuel economy at the same time, by applying CVVD (Continuous Variable Valve Duration) technology that optimally controls the engine valve timing. In addition, the 7-speed DCT controls engine RPM even during sudden downshifts through a rev-matching function, to shift the gear quickly and smoothly.
The exterior creates a strong impression, with the N-line exclusive radiator grille and front bumper highlighting a sporty style, and a rear diffuser and air spoiler maximizing aerodynamic performance. In addition, red stitches, sport seats, exclusive gear knobs, and a three-spoke steering wheel help the driver solely focus on driving. In addition, the driver may choose the driving mode with the controller on the left side of the 10.25-inch LCD cluster to switch the vehicle's shift pattern and exhaust sound in different driving situations.
Avante is a global model that has led the compact sedan category and has always been trending. From the N line that provides dynamic styling and driving sensibility to the eco-friendly hybrid, Avante will continue evolving. Let's look forward to seeing the joy that Avante will bring us in the future.
Photography by Kim Beom-Seok
Suggestions for you
Avante: Three Columnists, Three Thoughts
2023.07.04 13min read