The Hyundai Elantra exited South Africa several years ago, but a new version of the sedan has just been revealed in South Korea. And it’s radically styled to say the least…
- New Elantra unwrapped (as Avante) in South Korea
- Longer than forebear and featuring bolder styling
- Elantra nameplate officially exited SA around 2021
A little over 5 years ago, the Hyundai Elantra was discontinued in South Africa. But the Seoul-based brand’s 4-door sedan lived on in several other markets around the world. And now the latest generation – complete with radical, concept-car-like exterior styling – has been revealed in South Korea.
While the last Elantra to be sold locally was the 6th-gen model, this fresh-faced iteration unwrapped at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show represents the 8th generation of a nameplate that dates back to 1990. For the record, the Elantra is badged as the “Avante” in its domestic market of South Korea (and as the “i30 Sedan” in Australia).
Arriving some 6 years after the 7th-gen model was released overseas, the new Elantra measures 4 765 mm in length, 1 855 mm in width and 1 425 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2 750 mm. Compared to its predecessor, this saloon’s length, width and wheelbase have increased by 55 mm, 30 mm and 30 mm, respectively.
Inside, you’ll find a centrally sited touchscreen (offered in 12.9- or 14.6-inch configurations), positioned above a row of physical buttons. There’s also a slim instrument cluster atop the dashboard that provides key vehicle information, such as speed, selected gear navigation details. In South Korea, this new model will come with as many as 10 airbags and a raft of advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) features.
The new Elantra (or, rather, Avante) will be available in its domestic market with a choice of 2 powertrains: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid set-up. The former delivers 110 kW via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the latter offers 115 kW (up from the outgoing model’s 104 kW, thanks to a perkier electric motor and a larger battery pack).
Needless to say, we simply can’t see Hyundai Automotive SA introducing this new Elantra in South Africa, with the local sedan market today a shadow of its former self. Still, it’s fascinating to note how much the Elantra has changed since exiting Mzansi a few years ago…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When did the Elantra nameplate exit South Africa, and where was the new model revealed?
A: The Hyundai Elantra officially exited the South African new-vehicle market around 2021 (the 6th-generation model being the final iteration sold locally). The radically styled, 8th-generation model has just been unwrapped globally at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show in South Korea.
Q: What are the dimensions of the 8th-generation model and how does it compare to its predecessor?
A: The new sedan measures 4 765 mm in length, 1 855 mm in width and 1 425 mm in height, with a 2 750 mm wheelbase. This represents a significant physical growth spurt over its predecessor, with the vehicle’s overall length increasing by 55 mm, while both its width and wheelbase have expanded by 30 mm.
Q: What powertrain options drive the new model and is it likely to launch in South Africa?
A: In its domestic market, the sedan is available with either a 110 kW naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a CVT, or an updated 115 kW 1.6-litre petrol-hybrid configuration. Hyundai Automotive SA is highly unlikely to re-introduce the Elantra nameplate to South African showroom floors.
Related content
Hyundai i30 N (2020-2025) Buyer’s Guide
