Hyundai Elantra SR facelift previewed by KDM Avante

Not long after the international reveal of the facelifted Hyundai Elantra, images have surfaced of the updated Korean-spec Avante Sport, which is due to arrive in Australia as the Elantra SR before the end of 2018. Using the same 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine as the current Elantra SR, the new model ushers in the Elantra’s bold new look.

The updated Avante Sport reveal comes not long after the reveal of the Kia Cerato GT, which sits on the same platform and uses the same engine as the Elantra – and both models will compete in the same segment.

Like the regular 2019 Hyundai Elantra, the Avante Sport’s styling has been made significantly bolder and edgier for 2019. Most noticeable is the front grille, which removes the standard car’s chrome and replaces it with a sportier mesh design. The 18-inch alloy wheels are more angular than before as well, while the rear features a blacked-out licence plate surround and dual exhaust pipes. The interior is different to the current Elantra with new dials, richer materials and a colour refresh.

Using the same 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as the Cerato GT, i30 SR and Veloster SR, the new Elantra SR’s performance figures are expected to be unchanged compared with the pre-updated model. However, like the Cerato GT, the suspension changes include an independent rear set up, which will enable a superior ride and handling balance to the regular Elantra models.

Currently, the Elantra SR is priced at $28,990 plus on-road costs ($33,050 drive away) for the six-speed manual or $31,290 plus on-road costs ($35,894 drive away) for the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We predict the updated model to cost slightly more thanks to the added technology on offer – features such as forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are expected to be offered locally for the first time.

Hyundai Elantra sales have taken a hit so far in 2018, with overall sales down 30.2 percent to 3,160 units. However, combined with the i30 hatchback’s 21,989 units, Hyundai has a podium finish in the small car segment at 25,149 units in total – less than the Toyota Corolla, but ahead of the Mazda 3.

Hyundai Australia is yet to announce anything regarding the 2019 Elantra SR, though it’s expected to join the regular Elantra range, which goes on sale locally before the end of 2018.

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more Hyundai news and reviews.