[Taboleo] Avante, Equipped with 'Design, Fuel Efficiency, Price,' Reattempts to Become the People's Car

"Forget the Triangle" Design Masterpiece New Avante
New 3rd Generation Platform Applied, Stable Driving Feel
Semi-Autonomous Driving (ADAS) Features Beyond Compact Segment
Convenient Features Like Voice Recognition and Cafe Pay
Mid Trim Price 18.99 Million KRW, Full Option 24.64 Million KRW

[Asia Economy Reporter Suyeon Woo] The dominant player in the compact sedan market, Avante, has returned with a new look. Once the best-selling car in Korea and known as the 'people's car,' Avante had taken a step back for a while due to the popularity of sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The 6th generation facelift model released in 2018 received mixed reactions for its design, even earning the nickname 'Samgaktte' (Triangle Avante). However, the 7th generation Avante seems to be receiving mostly positive responses. With changes from design to platform, the 'completely transformed' Avante is back. To see if it can reclaim its status as the people's car, I personally test drove it on an 84 km round trip from Ilsan to Imjingak.

- The design has changed dramatically. It definitely feels more sophisticated than the previous model.

▲ While the previous 6th generation facelift model used a strong triangular motif, the new 7th generation model features softer triangles. If you look closely at the front, including the grille and headlights, you'll see a combination of small triangles. This maintains continuity with the previous generation while giving a sleek and futuristic impression. The grille features a 'Parametric Jewel Pattern' that reflects light differently depending on the viewing angle, changing colors. Personally, my favorite part was the side profile. The straight line running through the entire vehicle creates a design unique to the new Avante, setting it apart from typical sedans. The rear tail lamps are designed with a clever 'H-tail lamp' that symbolizes Hyundai's logo.

- I heard the new 3rd generation platform was applied. What are the differences?

▲ Simply put, the platform lowers the vehicle's height while increasing its size. Avante uses the new 3rd generation platform, lowering the overall height by about 20 mm and increasing the width by 25 mm compared to before. Thanks to this, the wheelbase, which determines the interior space, was extended to a class-leading 2700 mm. You might think that increasing the width by about 2 cm wouldn't make much difference, but when you actually sit inside, the feeling is completely different.

The wider and lower driver's seat definitely provides a stable driving feel. The rear seats offer ample knee room even for adult men, making it suitable as a family car. Personally, my first test drive after moving to the automotive department was the 6th generation Avante (AD) facelift model, and compared to the previous model, you can see that upgrades in design, spaciousness, ride comfort, and convenience features are incomparable.

Especially notable is the 'Panorama Display,' where the 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch navigation screen are connected seamlessly, reminiscent of the recently facelifted Grandeur. The digital instrument cluster gives a futuristic feel and changes color depending on the driving mode. The navigation screen tilts about 10 degrees toward the driver to make operation easier and increase immersion.

- How about the semi-autonomous driving (ADAS) features? I didn't expect much from a compact sedan.

▲ Hyundai-Kia's ADAS features seem to be upgraded with every new model. The previous model offered smart cruise control that adjusts the distance between vehicles front and rear, but the new model offers navigation-based smart cruise control as an option. When this feature is activated, a virtual 'Avante' appears on the digital cluster screen on a virtual road. If you set a constant speed and one of four distance levels, the car recognizes the vehicle ahead and drives at a steady speed. It automatically slows down when it detects speed cameras or speed limit zones. On curved roads, the steering wheel moves according to the curve, and if the car seems about to cross lanes, it self-corrects. I used ADAS almost exclusively while driving on Jayuro from Ilsan to Imjingak, hardly touching the steering wheel. Maintaining a constant speed improved fuel efficiency, achieving 18.8 km/l.

- How does it actually feel to drive?

▲ The test-driven new Avante was the 1.6 gasoline model, equipped with the Smartstream 1.6 gasoline MPI engine delivering a maximum output of 123 horsepower and maximum torque of 15.7 kgf·m. Perhaps due to the light body, there was no feeling of sluggish response or lack of power. The stable and smooth cornering confirmed its driving capabilities optimized for urban driving. Especially in sport mode, the engine RPM rises above 4000, allowing for a dynamic driving experience. However, in terms of quietness, such as wind noise and road noise, it did not surpass the limitations typical of compact sedans, which is a bit disappointing.

- I heard voice recognition and electronic payment are also available. How extensive are these features?

▲ The new Avante is equipped with convenient features like voice recognition, 'CarPay,' final destination guidance, and valet mode. When I pressed the voice recognition button and said "Eongtta kyeoju" (turn on the heated seat), the heated seat warmed up to the highest level. You can also turn the radio on and off by voice and perform most navigation searches. However, advanced functions like "roll down the window," available in the K5, are not supported.

Additionally, the new Avante is the first Hyundai model to apply CarPay, which allows payment at affiliated gas stations and parking lots through the navigation screen. It also includes a 'final destination guidance' feature that provides augmented reality (AR) navigation from the parking spot near the destination to the actual destination via a smartphone app. The valet mode protects personal information and tracks the vehicle location when handing over parking, and the digital key function allows you to lock and start the car remotely via Bluetooth, which is quite impressive when you try it.

- Price is probably the most important factor for compact sedans.

▲ Compact sedans, often chosen as a first car or second car, compete primarily on price. The gasoline version of the new Avante starts at 15.31 million KRW (based on 1.5% individual consumption tax). The base trim is a manual transmission model, so you can consider the mid-trim starting at around 18.99 million KRW. The full-option price with all features included is 24.64 million KRW.