Next generation Avante unveiled

Hyundai had rolled out the next generation Avante saloon at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show. Boasting a much sportier look than its rather dull predecessor, the new Avante continues Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design philosophy that most automakers would describe today as a "four-door coupe". There are no photos of the new Avante's cabin, but we can assume that the interior styling will be heavily influenced by the larger Sonata.

Hyundai has kept most technical details to itself at the moment, but the South Korean maker did reveal that the front-wheel drive Avante will be offered with the new 1.6-liter Gamma Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder unit is rated at 140 horsepower with 166Nm of peak torque and is claimed to be 10% more fuel efficient than its closest competitors according to Hyundai.

Technical goodies include High Intensity Discharge headlamps, LED combination lamps in the rear, heated rear seats, puddle lamps and a color TFT LCD information display nestled in the gauge cluster. Let’s hope that the Singapore version do get some of these features.

South Korean sales of the Avante are expected to start in the second half of 2010, with the rest of the world to follow either towards the end of the year or early 2011.