2021 Hyundai Avante Has A Special Place For Your Phone, Starts at $99,999

The all-new Hyundai Avante (CN7) goes on sale this week. Komoco Motors, Hyundai’s local dealership here will offer two models, the Avante S and the higher-spec everything-is-included Elite, which also gets a snazzier set of one-inch larger 17” rims. Hyundai’s buzz phrase for the new Avante is “Parametric Dynamics”. The seventh-generation car looks way edgier than its predecessor, with cascading angular shapes throughout the car. This includes the unique cascading stereoscopic jewel grille, design theme which we will also see in future Hyundai cars. We do like how they have integrated the front indicator lamp into the grille. The highlight of the rear is its LED “H-Tail Lamp”, which takes reference from Hyundai’s ‘H’ logo shape. Their new compact sedan which relies on the third-generation K3 vehicle architecture, weighs less than the car it replaces by up to 45kg, thanks to a higher proportion of high-strength steel used. Seat height has also been lowered by 25mm and 20mm for both front and rear respectively, reducing the overall centre of gravity when driving. There is also a small 20mm increase in wheelbase, and to achieve the Avante’s more aggressive stance, its frontal overhang has been reduced, while the one at the rear has been increased.

OneShift Editorial Team

07 Oct 2020

Improvements to passenger accommodation comes from slight increases in rear legroom and shoulder space, the latter thanks to the car’s wider track. Cargo space is comparable to competing models, with 474 litres available. For added comfort, the Avante Elite is equipped with front ventilated seats, which is a plus in our tropical climate.

As a segment first, the Avante offers wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users. On the subject of going wireless, both Avante variants are equipped with a wireless phone charger. There is also a dedicated place for you to stick your mobile device, if you are one of those who like to mount them on the windshield. This “dedicated space” is really the work of product designers in preparation for their N-badged car, whereby this spot will be the place for the drive mode toggle.

The infotainment unit which features an 8” display also allows Bluetooth connectivity to up to two mobile devices, with the secondary device limited to sorting out the song playlist… so that your kids can take over and prevent you from playing your “Saturday Night Fever” playlist. Ha.. Ha.. Ha.. Ha..

The most important bit of tech that comes with the new Avante, is the all-new Hyundai SmartSense, which includes a suite of active safety and autonomous aids like; Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Following Assist (LFA) Driver’s Attention Warning (DAW), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA)... all of these acronyms are now standard on both Avante models offered. The Avante Elite adds on to the list, with Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go.

Under the hood, the Avante is powered by Hyundai’s new Smartstream Gamma ll 1.6 litre engine, which features dual port fuel injection for improved efficiency. Power is rated at 123hp, while maximum torque at 4,500rpm is 154Nm. To drive the front wheels, Hyundai has opted for their very own Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), essentially a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) to drive the car; as opposed to the previous six-speed slushbox. What is different though, is them bucking the trend of using a push belt to link the pulleys. In this respect, Hyundai has gone with a more robust chain setup. This according to Hyundai, results in delivery efficiency by about 5%, and an improvement in fuel efficiency by 1.2%. Shift response mimics that of a regular automatic transmission, with stepped shifts.