Inside, the Avante’s cabin features the new Pleos Connect infotainment system that combines a massive 14.6-inch touchscreen (or a 12.9-inch unit on entry-level models) with a row of physical controls underneath. The dashboard architecture and its high-mounted driver’s display are also similar to those in the new Ioniq 3, with a comfortable ‘living room’ ambience a core deliverable for the overall design.
Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of a pair of engines. A rather old-fashioned naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine opens the range, but it’s the new 1.6-litre hybrid that’s expected to be fitted to the majority of models, even in petroleum-mad markets such as the US. It may also hold the key to Hyundai’s decision to bring this model over to the UK and Europe, as it’ll fill the gap that’s been vacated now the i30 hatch has ceased production.
Adding further fuel to that fire is the fact Hyundai has been captured testing this new Avante out of its R&D base in Germany, meaning that European compliance could be on the cards and, by extension, a possible reintroduction into the UK market. While the medium-sized saloon market isn’t a huge one for Hyundai UK, the car would give the Korean brand a non-SUV model in the critical C-segment now that the i30 is gone.
However, even if we don’t see the new Avante in UK showrooms, it is a very clear vision ahead of what Hyundai’s other next-generation models will look and feel like. Over to you Hyundai…
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