Hyundai's new Elantra breaks pre-order records in South Korea, Taiwan launch expected next year

Hyundai's all-new generation Elantra, marketed as the Avante in South Korea, has made a strong debut, shattering its model's previous first-day pre-order records. On its launch day, the vehicle garnered an impressive 11,094 orders, surpassing the seventh generation's initial 10,058 orders. This strong reception indicates significant market interest in the latest iteration of the popular sedan.

Notably, buyers showed a strong preference for the higher trim levels. The top-tier Inspiration model attracted 52% of the pre-orders, a substantial increase from previous trends. Even the Modern entry-level model, which historically saw only a 4% selection rate, experienced a surge in popularity, nearly matching the mid-range Premium trim's selection rate.

The new Elantra is built on Hyundai's latest "Art of Steel" design language, featuring sharp body lines and a muscular stance. It offers two powertrain options in South Korea: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 149 horsepower and a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain delivering 157 horsepower. Both options promise improved performance and fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation.

Inside, the vehicle boasts a modern cockpit dominated by a large central touchscreen, available in 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch sizes, integrated with Hyundai's latest Pleos Connect infotainment system. Dimensions for the eighth-generation Elantra are 4,765 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,425 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

For the Taiwanese market, the eighth-generation Elantra is slated for an introduction next year. This marks the return of the Elantra to Taiwan after the sixth generation was discontinued. Nanyang Industry, Hyundai's distributor in Taiwan, has identified the new Elantra as a key model in its "3 years, 9 cars" product strategy, aiming to capture younger demographics and those seeking personalized vehicles.