We miss the Hyundai Elantra, should Hyundai Motor PH bring it back?

One of Hyundai’s most popular models in the Philippine market under its previous distributor was the Elantra compact sedan, particularly its fifth generation which introduced a whole new direction for the Korean automaker.

Unfortunately, it has been absent from the brand’s local lineup since a few years back and remains so after Hyundai Motor Philippines (HMPH) took over from the previous distributor. Could they bring it back? Well we hope so.

HMPH recently flew us to Seoul, South Korea to visit the 2023 edition of the Seoul Mobility Show. One vehicle we noticed on the streets, and also in the Korean automaker’s booth at the show was the current generation Elantra, known as the Avante in the South Korean market. All we could say is that we really hope they can bring it to our market.

For one thing, it looks really sharp. The current generation Hyundai Elantra was recently refreshed looks very aggressive with its “parametric dynamics” front grille with the LED headlights well integrated as well. The side shows off some sharp creases as well as some sporty looking alloy wheels, while the rear features a full-width LED light bar with an H-shaped light pattern.

As for its interior, it definitely screams premium with its sleek and modern design. It gets dual screens for the driver’s instrument cluster and infotainment system, as well as an ambient light strip that runs the length of the real and faux climate vents. It even gets a Bose premium audio system.

The Hyundai Elantra also gets a high-performance N variant which gets a sportier exterior with larger intakes, wheels, rear spoiler, and other accents, stronger body rigidity, and a turbocharged engine which we’ll talk about in a bit.

Powering the Hyundai Elantra for the Korean market is a 1.6-liter Inline 4-cylinder Gamma multi-point injection (MPI) gasoline engine that produces 126 hp and 155 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. A hybrid is also available, composed of a 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 139 hp and 170 Nm. 

The Elantra N, on the other hand, gets a 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine that produces a healthy 280 horsepower and 392 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Will it come to PH?

The biggest question now is whether it will come to the Philippine market. As we mentioned earlier, we really do hope it comes as it can compete directly with the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis, and even the GAC Empow. Despite the market having shifted towards small crossovers, we believe there is still a market for the humble compact sedan.

In addition, Hyundai Motor Philippines does listen to its customers. Provided that there is enough demand for the vehicle locally, they surely will bring it in. Perhaps even the N version as the sole variant of the Elantra locally might even work. It can be their high performance car entry just like how Honda has the Civic Type R, while Toyota has the GR Yaris.