The Avante, often referred to as the "people's first car," has become smarter. Once known primarily for its value, this compact sedan has improved its market appeal. The "All-New Avante," launched on August 5, is the first new model introduced in nearly six years since April 2020.
On August 24, a test drive was conducted from Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang to Incheon Yeongjongdo, covering approximately 80 kilometers. The route included a mix of urban and highway driving. The vehicle tested was the hybrid (HEV) top trim, Inspiration.
The first thing that caught the eye was the angular design of the exterior. The "Art of Steel" concept showcases the material's inherent elasticity, enhancing its sporty appearance.
From the perspective of a people's first car, the eighth-generation Avante is quite recommendable, thanks to its significantly expanded driving assistance features. Throughout the drive, various functions helped reduce the burden on the driver.
Notably, the "Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control 2 (NSCC2)" was particularly useful. By pressing a control button on the steering wheel, the maximum speed was adjusted to match the speed limit indicated on the navigation system. When approaching speed bumps, the system automatically reduced speed to the upper 20 km/h range. After passing the obstacle, it returned to the previously set speed.
With the lane-keeping assist feature activated, there was little need for driver intervention during highway driving. The vehicle changed lanes automatically when the turn signal was activated.
However, there were some shortcomings in the technology's effectiveness. While changing to the right lane was smooth, the left lane changes were less reliable. Additionally, the system sometimes failed to quickly recognize vehicles in the adjacent lane when changing lanes.
Occasionally, when a vehicle merged into the Avante's lane without maintaining a safe distance, the response was delayed, requiring manual steering adjustments. While the driving assistance features are commendable, they do not provide complete peace of mind. The "steering wheel grip detection" feature seemed to reflect this concern, as a warning sound activated approximately 27 seconds after releasing the steering wheel.
In terms of infotainment, the "Pleos Connect" system was convenient. The central display was sufficiently large to view driving information, navigation, and app screens at a glance. The audio quality was also satisfying, with external noise mostly blocked, enhancing sound quality in "surround mode" or "cinema mode."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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