Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo busts out

With a bold new design motif, the facelifted Hyundai Elantra expected in Australia in early 2019 will be joined later by a sporty new SR Turbo model.

Revealed in Korea this week, where it's called the Avante Sport, the modified Elantra model is anticipated to arrive in Australia later in 2019, to rival small sedans like the Honda Civic RS and Toyota Corolla.

The current Elantra SR Turbo is priced at $28,990 before on-road costs are added, and the updated model is tipped to cost the same.

Compared to the garden-variety Elantra sedan, the Hyundai Elantra SR is paired to a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine from the i30 SR, which means you'll get 150kW/265Nm, or enough mumbo to have a bit of fun in the front-drive sedan.

It also adds bigger 18-inch alloy wheels plus updated exterior and interior styling.

On the outside the new Hyundai features an updated front-end with a slightly different grille, plus side skirts and a revised rear bumper with twin exhaust outlets. The new body kit adds a little more spice to the recipe, for those who are looking for something a little sportier.

Multi-link rear suspension should improve its handling dynamics over the regular versions, while stronger brakes will decrease stopping distances.

Like the current Hyundai Elantra Turbo SR, a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission will be offered.

Step inside and the 2019 Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo features a flat-bottom steering wheel, leather sports seats (available in red or black), faux carbon trim and new-look climate controls.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will return but unlike the Hyundai i30 the infotainment screen will remain integrated into the dashboard.

Hyundai Australia will next launch the IONIQ EV in this country, with which the new Elantra shares some of its angular design cues.

The new-generation Veloster has been pushed back to late 2019 for its Aussie arrival. Other upcoming new car releases for Hyundai in Australia include the i30 N Fastback and Kona EV, both scheduled for early 2019 showroom arrivals.

There's also talk of a rugged new eight-seat Hyundai SUV to rival the Toyota LandCruiser.

A spokesperson for Hyundai Australia said the Elantra SR Turbo will be available in Oz sometime in 2019, while the standard Elantra models are scheduled to arrive very late this year or early 2019.