Among the first to be fielded in the second-half domestic game field from South Korean automaking group Hyundai Motor are elegantly upscaled versions in young favorite brands of Avante in Hyundai Motor marque and Stinger in Kia Motors.

Hyundai Motor Co. has released hybrid version of Avante, its flagship compact sedan known as Elantra in the global market, which can get 21.1 kilometers (13.11 miles) to the liter, the company announced on Thursday.

The All New Avante Hybrid is equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and high-efficient hybrid powertrain to deliver strong fuel efficiency and power as well as gentle ride.

The battery system uses both high and low voltage batteries to reduce battery weight and size and enhance efficiency to achieve a fuel economy of 21.1km/ℓ. The battery pack is located under the second row seat to give spacious cargo room.

It is a gasoline engine-based hybrid vehicle that the company launched 11 years after it had released liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-based Avante LPi Hybrid in 2009.

The All New Avante Hybrid sports a 1.6-liter gasoline engine to deliver a maximum 105 horsepower and up to 15.0 kilogram-force meters (kgf•m). Its electric motor produces a horsepower of up to 43.5 and 17.3 kgf•m, which makes it deliver total system output of 141 horsepower and up to 27 kgf•m torque.

Its smaller sibling Kia Motors Corp. said Wednesday that it is set to release upgrade version of its Stinger sports sedan within this month.

It unveiled new features of interior and exterior design of the face-lifted Stinger Meister on Wednesday. It included rear turn signal lamps with 10 individual light emitting diodes (LEDs) each side that looks like a checkered flag, and mesh-type wheels that come in 18 inches and 19 inches.

The newly designed interior is equipped with a 10.25-inch navigation system, diamond-quilted nappa leather seats and cluster with a combination of black high glossy and chrome bezel.

It also comes with cutting-edge safety features including rear and side cameras, lane-keeping assistance system and remote 360-dgree view system that shows the surrounding view.

The company said it will soon unveil more details of Stinger Meister.

By Park Yun-gu and Choi Mira

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]