Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai TucsonIBTimes India

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is all set to launch the Tucson SUV and the new Elantra sedan this year in order to strengthen its portfolio in the subcontinent and eyes the top slot in premium segment. The Korean car-maker posted its best ever sales of 4.84 lakh units in the domestic market in 2015-16. Apart from the best selling models, the Creta SUV launched last year was instrumental in the overall sales.

The overwhelming response to the Creta is the prime reason for bringing the Tucson SUV to India. "Besides Creta, which is there, we plan to launch Tuscon and one another model this year to have a leading position in the Rs 10-20 lakh segment," Rakesh Srivastava, vice president sales and marketing at HMIL, said in an interview to ET Auto. The second model is widely considered as the new Elantra.

The Tucson will sandwich between the Creta and the Santa Fe SUVs in Hyundai's portfolio. Unveiled at the Auto Expo 2016 in February, the SUV is slated to launch in Q2 of this year. The India-spec Tucson is expected to be powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 180bhp and 400Nm of torque mated to six-speed manual transmission. The AWD version of Tucson is also expected to be introduced in the Indian market. Hyundai is likely to price the Tucson in the range of Rs. 16 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.

On the other hand, the new Elantra has a bold new face with prominent hexagonal grill flanked by a pair of swept back headlamps. The fog lamp housing is designed in the boomerang shape and that also provides a sportier look. The rear end of the car has undergone major changes and features prominent character lines and wide LED taillights. The new Elantra is likely to come with three engine options — a 1.6-litre VGT CRDi diesel, a 1.6-litre GDi petrol and a 2.0-litre MPi petrol. The facelift can be expected at a price range of Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 17 lakh.