Hyundai Motor India Limited has reportedly advanced the launch of the new Elantra which was originally slated for a release in 2017. Hyundai didn't showcase the new Elantra at the Auto Expo 2016 in February as there were no plans to launch the sedan this year. However, Hyundai has fast-tracked the launch and the car will enter the market by the end of this year, reports Autocar India.
Ahead of the launch, the car in camouflage caught testing in India earlier this week. In the latest avatar, the new Elantra would get a hexagonal grille flanked by a pair of swept-back headlamps. The body features prominent character lines and wide LED taillights in the rear. The design takes slight detour from the Fluidic design language of Hyundai. The design is more angular and sharp. On the interior, it will feature a new three-spoke steering wheel and a touch screen infotainment system with navigation.
The new version will measure 4,570mm in length, 1,800mm in width, 1,440mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,700mm. The India-specific models are likely to get three engine options— a 1.6-litre VGT CRDi diesel motor, a 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine and a 2.0-litre MPi petrol engine. Globally, the petrol engines come paired with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, while the diesel one gets a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 17 lakh, the new Elantra will go up against Toyota Corolla Altis, Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia and the Chevrolet Cruze in the country.
