It isn’t news that Hyundai India is bringing the Elantra facelift to India – we’ve been reporting on it since the model was first unveiled in left-hand-drive form, back in August 2018. The mid-cycle update for the executive sedan was also spotted testing in India; but we can now confirm that the new Elantra will be launched by mid-September.
When it launches, both the current model’s engine options will be offered with the new Elantra; though the 2.0-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol motor – which makes 152hp and 192Nm of peak torque – will be upgraded to meet BS6 emission norms. The 128hp, 1.6-litre diesel motor (which, incidentally, does duty in the Hyundai Creta and Verna in BS4 form) may continue unchanged until BS6 norms come into effect in April 2020. The 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options will continue to be on offer as well.
Among the many changes to the model, the major talking point is the new design. Like the rest the Hyundai’s models, the new Elantra sports the brand’s signature ‘cascading grille’ and reshaped headlamps with LED DRLs, a toned, muscular looking bonnet, triangular fog lamps and new-design alloy wheels – 16- or 17-inch units are expected. While the new model looks similar to the outgoing model in silhouette, the rear gets a re-profiled bumper with mounts for the reversing lights and rear fog-lamps and tapering tail-lights that extend further on, to the boot.
The interiors of the new Elantra will also be given an update to keep it fresh. Most of the changes will be seen in the equipment on offer – Hyundai’s new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) will be standard on higher trims, as will a reverse camera, multi-zone climate control, ventilated seats, a tyre pressure monitoring system and leather upholstery. Safety kit is not expected to get an update and the model will come equipped with six airbags, ABS with EBD and vehicle stability control, and more.
Expect the new Elantra's pricing to be similar to that of the current model – the petrol variants retail between Rs 13.82-18.92 lakh while the diesel variants are priced from Rs 15.13-20.05 lakh. When it arrives, the Elantra facelift will rival the recently launched Honda Civic (Rs 17.94-22.35 lakh), Skoda Octavia (Rs 15.99-25.99 lakh) and the Toyota Corolla Altis (Rs 16.45-20.19 lakh).
(All prices ex-showroom, Delhi)
(Skoda Octavia prices are ex-showroom, pan-India)
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Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
