Next-gen Hyundai Elantra begins testing in India

Hyundai has begun testing the next-gen Elantra in India. The latest-gen Elantra has been on sale in markets such as South Korea and North America since late last year and is scheduled for an India launch later this year. Interestingly, Hyundai has brought forward the India launch of the Elantra. In fact, the model was not even part of Hyundai’s expansive Auto Expo 2016 display.  

While the test mules hide much of the exterior styling, the new Elantra moves away from the ‘fluidic’ styling of its predecessor with a more mature design crowned by Hyundai’s prominent hexagonal grille. Inside, Hyundai has done away with the current model’s flowing dashboard design for a more traditional unit with a touchscreen infotainment system expected to take pride of place atop the centre console. Hyundai is also expected to up cabin quality with improved materials and a significant list of features.

Technical details for the Indian model remain unconfirmed but Hyundai has been testing the Elantra in India with a 149hp, 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor alongside Hyundai’s popular 136hp, 1.6-litre diesel engine. In all probability, these would be the engines that will feature under the hood of the car when launched in the country.

The Elantra will take on the likes of the Volkswagen Jetta and Skoda Octavia at the time of its launch with another rival expected later next year in the form of the tenth-gen Honda Civic.