Having tasted success with models like the i10, i20 and Verna, Hyundai is now banking on its next launch to drive sales further. The fifth generation Elantra and only the second time to ever go on sale in India will hit Hyundai showrooms by this Diwali.
The Elantra will make its comeback into the Indian market after a gap of nearly five years. Back then, the Elantra didn't manage to make much of an impression and sales were rather dismal. Hyundai will hope to change that with the new Elantra.
The Elantra measures in at about 4.55 metres long and benefits from Hyundai's 'fluidic' design philosophy, something we've already seen on the Verna, facelifted i20 and Sonata.
On the inside, the Elantra continues a very similar theme with lots of features, a swoopy dashboard and blue-lit dials. Space is expected to be quite good, both at the front and rear. ESP, traction control, six-airbags, bluetooth and other features are expected to be standard on the Elantra.
For India, two motors will most likely be provided – a 1.8-litre, 146 bhp petrol and a 1.8-litre common rail diesel engine. A six-speed manual and six-speed auto are most likely to be offered with the Elantra.
Coming hot on the heels of the Elantra is the new Honda Civic, while competing with the Toyota Corolla and a facelifted version of the Chevrolet Cruze, the Volkswagen Jetta, Renault's Fluence and the Skoda Laura. Expect a price tag in the region of Rs 13 to 16 lakh for the Elantra when it is launched.
