2016 Auto Expo: New Hyundai Elantra to be unveiled

Despite its popularity in other Asian car markets like the Middle East or even in Africa, the Hyundai Elantra has never really managed to replicate that in India, given the abundance of SUV/UV options in that segment available in the sub-continent. In dire need of resurrection, the Hyundai Elantra is expected to get a facelift next month at the Delhi Auto Expo.

The updated Elantra was unveiled in UAE on Monday while the India-bound car was also showcased at the LA Auto Expo in November last year. We thus have a fair idea of what to expect from the new version of the D-segment car.

Set to build on the model’s proud heritage, while setting new standards as a world-class compact-sized sedan, the all-new Elantra is 20 millimetres longer and 25 millimetres wider than its predecessor and delivers a spacious interior. Incorporating 53% more advanced high-strength steel, the body structure has been designed to boost durability and rigidity.

On the outside, the Elantra has received a significant modification on the front fascia. The oblong grille has been replaced by a hexagonal one while the designers seem to have gone softer on the cat-eyed headlights on the outgoing model. The grille further extends into circular fog lamps installed on sharp C-shaped mounts. Bold lines extend from the headlamps to the A-pillar and also run parallel to the standard 106-inch wheelbase from the shoulder of the car.

The new Elantra was launched with two engines, the 2.0 MPI and 1.6 MPI, in UAE recently while it got the all-new 1.4-liter T-GDI petrol engine, developing 129.7PS and 211 Nm of torque, in America along with the aforementioned 2.0 litre mill. Out of these powerplants, expect the India-bound model to get at least two, most-likely being the 1.6-litre and the 1.4-litre ones. Both of these will be paired to either a 7-speed double clutch automatic or manual transmission, with expected fuel economy of around 14.88 kmpl.

The new car could also sport a number of segment-leading safety and convenience features including an Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) enhances driver comfort, while Smart Trunk allows easy loading as it opens automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches. In addition, a new class-leading suite of safety technologies includes front and rear parking sensor, knee airbag, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

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Pitted against the like of the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze and the Skoda Octavia, the car is expected to come with a price tag of around Rs 14 lakh for the base variant.