Hyundai Elantra Facelift could launch in India in the second half of this year to take on newly launched Honda Civic
In November 2018, Hyundai was seen testing the updated Elantra in the high altitudes of Ooty and it has now been caught on camera once again near Chennai. The South Korean auto major debuted the facelifted version back in August 2018 and ever since its arrival to India has been anticipated.
With Honda having re-entered the D-segment for sedans with the tenth generation Civic, Hyundai may not take too much time in bringing the Elantra facelift. We can expect a launch to happen in the second half of this year considering that Hyundai has a slew of new products waiting to be introduced in the coming months.
Hyundai’s sub-four-metre QXi SUV, Kona EV and next-generation Grand i10 are in the pipeline for launch in 2019 alongside the facelifted Elantra. The second largest carmaker in the country is known for taking facelifts seriously with a series of exterior and interior modifications, and in Elantra’s case, it is no different.
As the facelifted Elantra is already available in global markets, we certainly know what is hiding under the test prototype’s camouflage. It comes with a revised front fascia comprising of redesigned triangular-shaped headlamps, sharper cascading grille assembly, updated bonnet area and a sportier bumper.
Additionally, the rear gets new L-shaped LED tail lamps, new boot structure and a set of freshly designed alloy wheels to wrap up the exterior changes. The interior won’t get big updates as the exterior and it is restricted to a new instrument cluster and switchgear alongside eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with an upgraded processor.
Other important features are new steering wheel, wireless charging and smaller five-inch AVN in the lower grades. Hyundai offers a range of safety equipment and technologies via SmartSense suite in international markets and some may find their way into India. The 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines are more likely to stay put as well.