2019 Hyundai Elantra will get substantial exterior and interior changes; launch expected later this year
Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is preparing to launch a range of new vehicles in the domestic market this year. It includes the sub-four-metre Venue SUV, electric version of Kona, next generation Grand i10 and the facelifted Elantra. The Venue carries plenty of importance for the brand, as it will rival Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Ford EcoSport and Mahindra XUV300 targetting 8,000-9,000 unit sales.
The South Korean auto major is banking big with the Venue due to its 1.0-litre turbocharged GDi petrol engine making 120 PS and is connected to the segment-first seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. Another highlighting feature Venue has is the plethora of in-car connectivity features made possible by Blue Link technology.
The D-segment for sedans saw the arrival of tenth generation Honda Civic last month and exceeding expectations, it has been garnering plenty of bookings and finished the first month with nearly 2,300 unit sales. In order to give the Elantra advantage, Hyundai might add the Blue Link technology to the executive sedan’s lineup.
Hyundai debuted the new-gen Sonata just a few days ago and it features 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.23-inch infotainment display and Blue Link services. The upcoming India-bound Elantra will also get the connectivity solution in high-spec variants to take the fight to Honda Civic that offers several segment-first features.
The connected car service could be provided as complimentary for the first three years as in the Venue. Remote start with climate control, remote door lock and unlock, on-demand diagnostics and alerts, destination send-to-car by Google, remote car finder, voice command with AI assistance, stolen vehicle recovery, panic notification, geo-fence curfew and speed alert are some of the expected services.
The updated Elantra was spotted testing in India several months ago and it will have a comprehensive exterior makeover. It gets sportier front and rear fascia while the interior gains notable revisions as well. Expect the powertrains to have BSVI compliance and be carried over with similar transmission choices when it goes on sale.