Next-Gen Hyundai Elantra Launch on August 23

Several dealerships across the country started accepting bookings for the Elantra with a token amount of Rs 25,000. They also stated that deliveries will begin by the end of the second week of September 2016.

Hyundai's new design language Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 has given the new saloon a complete makeover. When compared to the outgoing offering, the new-gen Elantra has changed in proportions. It measures at 4,610mm in length (80mm longer), 1,800mm in width (25mm wider), and 1,450mm in height (20mm lower). With lower overall height, the new Elantra will have better center of gravity and improved aerodynamics. The wheelbase measures exactly the same at 2,700mm.

The new Elantra made its global debut in its home market South Korea and went on sale in the US earlier this year. On the design front, it gets a bold hexagonal front grille, LED DRLs (daytime running lights), new alloy wheel design and wide LED tail lights. On the inside, the look and feel of the cabin is more on the premium side. The list of gadgets is even longer now. It comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, GPS navigation, Bluetooth telephony, AUX and USB connectivity.

Under the hood, the new car will get the same, but tweaked version of the current 1.6-litre petrol engine. The new engine will be tuned for better fuel efficiency and will have more power at its disposal. Rumour has it that Hyundai might even offer the 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Indian market. Customers will have the option to choose from either a manual or an automatic six-speed gearbox.

Prices are expected to be around Rs 15 lakh mark. The D-segment has not been doing particularly well because of the entry-level SUV segment which falls under a similar price bracket. The new Elantra will lock horns with the likes of the Chevrolet Cruze, the Toyota Corolla Altis, the Volkswagen Jetta and the Skoda Octavia.