Sources recently told IndianAutosBlog.com that assembly of the Hyundai Elantra (Avante in some markets) begins at the Chennai plant during late August or September.
Hyundai is expected to stock showrooms with the Elantra just before the festival season. The company is hoping to repeat the success of the Verna in the segment immediately above it.
Hyundai showcased the Elantra at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo and stated in the press release issued at the event that 1.8 VTVT and 1.6 CRDI are the engines available globally. The company has been testing out mules all around the country. Testing began late last year and one of our readers had snapped an early test mule in Delhi.
We hear Hyundai will do a 100% CKD operation meaning there won't be a morsel of localization on the Elantra. Hyundai may look to the high-power version of the 1.6-liter CRDI carrying out duties for the Verna, for the Elantra's powertrain. A petrol engine option, even if it incorporates advanced technology like direct injection, may not find a huge number of customers in India. The Elantra is a great upgrade for Verna customers as well as Civic fans turned off by the lack of a diesel option.
Hyundai is not expected to change the appearances of the car like it has done for the Chinese market. The car shown at the Delhi Auto Expo more or less will be the showroom model.
We'll continue to bring more details on the Elantra, so stay tuned to IndianAutosBlog.com.
