Next gen Elantra launch advanced to 2015.
According to industry reports, Hyundai is all set to announce the next generation of the Elantra (called Hyundai Avante in certain markets) during the first half of next year.
At first, the new Elantra was planned for a launch during the second half of 2015, but to tackle the highly competitive Korean market, an earlier launch has been proposed, says the report. Seen here could be an early prototype of the 2016 Elantra.
Internally knows as "AD", the next generation Elantra will pack an improved GDI petrol engine and a CRDi diesel engine, which might be the new 1.6-liter Gamma engine and a 1.6-liter U2 diesel engine. Power figures are unknown, but Hyundai is looking to increase the performance over the current Elantra. Also rumored to debut is a full electric variant of the mid-size sedan, although further details are unavailable at this time.
On the design front, Hyundai will incorporate the Fluidic Sculpture v2.0, a design philosophy that can be seen in the latest Genesis, Sonata and the new Elite i20. So expect it to look sharp and muscular with less over-sculpted curves. Hyundai is also looking to raise the premium appeal with a new interior that will be adorned with fine materials and plastics.
Hyundai launched a mildly refreshed Elantra at about the same time last year, though this facelift is yet to come to India.
Competitors: Toyota Corolla, VW Jetta, Skoda Octavia, Renault Fluence
Expected Price: INR 14 - 18 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launching in: First half of 2015 in Korea
[Source - The Korean Car Blog]
