The all new Hyundai Elantra is about to mesmerise the Indian car lovers soon. The earlier version which has been introduced to India in 2004 had not witnessed a decent sale.

It has been speculated that the newer version of the old mean machine would be launched in August.

Hyundai had decided to end the production in India in 2008. India was not on their list when they launched the 4th generation of the vehicle worldwide.

The latest version, 5th generation, would hit Indian roads along with the rest of the world. The super aerodynamic design of the car as unveiled at the Auto Expo this year has received many accolades and kept the Indian buyers waiting.

The physical beauty of the older version didn't win the votes of the people but the newer version has been appreciated by many as it bears a semblance to the Verna and the new Sonata both on the exterior and the interior. Considering Verna's market in India, the similarity could be a marketing technique.
And like its predecessor in India, it would be available in Pertol and Diesel variants internationally.

Powered by a timid 1.8 litre petrol engine, with dual continuous variable valve timing, this mean machine can churn out a max torque of 150 PS. The diesel version of the engine comes with a capacity of 1.6 litres and generates a torque of 128 PS.

A 6 speed automatic and manual transmissions are available.

Hyundai seemed to concentrate on the safety section as well by including 4 airbags as a standard fitment even in the basic model and upto 6 on the high end version.
The new Elantra, expected to be priced at Rs 13- 16 lakhs, would definitely be a strong contender to Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Renault Fluence, Skoda Laura and the Volkswagen Jetta.

(AW Anil)