The fleet of sedans from Korean auto giant Hyundai will find a new companion after a long time. Awarded as ‘2012 North American car of the year’, Fluidic Elantra is set to be launched in the Indian market by mid-August this year. Just in time when Hyundai was performing well in the hatchback section, the company brings forth Fluidic Elantra to assure excellence in sedan segment too.
The launch of this new offering from Hyundai would land it straight into the rivalry of Toyota Altis, Renault Fluence, Chevrolet Cruze and Honda Civic, among others. With an estimated price range of Rs. 13-16 lacs, the car will be offered in both petrol and diesel versions. The petrol model will house an 1800 cc engine, which will have the potential to generate peak power of 147 bhp, quite more than that produced by other cars of the same segment. On the other hand, the diesel version will be assimilated with a 1582 cc common rail turbo powertrain, churning out the maximum power of 128 bhp.
An interesting fact to note here is that the Elantra available in international markets is only offered with a petrol engine. The idea behind launching a diesel variant could well be fuelled by rising petrol prices in India.
Considering the advancements packed within the new Elantra, the car will feature Korean Nexen silica tyres (205/60R16) on its 16-inch alloys, which will provide better grip to the vehicle on wet roads and slippery surfaces. Keeping in mind the sporty character of car, it seems that new Elantra will have a less tendency to wobble at high speeds. In order to deliver a hassle-free drive to its passengers, the car will be incorporated with advanced suspension systems, which are sourced from Renault. With features like Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), handling the car will not be an issue.
On the inside, the model gives an equally satisfying experience to passengers seated in rear row as well as to those in front. The leather seats packed within the 2012 Elantra are fairly comfortable and enable the car to deliver a warm welcome to its occupants. Adding to the convenience of passengers, features like panoramic sunroof, heated door mirrors to defog, touch screen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and electric front seats are provided within the model. Ensuring complete safety of its passengers, advancements like Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), six airbags and keyless start-stop function are also included in the package.
The designing language used within the Hyundai Fluidic Elantra puts the car in a different league. Its roofline has a coupe-like structure, without the quarter glass, as one would expect in any two-door sports car model. Wraparound headlamps give a signature look to the 2012 Elantra, making its front fascia sportier. The length of yet-to-be launched model is a little more than Verna, but less than the Sonata.
Highlighting the company’s expectations from the car, Hyundai has started accepting the pre-bookings of Elantra. As of now, the specifications declared by the company officials are far more than impressive. And, if the car's design is anything to judge by, the upcoming launch could be one of the Hyundai's most successful cars till date.
