4 New Hyundais for India – 1 Sedan, 2 SUVs and 1 MPV

Snapshot – Hyundai India has already launched two new cars in 2015 – the Verna Sedan Facelift and the i20 Active Cross Hatchback. The real biggies from the South Korean automaker will be launched in the months to come. This launch list includes 1 sedan, 2 SUVs and 1 MPV. Two of these vehicles will establish new segments for Hyundai in India, while the two other offerings will strengthen the automaker’s vehicle range. All said, Hyundai is a brand to watch out for, especially in the context of the next year and a half. Here’s the lowdown.

iX25 Compact SUV

Hyundai’s biggest product launch for 2015 in India will be the iX25 compact SUV. The iX25 marks the South Korean automaker’s foray into the compact SUV segment in India. In terms of price and positioning, the iX25 is expected to be pegged close to the Renault Duster. Since the Hyundai SUV measures over 4 meters in length, it won’t qualify for excise duty cuts. On the sunnier side of things, the automaker will be able to pack a powerful, 1.6 liter turbo diesel engine into the SUV, making it one of the most powerful offerings in its segment. In typical Hyundai fashion, the iX25 is expected to be packed with features and creature comforts.

Santa Fe Luxury SUV Facelift

The Santa Fe Facelift has already hit global markets. With competition in the luxury SUV segment all set to increase in the next few months, the facelifted Santa Fe is expected to make it to the Indian market in early 2016. The facelifted version will feature minor stylistic updates. In terms of mechanicals, changes to make the SUV more fuel efficienct could be made. Also doing the rumour rounds is a hybrid option for the SUV, though this change is likely mainly for he developed markets. The facelifted variant will continue to be assembled at Hyundai India’s Sriperumbudur factory, off Chennai.

All-New Elantra Sedan

Shortly, the all-new Elantra sedan is all set to hit the South Korean market, which also happens to be Hyundai’s home market. The new Elantra adopts the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy, which does easy on the curves, to make for a car that doesn’t seem overstyled from any angle. Other changes on the car could be increased dimensions that liberate more space, and the addition of a new 1.6 liter turbocharged, direct injection petrol motor. The current line up of 1.6 liter turbo diesel and 1.8 liter naturally aspirated petrol motors will be retained, while a twin clutch automatic gearbox is expected to be a part of the new equation. End 2016 is when the all-new Elantra is likely to arrive into India.

Hexaspace MPV

Hyundai has been working on a new MPV that will challenge the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and the Renault Lodgy. Based on the Hexaspace concept, the new Hyundai MPV will be launched in 2016. The India Auto Expo of next year could be a place where the MPV could be unveiled, at least in concept form. The new MPV will be a first such vehicle from Hyundai for India. Petrol and turbo diesel engines are a given, with seating capacity for 7 adults. A heavy amount of localization is another factor that will be standard on the new Hyundai multi purpose vehicle.