Next-Generation Hyundai Elantra Sedan pipped for April 2015 Debut

The next generation version of the Hyundai Elantra sedan, known as the Avante in certain markets of the world, could be unveiled as early as April 2015. The car’s current and fifth generation model is one of the top selling D-Segment sedans worldwide. South Korean automaker Hyundai has already begun testing the sixth generation Elantra and the spyshots indicate that the car will be larger than the outgoing model.

The new car will also feature Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 Design Philosophy that aims to go slow on excessive curves, instead replacing it with more European lines that appeal to a wider cross section of buyers. Engine and transmission details of the 6th generation Elantra remain unknown for now. However, speculation is rife that an all-electric or hybrid variant is likely to be served up with the new car.

Currently, Hyundai sells the Elantra with 1.8 liter petrol and 1.6 liter turbo diesel engine options. An all-turbo petrol and diesel engine line up is likely for the new car. While a larger turbo diesel engine, with a capacity of about 2 liters would do the Elantra good considering what the competition – read Volkswagen Jetta, Skoda Octavia and Chevrolet Cruze offer – Hyundai is likely to persist with the 1.6 liter oil burner. Both manual and automatic gearboxes will continue to be offered, as is the case currently.

The new Hyundai sedan is expected to take the interior quality levels up by a few notches along with the addition of new features. With a larger footprint on the back of the increased wheelbase, the new Elantra is likely to offer more room to its occupants, especially the ones occupying the rear seat. With India yet to receive the facelifted version of the 5th generation Elantra, the 6th generation model will not be here for a year at least.

The early unveil of the 6th generation model also means that the facelifted version may be deferred for the Indian market, with Hyundai instead choosing to directly bring the all-new model sometime in 2016. The current generation of the car was launched here in 2012 and 4 years is about the right life cycle for a D-Segment luxury sedan. From the looks of it, the facelifted Elantra may not be a part of Hyundai India’s 6 car launch list for 2015 anymore.

Via KoreaHerald