KUMAR ANSHUMAN

Elantra reborn - By Kumar Anshuman Mon Oct 15 07:54:45 GMT 2012 Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Monday announced the launch of the neo-fluidic Elantra in India. The new edition boasts of futuristic design, luxurious interiors, advanced high-end features and cutting-edge technology. This is the fifth version of the car which was first launched in 1990. The current version was first launched in the US and Korean market and is doing very well in terms of sales. Speaking at the launch, Mr B.S. Seo, Managing Director & CEO, HMIL said, “The Elantra has received an overwhelming response worldwide. We are confident that it will set a new benchmark in the executive car segment in India. With contemporary styling, design and all the advanced features the neo-fluidic Elantra will give an immense driving pleasure and comfort to the customers in India.” The fifth generation neo-fluidic Elantra comes with various segment unique features like front ventilated seats, and advanced safety features like vehicle stability management (VSM), silica tyre and solar glass. Additionally it also sports a number of high-tech features like smart key with push button start, 10-way adjustable power driver seat with lumbar support, dual zone FATC, auto cruise control, automatic headlight control, 16-inch Alloy wheels and much more. To ensure enhanced comfort and convenience, the neo fluidic Elantra offers features like electrically adjustable, foldable and heated outside mirrors with turn indicators, rear AC vents, cooled glove box, eco-driving indicators, 2 DIN MP3 audio-with-USB player, with Aux-in and iPod cable feature for unlimited music access. The audio control on the rear armrest is a delight for the backseat passenger. Another noticeable aspect of the car is its safety features. Hyundai has gone a step ahead in the security features. It comes with six airbags, and has got speed sensing auto door lock and impact sensing auto door unlock. To assist safe and easy parking, the Elantra also offers rear Parking Camera with display on electro chromic mirror (ECM) along with the parking sensors. With all these features Elantra becomes the first car in the ultra-sedan segment with security features matching the luxury sedan. The neo-fluidic Elantra will be available with two engine options—1.8L petrol dual VTVT delivering 149.5PS@6,500rpm of maximum power and 18.1Kgm@4,700rpm of peak torque and the 1.6L diesel VGT CRDi delivering 128PS@4,000rpm of maximum power and 26.5Kgm@1,900-2,750rpm of peak torque. Both the petrol and diesel versions offer the segment unique choice of 6-speed manual transmission and 6-speed automatic transmission. The company claims that 1.6 L Diesel engine offers a mileage of 22.7kmpl (ARAI figure) while the 1.8L petrol version clocks 16.3kmpl (ARAI figure). The petrol engine model starts at an attractive price of Rs 12,51,000 and goes up to Rs 14,74,000. The diesel engine model starts with a price of Rs 12,91,000 and goes up to Rs 15, 85,000. There are not much cars in Rs10 to Rs15 lakh segment. Maruti launched Kizashi but the car is not doing well. Corolla Altis is a good car but Elantra takes a lead in pricing and better facilities. The car has got pre-bookings of over 750 units which reflect the demand prospect of the car.