Of all the older manufacturers – or perhaps car manufacturers – in the Indian market, Hyundai has the most updated line-up as of late-2020. The brand started redefining its persona with the Venue last year – the current Santro is still somewhat based on the older principles of the brand – and hasn’t stopped since.
All the current crop of Hyundai cars – barring the Santro and the ones that are set to be updated – have matured in a way that they are no longer boring or just feature-rich but unenthusiastic offerings. Starting with the Venue, it’s the first sub-4m compact SUV from the Korean maker, which, surprisingly, had a firmer ride quality than older Hyundai cars and a hint of sportiness. It was also the first model in the brand’s line-up to be powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, apart from the usual naturally aspirated one.
Eventually, Hyundai updated all its models and now most of them are available with a turbo petrol engine, relatively stiffer suspension setups than their respective predecessors, weightier steering, and better dynamics overall.
After introducing the Creta earlier this year, Hyundai is all set to introduce a bunch of brand-new models in its Indian product portfolio. So, here’s your first look at what’s coming from the Korean automaker.
1. Hyundai Next-Gen i20
This is not just Hyundai’s most anticipated model for the year, but also, it’s the most anticipated hatchback this year. The current-gen Hyundai i20 – dubbed as the Elite i20 – has been around since 2014 in the Indian market. Hyundai spruced up the whole package when it introduced the facelift version in 2018. Despite the fact that the Hyundai Elite i20 is now an old car, it still tops the chart as a decent seller in the country. This is thanks to the striking exterior design and an interior layout that still feels fresh. The new Hyundai i20 is going to continue this trend, as it would please premium hatchback buyers with loads of features and stunning exterior design.
From what we know so far, the top-spec Asta version of the i20 will come equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with BOSE audio, cruise control, keyless entry and go, push-button start, fully-digital instrument cluster, an electric sunroof, and so on. It is expected to be powered by the same engines as the Venue, which means there will be the older 1.2-litre NA unit, a 1.0-litre turbo petrol unit with DCT or a 6-speed manual, and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Expect the i20 to arrive in the coming weeks.
2. Hyundai Creta Seven-Seater
As said above, Hyundai has only launched the new Creta earlier this year. This means that it’s still a brand-new model. And, of course, the excellent sales numbers are a testimony to the new Creta’s superiority over other mid-size SUVs. The Seven seat version of the Hyundai Creta, then, would be largely based on the new model. Expect a few design changes here and there to give it a unique identity, and a few extra features on the inside. Mechanically, too, it would be similar to the new Creta. And, of course, to accommodate the extra row of seats, it would be a tad bit bigger than the standard model. Expect it to arrive on our shores early next year.
3. Hyundai New Elantra
But wait, didn’t the Hyundai Elantra receive a facelift update just a year from now? Well, yes. But, on the other hand, Hyundai is gearing up to introduce an all-new version of the Elantra, which it has already previewed officially along with its N-Line version. Of course, the chances of the N-Line version making it to the Indian market are as thin as a rake, but we do expect Hyundai to introduce the standard model here. The Hyundai Elantra is now longer, wider, and more spacious than the current model. It is now also more feature-loaded than the current model, which even falls short on features than the relatively affordable Creta. Thanks to a new sloping roofline at the back, Hyundai is now calling the 2021 Elantra a four-door-coupe. However, the large grille with chrome slapped on the face of the Elantra might not be to everyone’s taste. Expect it to arrive in the Indian market by the end of next year.Also, grab the latest info on the upcoming cars, only at autoX.