Next-gen Hyundai Elantra due in 2012 (Upcoming Cars)

WHEN: December 2012

HOW MUCH: Rs 11-14 lakh

ENGINES: 1.8-litre 148 PS petrol, 1.6-litre 120 PS diesel, 6-speed manual and automatic gearboxes

COMPETITION: Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Laura, Renault Fluence

The all-new Hyundai Elantra will be launched in the Indian market by the end of the year, or early in 2013. A source within Hyundai has comfirmed to autojunction.in that the all-new Elantra will be assembled at the company's Chennai facility. Another exponent of Hyundai's new 'Fluidic' design language, the new Elantra will be the second car to boast the sharp cuts and prominent lines characterisitc of this design language. The bold hexagonal grille and sharply styled headlamps and taillamps give this car a truly distinctive look.

The new Hyundai Elantra sports a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with Hyundai's D-CVVT system (Dual-Continuously Variable Valve Timing) which varies valve timing on both the inlet and exhaust valves, driven by separate camshafts. This allows Hyundai engineers to tune the engine for relatively high power output, without compromising efficiency and emissions. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, or a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual over-ride, dubbed Shiftronic.

There's also the option of Hyundai's new 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, which does duty in the new Verna, launched recently. This engine would work well with the new Elantra as well, helping Hyundai achieve better economies of scale. A diesel engine with an automatic transmission would also help the new Elantra compete with the Chevy Cruze, which has enjoyed a strong monopoly as the only diesel automatic in this class.

Expect a very high level of standard equipment with this car, inlcuding climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, reverse parking sensors, ABS, airbags and what-have-you. The car will be priced on par with the competition. There are some rumours that the new Elantra could be named the i40 in India, but we have no confirmation as of now. The earlier Elantra didn't exactly set sales charts on fire in India, and the company is evaluating whether the name has any negative associations to it.

Whatever the company finally decides to call it, what the new Hyundai Elantra brings to the table is sharp styling, an impressive cabin, deep level of specification and excellent value for money. The new Elantra also comes with an impressive list of safety specifications, including ABS with EBD, traction control and six airbags. How many of these safety features Hyundai will offer on the Indian-built Elantra remains to be seen. The competition has been warned.