Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) launched the sixth-generation Elantra in India on August 23. The company mentioned in a press release that they have received more than 400 bookings since its launch. The executive sedan segment has been witnessing a decline in sales, courtesy the obsession car buyers have with SUVs. Hyundai is optimistic that the Elantra will revitalise the segment with its multiple segment-first features and a new petrol engine.
Mr. YK Koo, managing director and CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd, said, “We are overwhelmed with the customer’s response of more than 7817 enquiries and 405 bookings received for the all new Elantra. This reflects the strong customer connect and confidence on Hyundai products. We thank our customers, channel partners, employees and media who have chosen the all new Elantra as an admirable modern premium brand.We are confident that the all new Elantra will revive the segment and set new benchmark in India resulting in market leadership.”
Just like its global version, the 2016 Elantra in India gets the new naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine. The diesel, on the other hand, has been carried forward from the previous model. Besides this, the new Elantra adopts Hyundai’s latest – Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 – design language and offers features such as an eight-inch infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay as well Google Android Auto, hands-free smart trunk and ventilated front seats, among others.
The Hyundai Elantra got a decent start with nearly 500 bookings within a span of few weeks, but it is too early to comment on anything. Firstly, the executive sedan segment faces tough competition from similarly-priced SUVs and secondly, Honda is likely to relaunch the new Civic in India next year,which may outperform the Elantra in terms of sales because of the following Civic has in the country. We’ll have to wait and see how the new Elantra will perform in the long run.
Source: ZigWheels.com
