Apparently, Hyundai is late to all the parties. Compact crossover segment is almost filled to capacity already, and after Maruti launches S-Cross (probably this month), that segment will be jam packed. C-segment sedan space also has been updated with latest version of almost all variants. New hatchback turned crossover space also has popular products, some of which failed miserably and some are unexpectedly flourishing. Let’s see if Hyundai will not be the least albeit last.
Hyundai Verna facelift – This month, Hyundai Motor India is expected to launch updated version of their C-segment sedan Verna. It is kind of clever or fortunate that the South Korean is launching the facelift Verna now because the fizziness of feud between Honda City and Maruti Ciaz is settled down now and honeymoon period of all cars in that segment is over. So the third top car in the category, with some embellishments from Russian version (Solaris), can get to stand under the limelight without being pushed over.
Hyundai Verna facelift is new mostly on the outside rather than under the skin.
Spy Shot Courtesy – Team-BHPUpgrades in 2015 Hyundai Verna facelift, as observed from the numerous spy shots, will include redesigned front fascia with new twin chrome slat grill, more prominent head lights with projector lamps, new fog lamps with LED DRLs, redesigned bumpers of course, integrated reflectors & black underlip on rear apron, revamped tail lamps with LED lights and new alloy wheel design. Interiors will have same design as outgoing model, but will include new 7 inch touchscreen display. Engine options will also remain same; replacement of 4-speed automatic transmission with Hyundai Elantra’s 6-speed unit is expected.
Hyundai Elantra facelift – The company’s D-segment offering Elantra is also due for a mid-cycle refresh. Updated version was showcased at 2014 Thailand International Motor Expo. 2015 Hyundai Elantra will receive minor cosmetic changes like tweaked headlamp assembly featuring integrated LED headlights, new fog lamps and restyled bumpers.
Interior of Hyundai Elantra facelift will be seen with revamped centre console housing new infotainment system with large display. Other changes in the cabin will include cooling glove box, higher positioned AC vents and new technologies like Advanced SPAS (advanced parking assistant) uses ultrasonic sensors to automatically park the car in parallel or perpendicular; and Flex Steer technology with three driving modes – Normal, Comfort and Sport. No change in powertrain is expected.
Also read – Upcoming Maruti Suzuki cars in India in 2015.
Spy Shot Courtesy – Gaadi.comHyundai i20 Cross – Hyundai’s answer to soaring Toyota Etios Cross, slowly sailing Fiat Avventura and glooming Volkswagen Cross Polo will come in the form new i20 Cross. Not much info about the i20 Cross is outed, except that it is taking Rs. 500 crore investment and it will be launched in second half of 2015, most likely in the third quarter.
Based on several spy shots emerged online, Hyundai i20 Cross will get redesigned bumpers featuring lower body cladding, that includes side door sills as well; and roof rails, as standard. Not sure if ground clearance is getting bumped up, and no major mechanical changes are expected including powertrain, compared to its hatchback avatar.
Also read – Hyundai India to launch a new 7 seater MPV by 2016 – Hyundai Hexa Space.
Hyundai ix25 – Investing Rs. 1,000 crore, Hyundai Motor India is Indianising the ix25 compact crossover, most likely as a sub-4 metre product, slated to launch in second half of 2015. It will be positioned above Ford EcoSport, upcoming Maruti YBA, upcoming Tata Nexon and Fiat Avventura, on par with Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, upcoming Maruti S-Cross, while staying slightly below Mahindra XUV500.
Hyundai ix25 (codenamed GS) is expected to be priced in a compelling manner in order to fend off the number of rivals listed. Rakesh Srivastava, Hyundai Motor India’s Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing, did mention that price of upcoming crossovers will come as a surprise to the market, but expected price of over Rs. 8 lakhs for ix25 could be a bit too steep to sell large volume. More on Hyundai ix25 here.
