Hyundai launches the BS6 Diesel Elantra at ₹18.70 lakhs

The BS6 diesel iteration of the Elantra has been introduced at a price of ₹18.70 lakhs. It will be offered in 2 trims, the SX and SX (O) which are priced at ₹18.70 lakhs and ₹20.65 lakhs respectively. Apart from the diesel model, the Elantra is also available in a BS6 petrol engine option, which costs ₹17.60 lakhs (prices being ex-showroom).

Many automakers while updating their vehicles to the BS6 emission norms decided to scrap the diesel versions, as upgrading a BS4 diesel engine to a BS6 one proved to be expensive. While automakers have chosen to do this, brands like Hyundai have paid the costs and brought in BS6 diesel engines, as there are quite a many people who still value a diesel powertrain over a petrol one.

The BS6 compliant diesel Elantra is powered by a 1.5 litre U2 CRDI engine, producing 113 ps and 250 nm of torque. The engine can be mated to a standard 6 speed manual (SX variant), while the SX(O) trim uses a 6 speed automatic gearbox. As for the already existing BS6 petrol, it is a 2.0 litre engine capable of making 150 ps and 192 nm of torque. This powertrain can also be coupled with a 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission. SS Kim, MD and CEO of Hyundai Motor India said, “We are enhancing customer delight on Elantra with the addition of 1.5 l U2 CRDi diesel BS6 powertrains. Additionally, Hyundai is also providing an improved value proposition for existing Petrol BS 6 powertrain.”

Apart from the BS6 emission norms update, the rest continues to remain the same in the Elantra. The exteriors of the vehicle employ Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design, which gives it quite an aggressive and bold impression. The front fascia sports a grille with horizontal slats, alongside the grill are the LED projector headlamps with DRLs (Daytime Running Lights). The tail lights are all LED as well.

Being a Hyundai, the Elantra is filled to the brim with features, the prime ones being an 8 inch infotainment system (supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), wireless charging, 10 way adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, cruise control and chrome door handles with pocket lights. Apart from these features, the Elantra is equipped with Hyundai’s BlueLink Technology which can be used by the owner to power/off the vehicle, with the touch of a button on their smartphone. BlueLink technology also provides a host of features like Emergency Assistance, Roadside Assistance, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, maintenance alert, geo-fencing, speed restriction etc.

The Elantra does well with respect to safety thanks to the 6 airbags, a rear parking camera with guidelines, front and rear parking sensors, ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Vehicle stability management and emergency stop signal (flashing of lights when the vehicle makes a sudden stop).

The segment in which the Elantra has been launched doesn’t have competition, particularly because the Toyota Corolla Altis and Skoda Octavia have been discontinued. However, the Honda Civic will be launched in its BS6 diesel avatar, thereby being a direct rival of the Elantra. Apart from the sedan rivals, at a price point like this, there are many SUVs which can also be considered, such as the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and Mahindra XUV 500.

While we may be glad about the Elantra getting its BS6 compliant diesel engine, diesel owners (especially Delhi citizens) in the country may not be very happy with the recent developments in the country. For the first time, the price of diesel has gone past that of petrol, and this has happened due to the hike in prices, which has continued to increase for the past 18 days. The price of petrol in Delhi is Rs 79.76 per litre whereas diesel costs Rs 79.88 per litre. This will particularly sting those owners who have gas guzzling behemoth sized suvs. However, it is unlikely that the price of diesel will exceed that of petrol in other states, thanks to the relatively lower taxes.