For once, our prediction came true! Okay, maybe partially true! The Hyundai Elantra facelift, which is set to launch on October 3, 2019, will comply with Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) levels of emission norms. However, only the petrol-powered variants will get that badge. What about diesel? Well, Hyundai has decided to keep the Elantra facelift petrol-only for the time being. We appreciate that there will be some disappointed souls out there to learn the axing of diesel-fed Elantra. Well, you lot can always have that 1.6-litre engine in the Verna and the Creta. In our books, it was a bit of a misfit for the Elantra anyway.

There’s another aspect worth highlighting. And it is bound to spread cheer amongst car buyers. Remember Hyundai’s BlueLink technology that debuted in the Venue earlier this year? Well, the refreshed Elantra will boast the same as well, making it the first of its kind to gain the “connected car” tag. The company claims that a total of 34 features, out of which ten are India exclusive, will be part of the BlueLink package. A total of seven categories – Safety, Security, Remote, Vehicle Relationship Management, Location-based Services, Alert Services and Artificial Intelligence – rope in all the features.

Bookings for the Elantra facelift commenced on September 25, 2019. Hyundai is offering it in four trim levels – S, SX, Auto SX and Auto SX (O). What that means is that there are two variants with a manual and an automatic transmission each. Both those gearboxes have six forward speeds, and they harness 150hp/192Nm from the 2.0-litre engine. All derivatives will be available in five colour options – Phantom Black, Marina Blue, Fiery Red, Polar White and Typhoon Silver.

With its striking looks, updated kit and a cleaner powertrain, the Elantra facelift will trouble the likes of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis and the Skoda Octavia. Do you think the BS6 badge and the BlueLink tech will enable the sedan to snatch some market share from similarly priced SUVs?