LEADING CAR makers Hyundai Motors will soon be rolling out Hyundai Avante in India, which will replace its mid-size sedan Elantra. Avante was earlier showcased at the 2008 Auto Expo in Delhi. Hyundai Avante will be available in both petrol and diesel version. The petrol variant is powered by a 2.0 litre engine, whereas the diesel variant will be equipped with a 1.6 litre engine.

Avante will carry a price tag ranging from Rs 9 to 11 lakhs and is expected to hit the Indian roads by the end of July 2008. Hyundai Avante will be a tough competition for Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Optra, and Skoda Octavia.

Hyundai Elantra was launched in earlier in 2003. But the production was stopped by mid-2007. Avante has already replaced Elantra globally and now it is expected to sparkle the Indian roads too.

Hyundai Motors is the second largest car manufacturer in India. The company has already taken over the small car segment and is in full swing to attack larger cars. Recently, Hyundai Motors introduced Tucson in India, which a compact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from the luxury car segment.