What you see here is something that first broke cover in August last year. No points for guessing, it is the mid-life update of the Hyundai Elantra. Now, it is ready to take the game to its rivals in India. The company will launch it on October 3, 2019. However, if you like what you see here, you can reserve one with a minimum token amount of Rs 25,000.

As is the case with almost all mid-life updates, the Elantra facelift is mostly about those redesigned front and rear ends. There is no doubt that the refreshed model looks a lot more striking than the outgoing version.  It has ditched the easy-on-the-eyes style cues for ones that can leave them wide open. For instance, both bumpers are sharper in design, and so are the headlamp and taillamp enclosures. Other changes include a redesigned tailgate and the placement of the number plate. Expect subtle design tweaks inside the cabin too.

The Elantra was never short on creature comforts. And in its refreshed avatar, that list is only expected to expand further. Its standard kit will include rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminder for front occupants and a high-speed warning system. Those will make the model compliant with the recently introduced safety norms.  Other safety gizmos such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD and all four disc brakes will remain part of all variants.

Nothing is expected to change in the mechanical department. Petrol fans will get the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder motor which produces 150hp/192Nm. A 1.6-litre, turbocharged mill with 126hp/260Nm will handle diesel duties. Both engines will be available with the choice of a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. Dial-in some optimism and we might get both those powerplants in BS6-ready form.

Once launched, the Hyundai Elantra facelift will renew rivalry with the Toyota Corolla Altis, Skoda Octavia and the Honda Civic. Do you think the Elantra will do enough to fuel the fading fire in its segment?