More spy images of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra facelift testing in India

We've know for quite some time now that Hyundai India is readying a facelift for the Hyundai Elantra for India. These pictures show that testing could possibly be on its final legs and a launch of the new Grand i10 soon after, can be expected.

The car gets a fairly substantial styling upgrade for a mid-cycle refresh. The front-end design is much more angular now. The sharp triangular LED headlamps and the new larger trapezoidal grille are the major changes. The front bumper and fog lamps too have been updated to reflect this new design theme, as visible in these photos.

In profile, there don't seem to be major changes other than a new alloy wheel design internationally, the test mule seen here seems to be running smaller, higher profile tyres with more conservative styling. The rear again has had a lot of work done to it in the same angular theme. There is a new bootlid, new tail lamps and a bumper that now incorporates the number plate housing. The tail lamps look especially detailed with new angular LED elements.

The interiors get a minor refresh with a new steering wheel, a new pattern for the gauges, chrome inserts for the air con vents and a new layout for the climate control buttons. A new infotainment system and wireless phone charging round off the changes on the inside.

Significantly, the international spec car gets a host of safety features with this new upgrade. These include a forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning with active lane control and rear cross traffic alert. But these will most likely be given a miss for India, to keep costs in check.

Engine options will most likely be carried over from the previous car. This means that the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol motor with 152PS/192Nm and the 1.6-litre diesel 128PS/260Nm continue as is. Transmission options are a 6-speed manual and automatic.

Internationally, the Elantra is also available with a 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol motor which put out 130PS and 204PS.

The new edgy styling will aggressively compete with the upcoming Honda Civic, as well as established rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia. The new car will likely build on the qualities of good features and engine refinement of the earlier car, but it would do good to improve on the ride and handling package of the last car.

Spy image source: Rushlane