Ravishing Cars |

The Hyundai i10 may have a name that seems more like a residential address than a car name, but it sure is a star performer. Its compact proportions, best in class cabin and refined engine give the i10 all the features of a premium hatchback. Hyundai now wants to take the i10 package a step further so that the competition can continue playing catch up. The Kappa’s engine was originally developed as a 1248cc engine for the export market, but for India Hyundai has reduced the size 1.2 litres in order to avail of the excise benefits enjoyed by small cars to 1197cc. The engine is also built to meet ever tightening global emission norms. Hyundai will also offer this engine on the soon to be launched i20 hatchback the next gen Getz. The engine develops a generous 79bhp, which is 16bhp over the regular 1.1 Epsilon engine that the i10shares with the Santro and Getz.

The Elantra is one car in Hyundai India’s portfolio that has not met with its due in India, largely because of its positioning and features. And Hyundai has been trying to work this one out for sometime. Earlier this year, it displayed the Elantra Avante the version that is sold in the US markets at the Auto Expo to gauge the response, which was lukewarm to say the least. Mainly because the Avante also had conservative and dated looks, which weren’t enough to take on the Octavia, Optra and the later the Civic. Elegant lines that are reminiscent of a distinct European styling and interiors that are completely refurbished. It is 170mm wider and 65mm taller than its predecessor. The makeover starts right in the front with a full-fledged, horizontally split chrome grille replacing the vertical slats. Complementing that are the pullback headlamps, a style that is now almost the order of the day, while ORVMs now get ontegrated turn indicators, lending a more upmarket feel.

Jetta – You get a choice of two engine options a 1.6 litre 102bhp petrol engine along with a 1.9 litre 103 bhp diesel engine. The petrol motor cannot hold a candle to the Honda Civic for refinement. However, the engine pulls well from most speeds, while delivering plenty of shove from the mid range of the rev band, making it a good car to drive around town. The crisp gearbox is a delight to use as well. The other engine option, the 1.9 litre diesel, is shared with the Skoda Laura. The engine responds well to throttle inputs from as low as 1200 rpm, which makes this a good engine for city driving. The best of the power seems to be between 2000-3500rpm, so keeping the engine in this range will surely be a rewarding experience. But, just like Skoda Laura, the Jetta’s motor tends to become noisy as the revs mount up, something that you won’t appreciate in a car that costs this much