Forgotten Hyundai cars & SUVs of India: From Terracan to Sonata

Hyundai has had a strong presence in the Indian market for over 2 decades. It has become one of the leading car manufacturers in India, capturing the hearts of many customers. While Hyundai has introduced several successful vehicles, there are some models that have faded from people’s memory. Here are a few Hyundai cars and SUVs that were once available in the market but are now rarely remembered.

Hyundai Getz

forgotten Hyundai Getz

Introduced in 2005, the Getz was available in both petrol and diesel engine options. With its unique design and powerful 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine, it initially garnered attention. However, its sales declined after the launch of competitors like the Maruti Swift.

Hyundai Viva

forgotten Hyundai viva

The Viva was a popular mid-size sedan from Hyundai. While some well-kept examples can still be seen on the road today, the Accent Viva, a more affordable version of the Accent, became more appealing to a wider audience. It featured a 1.5-litre diesel engine.

4th Gen Hyundai Elantra

forgotten Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra, a premium sedan from Hyundai, went through several updates and facelifts. However, the fourth generation did not meet expectations and did not perform well in the market.

Hyundai Sonata Gold

forgotten Hyundai sonata gold

The Sonata Gold was Hyundai’s luxury sedan and the most expensive sedan in their lineup at the time. It showcased Mercedes-Benz E-Class inspired headlamps. However, it faced tough competition from the likes of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry and did not perform as expected.

Hyundai Sonata Embera

forgotten Hyundai sonata embera

The Sonata Embera replaced the Sonata Gold with a more modern design and additional features. Unfortunately, it struggled to attract buyers due to its high pricing. It performed even worse than its predecessor, the Sonata Gold.

Hyundai Sonata Fluidic

forgotten Hyundai sonata fluidic

Despite the previous disappointments with the Sonata lineup, Hyundai did not give up and launched the Sonata Fluidic in 2012. However, like its predecessors, the high price tag of Rs 18 lakh deterred potential buyers, resulting in lackluster sales.

1st gen Hyundai Tucson

forgotten Hyundai Tucson

The first generation Tucson, introduced in 2005, did not find much success in the Indian market. At that time, SUVs were not popular among buyers, and the hefty price tag further hampered its appeal. The odd and bulky design of the SUV could have also contributed to its underperformance.

Hyundai Terracan

forgotten Hyundai terracan

Hyundai launched the Terracan as a competitor to the Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner in India. Despite its loaded features and powerful 2.9-litre diesel engine, the Terracan failed to make a mark in the market. The lackluster reception could be attributed to various factors.

2nd gen Hyundai Santa Fe

forgotten Hyundai 2nd gen tucson

The second generation Santa Fe was introduced in India as a CBU (completely built-up unit). However, at that time, Hyundai was not known as a brand for SUVs, and customers still associated the brand with smaller cars like the Santro. The Santa Fe, with its similar features to the Toyota Fortuner, was considered overpriced by buyers.

3rd gen Hyundai Santa Fe

forgotten Hyundai 3rd gen tucson

The third generation Santa Fe fared better than its predecessor. The fluidic design and extensive features did attract a decent number of buyers. However, it could never gain the market share of the Toyota Fortuner, which continues to dominate the segment despite its high price tag.

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