Hyundai Santro small car launch timeline & price range revealed

The managing director of Hyundai India, YK Koo, has revealed key details about the all-new Santro hatchback. The car,  which is code-named the AH2, is likely to feature the Santro nameplate as this is a demand that dealers and customers  have. Also, it will be launched during Diwali 2018, and is likely to be shown at the 2018 Indian Auto Expo as a  concept. Both petrol and petrol-CNG dual fuel options will be offered with the new Santro.

The car will be priced between Rs. 3-4 lakhs. It will be a Hyundai i10 replacement, and may sit slightly above the  Eon in terms of positioning. In terms of size, the car will be wider and taller than the i10. While a manual gearbox  will be offered as standard, the new car will also have an AMT option. This will make it the first Hyundai car in  India to be sold with an automated manual transmission – a technology that delivers convenience and mileage at a very  affordable cost.

Here’s word from the MD of Hyundai India,

Santro name is a possibility but the company is yet to take a final call on the matter. It would be launched near  Diwali this year. So we will take a final call on the Santro badge at around that time. However, I must admit that we  are under a lot of pressure from dealers, customers and market to bring back the Santro brand.

After phasing out the Santro Xing and i10 models from the Indian market, Hyundai has struggled to keep pace with  rivals in the Indian entry-level hatchback market, which is dominated by the likes of the Maruti Alto and the Renault  Kwid. The Hyundai Eon, although a decent seller, has now become dated and is no longer at the top of buyers’ lists.  The arrival of the new Santro is expected to change this and make Hyundai a very desirable brand even in the entry level hatchback segment.

Via MoneyControl