New Hyundai Santro: Everything we know so far!

The all new Hyundai Santro (codenamed AH2) is all set to be unveiled in a few hours from now and we can already see faces light up with excitement. Though the car will be officially launched later on, today will be the day when we all get a hands-on view of the car. Bookings for the car will be commencing from 10th October, 2018. The official launch is on the 23rd of October. So before the company reveals the car officially, let’s take a look at all the things we know about the car till now.

Will be based on the old i10 platform

The new Santro will be based on last generation Hyundai i10. That said, the car will be larger in size compare to the i10 and also much plusher. The design and components will also be new and meet the current standards.

Automatic option

Hyundai will be equipping the new Santro with an AMT transmission as is the new norm in the hatchback segment. The Santro will be the first ever car by the company in India to feature an AMT transmission. It will certainly boost the car’s sales as many are now preferring automatics over manual.

Cng Variant

The company has also planned a CNG variant of the car given the demand of CNG powered cars in many parts of the country. With the pricing done right, this variant could be a hit with taxi operators and other cost conscious people.

Powered by i10’s updated 1.1 litre engine

The new Santro will be getting its heart from the old Santro and i10. The 1.1-litre four-cylinder Epsilon engine however will be updated to meet the upcoming BS VI emission norms and will probably produce more power. This 1.1 litre motor was a smooth running unit and if rightly optimised, will again prove its worth in the new car.

Many segment first features

Hyundai has been toiling hard to make the Santro an excellent car and claim the sales crown from Maruti Suzuki. Therefore, the car will come with many segment first features to make it stand out. The features include a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (on higher variants), along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There are also  rear AC vent along with parking cameras present on the car, which again is unique for the segment.

Eon replacement

The upcoming new Santro will act as a replacement car for the current Eon. The Eon, though a good car at its time, has been running a bit long in the tooth and also does not meet the upcoming stringent safety and emission norms. Hence, it’s the right call by the company to call the Eon off.

India to be first market

Before launching the car anywhere else in the world, Hyundai will launch the new Santro in India first. India is one of the biggest markets for the company globally and hence the response it will get here for the car will help shape its future policies and improvements for the rest of the world.

BNVSAP and BS VI compliant

The government has already introduced strict rules for auto manufacturers to follow, both in terms of safety as well as emission. The BNSVAP (Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program) and BSVI rules will be implemented soon and the new Santro will comply with both of them. It will come with dual Airbags and ABS as standard across the whole range. Also, expect Hyundai to make rear parking sensors as standard across the range.

Continue to feature tall boy design

The much loved tall boy design of the old Santro will continue to be present on the new car. This particular style segment was created by Hyundai itself back in 1998 and since them, it has become very popular. The new Santro, however, will feature Hyundai’s current Fluidic 2.0 design philosophy, which means that the new car will share styling cues from the i10 and i20.

Launch date

The official date for the launch of the new Santro is slated at 23rd October, 2018. This is in lieu with the company’s policy to maximize sales during the festive season. this year also marks Hyundai’s twenty years in the Indian automotive scene and the first car they launched was the Santro. This, therefore, is the best time to bring the old badge home.