Hyundai AH2 (Hyundai Santro) is set to follow the same tall boy stance of the Maruti WagonR. It will be positioned below the Grand i10 in the company lineup. Based on the new HA platform, the small car is all set for a launch in India on the 23rd October. The car has now been spotted at a dealer workshop, where it seems to have arrived for mechanic training. These are the first undisguised photos of the new Santro.
The launch of the new Hyundai Santro is particularly noteworthy. Firstly, the company will once again bring in the Santro brand name in India. It may be remembered that the Hyundai Santro was a big attraction in its earlier avatar and was a favorite among buyers in search of a compact family car.
Secondly, the new Hyundai Santro will be positioned in a space currently commanded by the Maruti WagonR, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid. This segment also sees the Tata Tiago and Maruti Celerio receiving much attention among buyers and the new Santro will be a new rival.
2018 Hyundai Santro will sport a signature cascading grille, swept back headlamps and large tail lamps. It will not be seen with alloy wheels and instead get steel wheels so as to keep costs down. Interiors will get a black and beige color scheme with fabric upholstery.
In terms of features, the Santro hatchback will get a 3 spoke steering wheel with steering mounted audio controls, a twin pod instrument cluster with an MID unit, touchscreen infotainment could be restricted to top end variants while safety features ABS, EBD and dual airbags will be standard across all variants.
Though engine details have not yet been revealed, an updated BS VI compliant 1.0 liter, 4 cylinder petrol engine is what could make its way onto the hatchback. This engine was seen on the earlier generation Hyundai i10 offering 68 bhp power and 99 Nm torque which could be tweaked for added power and torque on the Santro. The engine will be mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox and as a first for any Hyundai car, an automated manual transmission is also expected.