As Hyundai gets closer to the launch of the AH2 hatchback (most likely to be called the Santro) more details about the same have started to pour in. As per certain internal sources, Hyundai will stock-up at least 15k units of the upcoming hatchback, ahead of its launch. All these 15,000 units of the new Hyundai Santro are expected to be delivered to customers before Diwali 2018.
Talking about features, Hyundai is expected to provide ABS, rear-parking sensors and dual-air bags as standard across the range. Top variant is also expected to receive a touch-screen infotainment unit. A dash-mounted gear lever is also a possibility however there is no confirmation on the same.
Multiple spy-shots have already revealed that the Santro will sport a tall-boy design, much like its predecessor, the Eon and the original Santro. Power is expected to be drawn from a 4 cylinder 1.1-litre petrol engine which has powered Hyundai cars in the past.
The petrol burner will be mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and will also see an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) setup – a first for any Hyundai car in India. Hyundai will call it the Smart Auto.
Currently, Hyundai has the Eon in the segment which has been managing around 4k sales monthly. However, its closest competitors, Maruti WagonR, Celerio and Tata Tiago bring in around 14k, 8k and 8k sales (respectively) for their companies. Hyundai believes that the new product will help it to bring in additional sales volumes which the Eon wasn’t able to deliver.
Hyundai is expected to reveal the exact name of the car on 9th October 2018 where inputs from Hyundai’s Naamkaran contest shall make significant contribution. In case you have a suggestion for Hyundai, you can still drop the same at their website as entries are open till 25th September 2018. Prices for the 2018 Santro are expected to start around the Rs 3.5 lakh mark and might get extend upto Rs 5 lakh for the top-end variant.
