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.