Confirmed: Hyundai's Small Car To Be Called Santro

Hyundai is set to launch a new entry-level hatchback by Diwali this year, Mr Y. K. Koo, CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd has confirmed in an interview. It is also confirmed that the new hatchback will be called the Santro, unless someone can come up with a better name for it by September 2018.

The Santro name is a hark back to the first ever model launched by the company in India back in 1998 and should rekindle fond memories for many people for whom it was the first car their family ever owned. The new Santro (codenamed the AH2) will compete against segment stalwarts like the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and the Tata Tiago.

Hyundai has high hopes for the new Santro, with the company targeting monthly sales of around 8000 units consistently after launch. While this will not give the folks at Maruti much to worry about, Tata will have to sharpen its sword for the eventual tussle for the second-best spot.

Surprisingly, Hyundai will continue to sell the Eon alongside the new Santro even if in small numbers. This was a tactic we thought the company has long given up, but it seems there is enough demand for the Eon (even if it sells only around 5000 units a month currently) to justify this move.

Technical specs were completely revealed but we know that the new Santro will be powered by only a petrol motor - specifically a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder unit. Transmission options available will include both a manual and a company-first AMT. We know that the car shares some bits from the Grand i10 including the steering, front unibody seats and ORVMs. Expect the new Santro to be above par in terms of interior quality, fit-and-finish and equipment levels and give the competition nightmares.