Hyundai Santro could soon be back, unveil possible at 2018 Auto Expo

Hyundai launched the new Verna in India yesterday and at the event, the company has confirmed that they are planning to introduce a brand new compact hatchback. While Hyundai hasn't confirmed this, we believe that the new hatchback is likely to come with the Santro moniker around mid-2018. Earlier in March too, we had reported that Hyundai might launch the new hatchback with the Santro nameplate in India soon. Before the Hyundai Santro was discontinued in 2015, it was for long one of the most successful and popular models in the company's lineup. Hence, it makes sense for the company to relaunch the Santro brand in the country. When launched, the new Hyundai Santro will be positioned between the Eon and Grand i10 in the company's portfolio as the company has discontinued the i10.

As speculated, the new Hyundai Santro compact hatchback is expected to be powered by a 1.1 litre iRDE that will make about 62 hp of maximum power. The same engine also powered the Santro Xing. The carmaker is also expected to launch the car with a 1.2 litre Kappa petrol engine. The engines are likely to be mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Considering the demand and popularity for the automatic transmission in India, the company may launch some variants of the Santro with an automatic gearbox.

If the Santro is launched again, expect it to look radically different from the old Santro, both in and out. Information about the car is very little but the Hyundai Santro could get a touchscreen infotainment unit as cars like the Kwid from a segment below too have it now. The hatchback will also get safety equipment such as dual front airbags and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard since soon these will become mandatory.

The new Hyundai Santro is expected to be priced around Rs 4 lakh, ex-showroom and will rival against the likes of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR and Tata Tiago. The company might also showcase the car in production version at the upcoming 2018 Auto Expo and launch it around the middle of 2018.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd.