New Santro to be launched within a month

From our Media Partners: MOTOROIDS

Hyundai�s ideal �first car� for masses is about get completely refreshed to cope not only with the intensifying competition but to also gel with the stylish �i�-range of Hyundai cars. Yes, we are talking about the Santro � an entry level city car that has been giving the market leaders, Maruti Suzuki a run for their money!

Hyundai was all set to launch the new car during the festive season in India; however with labor unions going of a strike and related problems cropping up, the Korean carmaker had to hold the car back. However, Hyundai is now all set to launch the refreshed Santro and there are some interesting bits on offer. It goes without saying that the car will find a spot below the i10 on the portfolio and will replace the current model completely.

The exteriors will boast of new headlights which will follow a swept-back design flow to gel with the likes of the i10 and i20. The taillights on the other hand, will follow a similar �stacked-up� format much similar to the current Santro Xing. While the entry level car will continue to use matte black bumpers, mirrors, radiator grille, door handles and scratch guards, the higher end variants will get body coloured units along with other equipment like fog lamps, roof spoiler and mud-flaps. The interiors on the other hand will remain similar to recently refreshed trim in the outgoing model.


Inside in the engine bay will be the 1.1-litre Epsilon petrol engine which will also spawn CNG and LPG variants. We are however speculating that the new Santro might also introduce the 1.1-litre CRDi diesel powerplant before it finds its way into the i10 as well. The inclusion of a frugal diesel engine in the entry level city car segment will mean a major blow to Maruti Suzuki � precisely what Hyundai to want to do at this stage.


Hyundai will stick to the �ideal first car� image of the Santro and will price in competitively to increase its market share. But at the same time it will leave enough room for the upcoming 800cc city car to positioned competitively. We are expecting the new Santro to be launched by the end of this month, unless the Chennai-based headquarters decide to post pone it for an illustrious launch at the 2010 Auto Expo. Stay tuned!