The Hyundai AH2 has a tall-boy design as evident
from spy shots of test mules. Expect the front end to feature the company's
signature cascading grille. The high mounted fog lamps up front, and dual tone
bumper with a prominent black insert at the rear add character to the design. A
slight kink in the window line positioned just below the B-pillar can also be
seen in spy pictures.
Hyundai will utilize the HA platform of the first
generation i10 as the foundations of the new hatchback. The Hyundai AH2 will
not be using the cheaper PA chassis that underpins the Hyundai Eon to comply
with forthcoming safety regulations.
Under the hood, the Hyundai AH2 will feature the
1,086 cc 4-cylinder Epsilon engine that powered the Santro Xing, reports
Autocar India. It will be retuned and could produce added power and torque
while complying with strict emission norms.
The upcoming hatchback debuts Hyundai's AMT
technology. The company has already confirmed this development. It will be a
5-speed unit that will soon serve other compact Hyundai vehicles. Manual
variants will use a 5-speed gearbox.
As per a report from May, the AH2 will get a Grand
i10-like steering wheel with controls for audio and phone, black and beige
finish, fixed headrest seats, and power window controls placed behind the gear
lever. While report mention the absence of a touchscreen, Autocar claims that
there is likely to be one in the top-end grade.
As mentioned earlier, a modified version of the
Hyundai i10's HA platform will be used to comply with the upcoming new safety
regulations. Dual front airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors will be standard
safety features.
Speaking about the new hatchback, Y K Koo, MD &
CEO of HMIL, revealed that it would be bigger and wider than the Santro. This
should translate to increased interior space. Dimensions could be similar to
the first generation i10, which for reference measured 3,585 mm long, 1,595 mm
wide, and 1,550 mm tall.
Although unconfirmed, several reports have indicated
that the AH2 will revive the Hyundai Santro nameplate in India. Several
publications, as well as workers at HMIL's Tamil Nadu plant, have taken to
calling it the 'new Santro.'
The company has confirmed that it will be launched
in the second half of 2018. According to a report from March, the launch of the
Hyundai AH2 will take place this August. Autocar says that the hatchback will
replace the 7-year old Hyundai Eon. However, it will be priced a little higher.
As per estimates, prices will fall in the INR 3-5 lakhs range (ex-showroom).
Rivals of the new Hyundai Santro include the Tata Tiago, Maruti Alto K10,
Maruti Celerio, and the Maruti Wagon R. 1.0 L variants of the Renault Kwid may
be potential rivals as well.
