Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has released a sketch
of its upcoming small car codenamed AH2. The hatchback, which is expected to
bring back the 'Santro' name albeit with a suffix, will be revealed to the
media in early October. Its launch will take place towards the end of October
2018.
HMIL says the AH2 is a "Contemporary Family
car", and the sketch reveals a tallboy design akin to the original Santro
from the late 90s. Note the attention to the crease line which slopes downwards
from the rear window and high mounted taillights and a rear spoiler. The AH2 is
a "Modern Tallboy Concept", and its overall design theme is based on
"Rhythmical Tension".
The 2018 Hyundai Santro is based on the Hyundai HA
platform, which underpinned the previous generation i10. However, this
structure has been modernised and toughened to meet future crash test
regulations. The AH2 will be powered by the Santro Xing's 1.1-liter petrol
engine. This unit, which made 63 PS and 98 Nm of torque on the Santro Xing, will
be paired with a 5-speed manual and automated manual transmissions (AMT). This
will be the first Hyundai with an AMT in India, and the technology will be
marketed as 'Smart Auto'.
According to Mr. Y K Koo, Managing Director &
CEO HMIL, the AMT variants of the AH2 are expected to account for 20-30% sales.
Rivals for the 2018 Santro will include the Tata Tiago, Maruti Wagon R and
top-end variants of the Renault Kwid, all these products offer AMTs as well.
With the launch of the 2018 Santro, reports say HMIL
will discontinue the Hyundai Eon by the end of 2018, as there are no plans to
upgrade it to meet future emission and crash regulations.
