Among the talking points of the 2019 Hyundai Santro, which will launch on 23 October, will be an indigenously developed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that will be marketed as 'Smart Auto'. As per a new report on Autocar India, the AMT will be put into use in the 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 and 2020 Hyundai Xcent.

Earlier this year, Hyundai replaced the 4-speed automatic transmission in the i20 with a newly-developed CVT. In the Grand i10 and Xcent, a low-cost and more frugal 5-speed AMT will replace this aged torque converter. However, that should happen only with the full model change.

The 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 has already been spotted testing on a few occasions. It will feature several new styling cues coming from bigger global models. At the front-end, it will flaunt the latest version of the signature cascading grille. Below the redesigned headlamps, there should be triangular foglamp housings similar to the ones on the 2019 Elantra.

On the sides, the 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 will feature a rising beltline and B-pillars similar to the ones on the current generation. Much like the present iteration, the next generation should have a longer wheelbase than the Euro-spec version and a slightly different design. Safely expect the new model to offer best-in-segment features, including a floating type touchscreen infotainment unit, multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, rear AC vents and cooled glove compartment. All of these will be carried over to the 2020 Hyundai Xcent, which will be the compact sedan derivative of the new model.

Powering the 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 and the 2020 Hyundai Xcent will be an updated, BSVI-compliant version of the 83 PS 1.2-litre Kappa four-cylinder petrol engine. The 2019 Hyundai Grand i10 and 2020 Hyundai Elite i20 will be in compliance with the stricter safety norms that will come into effect from July 2019. Standard safety net across all the trims will comprise a driver-side airbag, ABS, reverse parking sensors, driver and co-driver SBR, speed alert system, speed-sensing door lock and impact-sensing door lock.

The 2019 Hyundai Grand i10's launch is said to take place in October 2019. The 2020 Hyundai Xcent may follow a couple months later.