Could the new Hyundai Santro 2018 become a potential game changer in the compact hatchback space? Will the next-generation model match its predecessor’s success and fame? We try to find out in this detailed report.
Hyundai is all set to launch the next-generation Santro in India by the end of this year. So far, the automaker has been completely mute about the details regarding this vehicle. Nevertheless, our expectations from the latest iteration of this compact hatchback are quite high. We believe that the 2018 Santro is going to have all the capabilities to potentially become a game changer in its segment.
One of the biggest advantage that the new Santro is going to have over its competition is its looks. It will have its exterior profile in-line with Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language. This means that the Hyundai Santro 2018’s exterior design will have a perfect blend of sporty credentials and modern premium styling.
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Another major point in favour of the next-gen Hyundai Santro is going to be its interiors. Hyundai is known to provide good quality interiors, even in its entry-level vehicles. Consequently, the material quality of various cabin elements is going to be comparatively better than its competition. Furthermore, the 2018 Santro will underpin the same platform as that of the current generation i10. Which means that the space on the inside is going to be quite adequate for 4 average sized adults.
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In addition to this, on the kit front, the Santro is likely to mask all its rivals. Expect even the base variant to come with power windows and air-conditioning. The top-end variants are likely to have a very long feature list. These could include LED tail-time running lights, automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system, seat height adjuster, electrically operated ORVM to name a few. Furthermore, the 2018 Santro is also going to score better than its previous model in terms of safety. It will have dual airbags and ABS with EBD as standard across the range.
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We do not expect a drastic change in the engine specifications of the 2018 Santro. It is likely to come with the same 1.1-litre, petrol engine from the i10. This will pump out 70 BHP of power along with 100 Nm of peak torque. This figure is marginally higher than its competitor, the Maruti WagonR. The engine is going to get a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard across the range. In addition to this, the new Santro will also have an automatic gearbox in its line-up. This could either be an AMT unit or the same torque converter that we see on the Grand i10.
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Hyundai has always kept the prices of its products very competitive. Expect the 2018 Hyundai Santro to launch in India with a price tag in-between INR 3.5 lakh to INR 5.5 Lakh.