In an interview with Autocar India, Mr. Y K Koo, Managing Director & CEO - Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), says that the company expects AMT variants of the upcoming Hyundai AH2 (codename) to account for 20-30 percent sales of the hatchback. Hyundai will start a campaign on August 16, inviting the public to choose a name for the newest Hyundai. Reports suggest HMIL will bring back the 'Santro' name with a suffix.
Further, Mr. Koo states that the rural Indian market will be "important" for the AH2 and the QXi sub-4 meter SUV. HMIL is banking on its quality and aftersales support as being key drivers for first time car buyers to choose these products.
The market launch of the 2018 Hyundai Santro will take place towards end-October. However, it will be revealed to the media on October 4. The hatchback is reported to be based on Hyundai's HA platform which underpinned the previous generation Hyundai i10.
On the powertrain front, reports state that the AH2 will use an updated version of the Santro Xing's 1.1-liter engine which made 63 PS and 98 Nm of torque on the older car. A 5-speed manual or AMT (which will be branded 'Smart Auto') will drive the front wheels.
Also read: Next-gen Hyundai i10 & Hyundai i20 likely next beneficiaries of new Santro's AMT
HMIL will target the Maruti Wagon R, Tata Tiago and top-end variants of the Renault Kwid with the AH2. The Hyundai Eon, which currently serves as the company's entry-level product, will reportedly be discontinued this December as there are no plans to upgrade it for future emissions and crash test norms.
[Source - Youtube.com]
