AMT variants of 2018 Hyundai Santro could account for nearly 30% sales - Report

11/08/2018 - 10:05 | ,   | Anjan Ravi

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.

Hyundai AH2 (2019 Hyundai Santro) IAB rendering
The AH2 is reported to bring back the Santro name albeit with a suffix. Seen here is our artist's rendering of what the car could look like.

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.

2018 Hyundai Santro (Hyundai AH2) rear three quarters right side spy shot
The main rival for the AH2 is the Maruti Wagon R, followed closely by the Tata Tiago and Renault Kwid.

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]

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