It was earlier reported widely that Hyundai will have a media preview of the AH2 (codename) small car on October 4. However, IAB understands that the date for the screening in Chennai could be a few days earlier or later of the said date. The Hyundai AH2 will launch in the market in the end of October.
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) recently launched the 'Hyundai naamkaran' contest. As a part of this contest, the company invites suggestions for the name of the AH2 small car. As per reports, the winning entry will be added as a suffix to the 'Santro' nameplate, though Hyundai is not ready to confirm this yet. The media and Hyundai customers have suggested bringing back the name to YK Koo, MD & CEO of Hyundai India.
Underpinning the 2018 Hyundai Santro will be the last generation i10's HA platform. The new Santro will be a smaller model than the Grand i10, and will be available with a petrol engine only. The 2018 Santro will be the company's first product to feature an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). Hyundai will market the five-speed AMT as 'Smart Auto'.
Powering the Hyundai AH2 will be a new version of the Santro Xing's 1.1-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine. The engine offered a maximum power of 63 PS along with a peak torque of 98 Nm on the Xing. The performance figures are likely to see a revision for the 2018 Santro. The engine will be available with a 5-speed manual transmission by default. The fully-loaded variant should offer features like front and rear electric windows, Bluetooth-enabled audio system, alloy wheels, and rear wash-wipe. The new 2018 Hyundai Santro will offer dual front airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors as standard safety features.
Also read: EV variants of Hyundai compact SUV and sedan under study for India - Report
The 2018 Hyundai Santro will rival the likes of the Renault Kwid 1.0, Maruti Wagon R, and the Tata Tiago. Hyundai India is reportedly planning to replace the future-unready Eon with the Hyundai AH2.
