Hyundai’s New Hatchback!

Hyundai’s new hatchback is waiting to be named on the 4th of October. The name will be a “Santro” but it will get a suffix, in the same way ‘Xing’ followed the moniker on the facelifted version of the original car. Hyundai will launch a contest in India on August 16 inviting suggestions for the model’s full name. The Santro is the car that established Hyundai in India and Nepal, even today, the name enjoys strong brand equity and recall. Christening the new model Santro has financial implications as well as it could save Hyundai big money that would have been spent on establishing an all-new nameplate. The new Hyundai will come in as a replacement for the Eon.

The car is expected to boast a premium cabin in its materials and fit-finish. The model will be powered by an updated version of the Santro Xing’s 1.1-litre petrol engine with a BS-VI emission norms-compliant version of the unit being readied for 2020. The new hatchback will also be the first Hyundai to be offered with the option of an automated manual transmission based on a five-speed gearbox.

The small car will be a new offering in the budget segment that’s not seen much action of late. Rivals for the new model will include the Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 and the Tata Tiago.

For more on the new Santro, stick with us.