September 23 could be the date of the new Santro’s official launch as it was when the original Santro came into picture twenty years ago
Hyundai kick started the year with the updated Elite i20 in February and since then no launches have happened from the South Korean company. Instead, all eyes are peeled on the upcoming small hatchback that is more likely to be christened Santro. It will be positioned between the Eon and top-selling Grand i10 and is expected to throw a major rivalry to some of the established entry-level models like Tata Tiago and Renault Kwid.
The Santro name is nothing but nostalgic and the tall hatch ensured a strong foothold for Hyundai in India and it paved the way for the brand becoming second largest automaker in the country with brilliant haul of consistent sales figures. Hyundai is celebrating two decades of presence in India and has been running a lively campaign and it could have something to do with the arrival of new Santro.
The all-new model was expected to grace the market in August but our patience will likely be tested for another month, as September appears to be the probable launch time. In India, brand perception plays a key role in the success of a particular model, no matter how good the actual dynamics is.
With Santro being a household name already, there is little in the way of doubt that Hyundai could pull off another volume seller in the VFM-based mass segment. Several media reports suggest that September 23 could be the date of the official launch as it was when the original Santro came into the fore twenty years ago. Moreover, Hyundai could evoke more customer interest with a nostalgic nameplate and it will be a right move ahead of the festive season with buying sentiments on full swing.
The recent spy pictures of the new Santro go on to showcase the near production capability of the vehicle. Despite being hidden under the camouflage, it appears to come grafted with latest Hyundai design philosophy as cascading front grille, sharp nose section and sporty rear end are expected to be part of the equation.
Hyundai will price the forthcoming Santro aggressively against competitors as starting price of Rs. 3.5 lakh for base model and Rs. 6 lakh (ex-showroom) for top-spec variant are expected. It will get powered by a small capacity petrol engine and will be the first Hyundai to feature AMT in its lineup.