Next-gen Hyundai Santro spied testing in India

Hyundai first introduced the Santro in India in 1998 and it remained on sale until 2015. The company now plans to reintroduce the popular brand in India

A few years after Hyundai entered the Indian market, the company introduced the Santro – a car that set the stage for the brand in India. The tall boy was launched in India in 1998 and remained in production for 16 years before Hyundai pulled the plug on it in 2015. Last year, Hyundai announced their intention to bring back the Santro moniker to the shop floors. Our enthusiastic friend recently spotted the next-gen Hyundai Santro testing and was kind enough to share the images with us.

The test mule that was spotted was heavily camouflaged and we can’t quite decipher the details from them. Similar to the previous generation model, this one too has as tall a stance. This should allow for more head room for passengers at the back. Moreover, the large greenhouse will result in an airy cabin. The headlights seem large and pulled back, and the bonnet, like before is stubby. The model that was spotted testing was fitted with a 7-spoke wheel cap on a steel rim.

Hyundai has been extremely tight-lipped about the details of the new Santro. Keeping in mind that the i10 was the spiritual successor to the Santro and the former has now been discontinued, the Korean car maker intends the new Santro to slot between the entry-level Eon and the Grand i10. There is no official confirmation about the engine options that the next-gen Santro will come with.  However, recent rumours suggest that it will be plonked with a 1.2-litre petrol and diesel motor.

The new Hyundai Santro is likely to go on sale in Diwali. Just prior to the Auto Expo 2018, Hyundai Motor India CEO Y K Koo confirmed the speculation. However, he also mentioned that they are still to take a final call on if this new car will wear the Santro badge.

Image Courtesy: Kopal Gupta