Hyundai is currently evaluating various options for a possible replacement of the Santro Xing hatchback. However, the Korean car marker doesn't want to deviate from the popular and space-efficient ‘tall-boy’ design formula that continues to be the unique selling proposition of this car.
According to sources, Hyundai is studying the feasibility of launching the Kia Ray compact hatchback in India. Kia Motors is Hyundai’s sister company that sells cars in many global markets, however the Kia brand is not yet present in India. Also, the Kia Ray hatchback is sold exclusively in Korea at present. However, it fits the ‘tall-boy’ brief perfectly, with a tall, boxy profile akin to that of Maruti’s Wagon R and comes closest to matching the Santro’s ‘tall-boy’ concept. As of now, the Ray is sold in Korea with a 105bhp, 998cc petrol motor but if this model were to come to India, it would most likely to be powered by Hyundai’s 1.2 litre Kappa engine.
However, launching a Kia product in India has its own set of complications. Despite being sister brands, Hyundai and Kia are vicious rivals and there are rumours that Kia Motors itself has been considering entering the Indian market alongside Hyundai in which case it would keep the Ray to itself. If the Ray were to be sold with a Hyundai badge, Kia is likely to charge Hyundai a hefty royalty which may make the Ray’s pricing uncompetitive.
It’s difficult to predict if and when the Ray would make it to Indian showrooms but what’s clear is that Hyundai eventually will have to discontinue the Santro in favour of more modern products
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It’s been 15 years since the original Hyundai Santro was launched in India and though the entry-level hatchback still continues to find buyers, it is getting a bit long in the tooth now and a replacement is long overdue.