UPDATE: New Hyundai Santro revealed ahead of Oct 23 launch

EXCLUSIVE!

The all-new Hyundai Santro – which will have its global unveil tomorrow – has already been partially seen, thanks to a set of leaked images that surfaced on the internet last week.

While a lot is already known about the car, we have also learned that Hyundai is targeting a very aggressive price for the new Santro. According to reliable sources, the model will have a starting price ‘well below Rs 4 lakh’ and the actual figure for the Santro with a 5-speed manual in base trim is expected to be in the region of Rs 3.7 lakh (estimated ex-showroom). Its arch rivals – the Maruti Suzuki Celerio and the Tata Tiago – are priced from Rs 4.21 lakh and Rs 3.40 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi). AMT-equipped Santros are expected to cost Rs 30,000 more than their manual counterparts. The range-topping Santro will have a price tag in the region of Rs 5.4 lakh. Bookings for the new hatchback are scheduled to open on October 10.

While trim-specific details are not known as yet, what is likely to be a bit of a downer is the confirmation that the Santro AMT will not be available in the top-spec trim and will also miss out on some features exclusive to the manual car. However, we can confirm that the Santro AMT will come with the 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Hyundai Santro will come powered by a 1.1-litre petrol engine with power in the region of 63hp. A 5-speed manual gearbox will be standard while an AMT will be offered as an option. The Santro is expected to have an ARAI-tested fuel economy figure of 20.3kpl. Hyundai is also likely to offer a CNG variant right from launch. Maruti offers a CNG option for the Celerio; and there is no factory-fitted CNG available for the Tata Tiago. However, the latter does come with a diesel engine, which is neither available on the Celerio, nor the new Santro.

Hyundai insiders believe the new Santro has all the ingredients to top the class and are confident that the model can pull-in buyers from higher segments, as well. All will become clear when the Santro goes on sale on October 23, 2018.