Hyundai is all set to launch its new hatchback in October, which is code named as AH2 and it is going to be positioned between Eon and Grandi10. The company recently launched a NaamKaran (naming) online campaign on 16th August so that the participants can suggest names for their upcoming hatchback and they are aggressively promoting the campaign in dealerships and social media.
The company received more than 1.5 lakh replies and it is expected to touch 5 lakhs by 15th September.
Senior General Manager and Group Head, Puneet Anand confirmed that “Santro” name has emerged as the favorite among contestants. The Santro made its debut in India in 1998 and it is the model that helped the company in establishing the brand in the market. The model was very popular for its tall boy design and interior space. The AH2 hatchback is also going to follow the same footsteps as the model will get tall boy design like its predecessor.
The CEO of the company has already confirmed that the new hatchback will be taller and wider than i10, which was discontinued in the Indian market last year. The interior design look will be inspired from Grand i10 and it will have features like touchscreen infotainment system, multi-function steering wheel, cooled glove box, rear parking sensors and more.
The company has given flat floor at rear with integrated headrest on lower spec models and removable headrest in higher specification model. We also expect that the company might add distance to empty and real-time mileage indicator in the MID screen. Also, the instrument cluster gets a similar design like Grand i10 with speedometer, tachometer, fuel, gauge and engine temperature.
The Santro will be powered by a 1.1 L Epsilon petrol engine with 68 hp and 1.2 L Kappa engine from Grandi10. These engines will be mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and Santro will be the first model from the company to come with AMT transmission. The company is expected to price the new Santro between INR 3.5 lakh and INR 6.Lakh.
