Hyundai Santro AH2: Four Technological Advancements Expected in the Car

Hyundai is all set to launch its latest entrant, expected to be called Hyundai Santro AH2, into the Indian market this Diwali. Ever since Hyundai announced this launch, speculations regarding the car have barraged the market. The car is pegged to take on other brands already dominant in the B-segment market (larger than cars in the A-segment and smaller than those in the C-segment), like Maruti Suzuki Celerio and Wagon R, Tata Tiago, and Renault Kwid.

Without revealing much, Santro teased a sketch of the car last month and announced a competition called ‘Hyundai Naamkaran’ for naming the car. The winner of the competition will get a Hyundai car; also, gift vouchers worth Rs 1000 each have been promised on the official Hyundai website. The website also mentions something based on the lines of “the modern tall boy concept” hinting at the design of the car and adds that it will be a contemporary family car.  According to a report on NDTV Auto, pre-bookings for the car will start on 10 October and will be accepted until 22 October, a day before the official launch of the car.

Technological Advancements Expected in Hyundai Santro AH2

Hyundai Santro AH2 aims at introducing and standardizing several technological advancements in the small car segment, which will be a first of Hyundai as well. Some of the features expected in the car are as follows:

1. A completely touch-screen infotainment system is expected to be offered in the car.
2. Anti-lock braking system (ABS), technology that prevents skidding and loss of steering control, as well as rear parking sensors would most likely be a standard on Santro AH2.
3. The hatchback will be built on the HA platform from the now discontinued i10 hatchback, a notch higher than the PA platform on Eon, and also be powered by 1.1 liter petrol engine and 4 cylinder motor.
4. It could also be the first time a Hyundai car will offer an automatic manual transmission (AMT) gearbox, which facilitates manual gear changes without the need to use the clutch pedal. This technology is being expected to be called ‘Smart Auto’.

Nevertheless, how many of these features will actually be present in the car can only be confirmed on 23 October with the launch of the car. What will also be seen is how the Hyundai Santro AH2 manages to change the landscape of the small car segment, which according to a survey by Ford, is the favorite in India. The survey mentions that 6 out of 10 car buyers in India want a fuel efficient vehicle, and prefer them when compared to those offering more engine power. Saving money is also a priority amongst Indian buyers, so it would be interesting to see if they go for a the Santro AH2 expected to be priced around Rs 3.5 lakhs. The dominant players in this segment currently are Renault Kwid and Maruti Suzuki Celerio, hence the introduction of a new entrant in this area will surely make things exciting.