Hyundai’s iconic brand Santro will soon be revived in India with a small car – codenamed Hyundai AH2. Slated to launch in the last week of October 2018, the new-generation Hyundai Santro (AH2) will face challenge from the Renault Kwid and the Tata Tiago hatchbacks. However, the pricing, design and features of the new Santro will make it a good deal against the Kwid.
Design
The Renault Kwid has always been favoured for its crossover-ish design and stance. Aiming to challenge its segment dominance, Hyundai uses its latest Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language with “Modern Tall Boy” stance in the new Santro. Unlike the old model, the updated one will have SUV-inspired styling bits such as high mounted fog lamps, large sweptback headlamps, pronounced wheel arches and bold creases. The more evolved and mature design will surely appeal its target buyers. Read: 2018 Hyundai Santro – Five Interesting Facts
Based on Tata’s first-generation IMPACT design philosophy, the Tata Tiago looks more contemporary than the Kwid and the new Santro. In fact, the build quality of the Tiago hatch is better than the other two.
Features
Recently, Renault added a few extra features to the Kwid lineup including the first-in-segment 7-inch touchscreen Media NAV system, rear camera, rear ELR (Emergency Locking Retractor), Traffic assist (AMT only), one-touch lane change indicator, digital instrument cluster, pre-sense seat belt pretensioners with load limiters and radio speed dependent volume control. It also offers a class-leading boot space of 300-litrs. Read – Upcoming 4 Hyundai SUVs in India
Hyundai cars have always been known for their feature-loaded and quality interior, and the new Santro won’t be an exception here. The new Hyundai Santro 2018 is likely to get a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If offered, this feature could be reserved for the top-spec trim. The basic audio unit with Bluetooth will be standard across the carline. Check Out – New Hyundai Elantra Pictures & Details
Feature-wise, the Tata Tiago is relatively more loaded than the Kwid. The hatchback comes fitted with ConnectNext infotainment system by Harman, Smartphone based TBT navigation, MID with distance to empty features, 8 speaker audio system and more. Safety features such as dual airbags, ABS with EBD and corner stability control are also on-board.
Engine
Engine setup of the Renault Kwid includes two petrol units – a 0.8L and 1.0L – with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Easy-R transmission is available only with the 1.0L (1000cc) variant. The new Hyundai Santro 2018, on the other hand, could be offered with a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine paired to a new AMT (automated manual transmission). It will be the first Hyundai vehicle to get an AMT gearbox. Read – Hyundai Carlino Based SUV Is Coming Soon
While the Kwid and the upcoming new Santro lack diesel powertrain, the Tata Tiago is available with a 1.05L Revotorq oil burner making 69bhp with 140Nm of torque. It’s 1.2L Revotron petrol motor is slightly more powerful and fuel efficient than the Kwid.
Pricing
Renault Kwid’s 1.0L variants are, currently, available in the price range of Rs 4.04 lakh (RXT – MT) – Rs 4.34 lakh (RXT – AMT). Official prices of the new Hyundai Santro 2018 will be revealed at its launch, though it is reported to be priced around Rs 3.50 lakh for the entry-level model and Rs 4.50 lakh for the top-end variant. If launched in this price range, the new Santro will certainly a bigger threat to the Renault Kwid. Check Out: Upcoming Hyundai Cars in India
The Kwid and the Santro buyers won’t easily switch to Tata Tiago (petrol), unless there are ready to lose some extra bucks from the pockets. The petrol version of the Tiago hatch costs between Rs 3.35 lakh – Rs 5.58 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
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