- The Korean carmaker will debut an AMT transmission with the new AH2 hatchback.
- The new AMT technology might make its way to other products as well, including the Elite i20 and the upcoming QXi crossover.
- This move will help the Korean carmaker keep the price low and make their product even more competitive.
Hyundai is gearing up for the launch of its all-new entry-level hatchback in India. Codenamed the AH2, it will most likely be the revival of the Santro moniker. Along with the new hatchback, Hyundai will also debut its AMT transmission in the country.
The AMT transmission might account for almost 20 per cent of the hatchback’s sales, according to the Korean carmaker. Given that all its direct rivals – Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid, and Datsun Redigo – are already available with an AMT transmission, the Santro will surely offer an automatic transmission in order to stay relevant in the high volume segment.
Going ahead, the AMT will eventually make its way to the new-gen Grand i10 which is due next year and possibly even in the premium hatchback, the Elite i20. The latter is currently available with a CVT automatic transmission. So plonking an AMT under its hood will give the Elite i20 a huge price advantage over its direct rival, which includes the Maruti Suzuki Baleno (CVT), Honda Jazz (CVT) and Volkswagen Polo (DCT). And if that happens, Hyundai might not hesitate to install the AMT in the upcoming sub-4m SUV, codenamed as QXI. The other AMT equipped sub-4m SUVs currently available in India are the Tata Nexon, Mahindra TUV300 and now, the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza.
Hyundai has already decided to go on a product offensive with the announcement of no less than eight new products over the next two years. Adding an AMT to the updated portfolio will further enhance the value of Hyundai’s feature-rich products in India.
