Hyundai is currently developing a new compact car and this model will debut its new AMT (automated manual transmission) technology in the second half of 2018. The automaker has said that this will be a ‘family oriented’ compact model.
It seems almost certain that this will be an entry-level B-segment model built to take on the likes of the Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Celerio and the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. The car will slot in between the Eon and the Grand i10 in Hyundai’s hierarchy. It may just be called the Santro as this brand name still commands high value among Indian car buyers.
The South Korean automaker’s lowest priced automatic model is currently a Magna variant of the Hyundai Grand i10 which costs Rs 5.94 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). Its closest rival has automatic models one segment down and at prices that are almost a lakh rupees below this variant of the Grand i10. Hyundai does have the Eon in this part of the market and it can be had with an 800cc or 1.0-litre engine but only with a five-speed manual.
