Via a press release, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has announced the launch of a new Special ‘Celebration Edition’ Santro, their first ever car here in celebration of completing 15 years in India.
Hyundai, when it entered the Indian motoring scene way back in May 1996, was the first manufacturer to break Maruti Suzuki’s dominance in the smaller passenger cars segment. By introducing one successful model (the Santro) after another (the i10, i20, Eon), Hyundai, today, is the second largest manufacturer of automobiles in India.
The Santro, first launched in September 1998 has gone on to become one of the company’s highest-selling products and flagship in terms of monthly sold units. It is only fitting therefore that the car which kick-started Hyundai’s Indian Innings is the one which receives special treatment for the 15th year milestone.
This ‘Celebration Edition’ of the Santro has been equipped with additional features like rear parking sensors with LED display, a Blaupunkt audio system and manual rear curtains. These would be welcome additions to the Santro lineup which is now facing a gradual but certain drop in monthly sales with the heated competition.
The car will be available in Petrol, LPG and CNG trims. Owners will also have a choice of three Colors – Coral White, Sleek Silver and Mushroom. It also features sporty decals and chrome embellishments at the rear.
Customers looking to buy this ‘celebration edition’ will have to shell out Rs. 381,268 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the GL plus petrol variant.
With this introduction, Hyundai is very visibly trying to inject some life into the ageing Santro line of cars. However, what we have learnt very lately is that Hyundai is contemplating launching a 1.0L engined version of Eon.
Also Read: Hyundai’s Three Upcoming Cars in 18 Months; Includes i10 Grand, 1L Eon & New i20
-By Vishal Jaitra
