Hyundai To Replace The Entry-level Eon With A Santro-based Model

Till now, the Hyundai Eon was the entry-level hatchback which was also the base model in Hyundai’s range. Due to its slow-selling performance, Hyundai had to pull the plug of this model. At the moment, Hyundai Santro has taken the Eon’s place as the Hyundai’s base model. Going forward, Hyundai will fill the gap made by the Eon’s with a new base variant of the Santro.

Reportedly, this new variant is to join Hyundai Santro’s range and will slot under all the current trims. Interestingly, Hyundai will replicate the same tactic used on the previous-gen Santro which offered the special Santro Xing variant as the entry-level trim. By doing this, Hyundai could extend the range and sweep as many sales as possible in the most affordable segment in the market.

To replace the discontinued Eon, Hyundai will launch a new and cheaper Santro variant

The Hyundai Santro starts at a price of INR. 3.9 lakh. While Maruti’s entry-level model, the Maruti Alto 800 is priced at 2.94 lakh, which shows the gap in price in this low-end model range. A more affordable Santro variant would narrow down the gap and might even undercut Maruti’s base model. Considering the success of the Santro, it is not impossible for Hyundai to gain following in the lower price range.

At a lower price, it is likely that Santro will cut down some of the features it offers on higher variants. Currently, the entry-level D-Lite Santro is available with the standard features package of ABS with EBD, driver airbags. However, these are now becoming mandatory. Therefore, it is likely that Santro will shift their cost-saving measure to things like the material of the dashboard, steering wheel, ORVMs, IRVMs and seats. Hyundai could also use smaller wheels in place of the recent wheels.

Also read - Hyundai Santro Variants Explained: D-Lite, Era, Magna, Sportz, Asta

The new entry-level variant of the Santro might get fewer features or even a less powerful engine

The Hyundai Santro s powered by a 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that churns out a maximum power output of 68bhp and a peak torque output of 101Nm. A CNG factory-fit version is also available. However, to employ a less powerful but cheaper engine in the new variant is a likely option to balance the scale of costs.

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