Hyundai Santro 2010 GLS
Maxabout Review
Santro To Get Major Facelift in 2010
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Overview
Hyundai Motors India is finally planing to give Santro a major facelift which was much needed as it started looking outdated and very familiar. The facelifted Hyundai Santro is expected to be launched by March/April 2010.
Though Hyundai has launched updated models of Santro on 1st September, 2009 but it is not a major facelift. You need a trained eye to spot the difference. Following are some additions in Updated Santro:
- Rear spoiler
- New design for wheel covers Ne
- New color coded front grille
- New Color theme for AC Vents.
But we expected more from Hyundai and thought they may pick some or all design cues from Kia Picanto.
The pictures shown on right side are of Kia Picanto, the New 2010 Santro is expected to take some or may be all design cues from Picanto. Kia Motors is a sister concern of Hyundai Motors Korea.
Engine & Ride Quality
New Santro will be powered by the same 1.1 litre engine with eRlx technology but it has been tweaked a bit by Hyundai engineers. It will comply with Bharat IV emission norms which come into affect in April, 2010.
The slightly updated engine in the facelifted Santro will have a power increase of 1 Bhp and torque increase of 20 Nm. Hyundai India may also introduce the 1.1 litre CRDi diesel engine with the launch of New Santro.
The car has a suspension powered by struts McPherson in front with an H torsion beam for the rear wheels. The car is equipped with ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes for the rear wheels. Even in the absence of the anti-lock break system the car manages to stop smoothly.
Interiors & Comfort
The interior of the Santro is more spacious than it appears, with more than adequate head and leg room space. The seats are very comfortable compared to other cars of its class. The interiors are also expected to be spruced up to give it more upmarket look, to be in the league of New Estilo.
Addition of tachometer is also expected, which is a must for a car in this range. The seats and interior trim are expected to be in beige theme with leatherette covered steering wheel and gear knob in the top of the line variants.
Following New/Additional features are expected in New 2010 Santro:
- New chrome grille
- Rounded headlamps
- Bigger rear view mirrors with turn indicators
- Pull type door handles
- New taillights
- Rear foglights
- Beige interiors
- More storage space
- Tachometer, At Last!!
- Improved dampers for better ride quality
In terms of safety, Hyundai has also masterfully engineered in many passive safety features. These include vertical and lateral crumple zones, the positioning of side impact bars in the doors and a crossbar also put under the dashboard. The roof panel, rather than moving down under an impact is designed to pop upwards.
Santro is a affordable small car that makes great sense and the new model is expected to take a step further with an outstanding package comprising a well-equipped car, superior technology, roomy interiors and the stamp of reliability.