Hyundai Santro

The car that made Hyundai a household name in India, is back! And looking set for another winning run

- Bob Rupani

By the time you read this, Hyundai will have launched the new Santro and reintroduced what is possibly its most popular product name in India. The original Hyundai Santro was launched in New Delhi on September 23, 1998, just a little over 20 years ago. Things were very different back then with hardly anybody knowing this Korean carmaker. Few even imagined that over the next couple of decades, Hyundai would become one of the most profitable and successful car companies in India and also the second largest.

Hyundai’s success was scripted by the Santro and now it is back in a completely new avatar, wearing the latest clothes and packed with the most modern technology. Interestingly, Hyundai hosted the world premiere for the new Santro on October 23 in Delhi. By doing this, they have once again reaffirmed that India is one of their most important markets and we get, what the world does. Even 20 years back, when they had introduced the Santro, we Indians were offered the same product as the rest of the world. And this won Hyundai a lot of appreciation and respect, because they gave us their latest and best, at the same time as it was available to the rest of the world.

Styling

I must say, the looks and styling of the new Santro are appealing. When the original Santro was launched, the way it looked was not to everyone’s liking. Not only was its tall-boy body design unusual, but even its styling was unconventional and way over the top. But the new Santro is good looking and it’s well-thought of design and styling will charm most, if not all. There is nothing to not like in its looks and most people will find the new Hyundai Santro to be trendy and cute.