2010 Hyundai Santro

Expected Launch date: Christmas 2009

exterior changes:

• new countered bonnet with round headlights with integrated turn signals.
• new front bumper with rectangular fog lights in top end models.
• new rounded chrome grille.
• body coloured bumpers in all versions
• new fenders
• new taillights
• rear fog lights in top end varients integrated into rear bumpers
• bumper detachable black moulding deleted for a cleaner look
• new pull type door handles
• new OSRVM, bigger and wider like in i10 kappa.

interior changes:

• beige interior with black central console
• new instrument cluster with tachometer (on higher end versions) with electric odometer with 2 tripmeters (in all versions)
• more storage space provided in the gear console*
• improved rear seat comfort with improved thigh support
• new seat fabric and trims
• rotary AC controls*

mechanical changes

• engine upgrade to meet euro 4 norms (retuning of ECU specific to i10 engine, increased torque from 9.8 kg-m to 10 kg-m and power from 63 ps to 64 ps)
• improved spring and damper rates of the rear suspension for better ride quality*
• a bit stiffer front suspension with anti-roll bar of a bigger size*

models:

• 3 varients-base, mid level and top end
• AC and power steering standard standard on all models
• AT model will not be available
• NON AC model made to order.
• 7-8 colours, planned a new rustic orange also.*

Competition in the small car segment is increasing and the latest challenger, the Tata Nano has not helped Hyundai in anyway. Thus Hyundai is planing to do the obvious, launch a upgraded Santro.The new Santro will also 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 1bhp and torque increase of 20NM.
The 2010 Hyundai Santro will get a 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 (finally), improved dampers for better ride quality, etc. There will be a slight price hike but its better if Hyundai do away with the Santro and position the i10 in the small car segment rather than a premium hatch.