Hyundai planning to drive in BS 6-compliant Santro: Reports

Hyundai is reportedly planning to upgrade Santro to BS 6 emission norms soon. The car's present 1.1 litre, four-cylinder petrol engine will be upgraded to meet with the emission norms that come into effect from April 1 of 2020.

According to media reports, Santro's upgraded engine will continue to produce 69 hp of power and 99 Nm of torque even after transitioning to BS 6 norms.

The engine will be paired with either a 5-speed AMT automatic gearbox or a 5-speed manual and Hyundai will most probably offer the automatic gearbox option across all the models of the Santro.

At present, the automatic gearbox option is available in the Magna and Sportz varieties.

Reports also suggest that the BS 6-complaint Santro may include a touchscreen infotainment system. It has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The BS 6-compliant Santro is likely to have a reverse camera, rear AC vents as well as steering-mounted audio controls.

The safety features on offer are driver and passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, ABS with EBD and load limiters.

The BS 6-compliant Hyundai Santro is expected to launch in the coming months. Currently, the Santro is priced at ₹4.29 lakh to ₹5.78 lakh (ex showroom). Following BS 6 compliance, it is anticipated that the price of the car will go up by ₹10,000 to ₹20,000.

The Hyundai Santro competes in a closely-fought segment with Datsun Go, Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Ignis and Celerio. Of these, Maruti’s Wagon R is already being offered with BS 6 petrol engines.

The automobile industry’s move towards stronger emission norms is expected to lower exhaust emissions and increase fuel efficiency. The move will not only minimise pollution but work towards increasing the vehicle's life as well.

Apart from the BS 6 updates, Hyundai is also working towards introducing its next-gen Creta SUV in India.