Hyundai AH2 to be exported as Hyundai Atos from Q1 2019 - Report

08/09/2018 - 12:12 Hyundai AH2, Hyundai Sagar Parikh

Hyundai will recall not only the Santro nameplate with the AH2 but also the Atos. The company will export its upcoming entry-level hatchback using the other marque.

Hyundai Ah2 2018 Hyundai Santro Spy Image Front Th — The original Hyundai Santro was essentially a modified Hyundai Atos. Pictured is the Hyundai AH2 in the 'Star Dust' shade spied by IAB reader Maulik.

The original Santro Hyundai launched in India in 1998 was a modified version of the Atos. Both models became identical at a later stage. Months after the former is revived, the latter will fire back to life.

Interviewing Stanley Anderson, Sales and Operations Director, Hyundai Automotive South Africa, a report from Engineering News says that the Atos will return to South Africa in the first quarter of 2019 (January-March 2019). It will have a price lower than the Grand i10.

“We are aiming for under R1,50,000 (INR 7,09,832.26),” Anderson told the South African publication on the entry car's local pricing strategy.

The reborn Santro (Atos) will ride on the Hyundai i10’s HA platform. The first gen i10, exported from India, was available in South Africa between 2008 and 2013. It will employ an improved version of the Santro Xing’s 1.1-litre Epsilon four-cylinder petrol engine. Transmission choices will include a typical 5-speed manual transmission and Hyundai’s first-ever (5-speed) automated manual transmission dubbed ‘Smart Auto’.

The AH2 will likely come with features like dual-tone interior, touchscreen infotainment system, all four power windows, steering-mounted audio controls, dual-front airbags, ABS & EBD, rear parking sensors, speed alert system and driver and co-driver seatbelt reminder.

Hyundai will launch the AH2 in India on 23 October. With the arrival of this model, the Eon will exit the market, reportedly in December 2018.