Hyundai has discontinued its once-popular hatchback Hyundai Santro in India. Several factors, including higher automobile prices and limited demand from entry-level buyers, are said to have driven Hyundai to discontinue the model. The latest Santro model was launched back in 2018 in India after being discontinued in 2014. However, an average sale of 1500-2000 units in the last six months in India reflected meek output for Hyundai.

The 6 airbag regulation for M1 category automobiles is also alleged to have affected the decision. The Hyundai Santro was powered by a four-cylinder 1.1-liter petrol engine and a choice of a 5-speed manual or a factory-installed automatic manual transmission (AMT). The engine was also modified to meet the most recent pollution standards and increased fuel efficiency.

The legacy of the Santro is incredible. It was the first car to coin and embody the tall-boy persona and it dominated the segment for an astoundingly long period of time. It lived up to its claims of being a complete family car for many families in the Indian sub-continent. The Santro will be sorely missed.