Hyundai Santro To Be Replaced By Kia Ray?

Hyundai is reportedly considering letting go of the almost iconic, but ageing Santo hatchback. The Santro was the South Korean automaker's first model in India and is one of Hyundai's most successful models in its almost decade and a half long existence in the country.

Also Read: Hyundai To Bring Its Luxury Models To India

Fitting in Santro's proverbial shoes won't be an easy task and Hyundai is said to considering bringing in another tall boy to do the job. According to AutoCar, which broke the story, taking the Santro's place will be the Kia Ray, a boxy hatchback, with a tall boy design that's not sold anywhere outside South Korea.

Kai, which is South Korea's second largest automaker behind Hyundai is owned by the latter. However, Kia still remains a separate entity, free to make its own decision. This means, if Hyundai were to bring the Ray to India wearing its badge, it would have to pay royalty to Kia.

This is unfavourable for a budget car that falls in the Santro's price range as it would make the Ray expensive. But there are also rumors that Kia itself is looking to enter the Indian market and compete against its parent company, just the way it does in its home country and outside.

Such a move may or may not see Kia Ray come to India, but if it does, it would no longer be able to act as replacement for a Hyundai model. Whatever the case be, it's clear Hyundai will be required to discontinue the Santro in the near future, whether or not a suitable replacement is found.

Kia Ray is powered by a 998cc petrol engine capable of developing 105 bhp. In case it's launched in India, the Ray would undoubtedly be powered by the company's Kappa engine.