It has been year since Hyundai launched the new Santro budget hatchback in our market. The hatchback has since gone on to perform well in the market, keeping in mind the slowdown in the automotive sector. Hyundai has decided to celebrate this with the introduction of an Anniversary Edition for the Santro. The special edition model is based on the Sportz trim level – it’s available with manual and AMT gearbox options – and features a variety of cosmetic changes, though it remains unchanged mechanically.

Some of the changes that can be seen on the Anniversary Edition include gloss black accents on the roof rails, ORVMs and door handles, while the wheel covers are finished in dark grey. The hatchback also gets cladding on the doors, a chrome strip on the base of the boot and anniversary Edition badging. The special edition is being offered in Polar White and Aqua Teal exterior colours – the latter was previously only offered with the Grand i10 Nios.

The interior of the special edition model also gets some tweaks. Hyundai has added Aqua Teal (blue) inserts on the dashboard, specifically around the infotainment screen, on the side AC vents and on the gear-stick surrounds. The fabric seat design has also been updated.  

Mechanically, the Anniversary Edition features the same engine and gearbox combinations seen on the Sportz trim. The engine is a 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which is tuned to produce 69hp and 99Nm of torque. The engine gets the option of either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT gearbox.

In terms of pricing, Hyundai has priced the Santro Anniversary Edition at Rs 5.17 lakh for the manual and Rs 5.75 lakh for the AMT version, making the special edition Rs 10,000 more expensive than the standard Sportz counterparts. In our market, the Hyundai Santro competes with the likes of the Tata Tiago, Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and Celerio.

All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai