LPG Hyundai Santro Eco launched, priced Rs 21 k more

Hyundai has announced the launch of the LPG version of the Hyundai Santro small car, the Santro Eco. The Santro is the smallest car in Hyundai’s lineup in India. The price of the Santro Eco is approximately Rs 21,500 more than that of the petrol version.

Hyundai Santro Eco LPG version launched

The Hyundai Santro Eco comes with a factory-fitted LPG kit – much safer than any of the aftermarket conversions people have been doing to save on fuel costs. Safety standards and quality would be much higher, and the new Santro makes perfect sense for the fuel-economy conscious.

The Hyundai Santro Eco LPG car is priced at Rs 354,294 for the eco (GL) version, and Rs 373,357 for the Santro Eco GLS – all prices ex-showroom Delhi.

Santro continues to remain Hyundai’s most popular small car in India due to its high reliability, fuel efficiency and space – and the Santro Eco LPG versions are expected to cement its position in the small car market.

The Santro Eco has the same 1100 cc eRLX engine, and the car has separate fuel tanks for petrol and LPG. The factory fitted LPG system in the Eco comes with a 2-year warranty that should satisfy everyone.

So the Eco is not a pure LPG car – the separate petrol and LPG tanks mean you get to choose your fuel – this is critical in India when traveling through small towns and villages where auto LPG is not easily available and you can switch to the petrol tank.

Hyundai has assured everyone that the new Santro ECO’s LPG tanks meet all safety requirements – tests were confucted by the ARAI and Department of Explosives, and the Santro has received a thumbs up in the safety department.

The launch of the Santro ECO so close to the festive season should hep Hyundai ramp up sales for the new car.

The Hyundai Santro small car is one of the success stories of the company – as is the Accent and the i10 Kappa. The Sonata, Getz and the Verna have been reasonable hits. The company is expected to launch the i20 premium hatchback in 2009, when it will likely be pitted against the Skoda Fabia, Honda Jazz and Fiat Grande Punto.