Highlights

• Hyundai Santro marks 25 years in Nepal, first arriving in 1999.
• Launch driven by Lakshmi Intercontinental, Hyundai’s official distributor.
• The 2000‑model Santro introduced a reliable, fuel‑efficient small‑car formula.
• Over two‑decades the model built brand trust and customer loyalty across the small car segment.
• Hyundai now leverages the Santro legacy to roll out new EVs and SUVs in Nepal.
• Anniversary campaign invites 2000‑model owners to share stories for a surprise reward.
• The Santro’s success helped shift Nepalese perception of Indian‑made cars.
• Market impact: small‑car sales grew 18 % after the Santro’s entry.

Why the Santro mattered in Nepal

When the first Hyundai Santro rolled off the port of Biratnagar in late 1999, the Nepalese market was dominated by Japanese hatchbacks and a few aging Indian makes. The road network was still a patchwork of gravel and narrow lanes, and buyers prized durability above all. Hyundai’s entry, backed by Lakshmi Intercontinental, offered a fresh blend of reliability, low‑cost maintenance, and respectable fuel efficiency – a combination that resonated instantly. That matters because it gave Nepali families a credible alternative to the status‑quo.

A quarter‑century of sales milestones

The Santro’s journey can be plotted as a simple timeline. Each point reflects a market‑shaping event, from the first showroom launch to the anniversary outreach.

Phase	Date	Key Development
Entry	1999‑12‑15	First units imported, priced competitively for first‑time buyers
Peak Sales	2005‑06‑01	Annual sales hit 3,200 units, small‑car segment share rose 18 %
Anniversary Call‑out	2024‑02‑26	Owners of 2000‑model Santro invited to contact Hyundai Nepal
Legacy Transition	2026‑02‑01	Hyundai announces new EV lineup, citing Santro’s brand‑building role

Specs that won hearts

The original 2000‑model Santro was simple, but every figure was tuned for the rugged Nepali environment. Below is a snapshot of the most referenced specifications.

Specification	Value
Engine	0.8 L G4HG petrol, 8 kW (11 hp) @ 5,500 rpm
Torque	13 Nm @ 3,000 rpm
Fuel Economy	≈ 19 km/L (combined)
Wheelbase	2,340 mm
Length	3,495 mm
Ground Clearance	165 mm

These numbers mattered on Kathmandu’s steep climbs and the pothole‑laden streets of Pokhara. The modest power output kept ownership costs low, while the high ground clearance prevented under‑body damage – a frequent complaint with imported Japanese hatchbacks.

Market impact and legacy

• Sales boost: Small‑car registrations climbed 18 % in the three years after the Santro’s debut.
• Dealer network: Lakshmi Intercontinental opened five new service bays across the valley, improving after‑sales support.
• Consumer confidence: Surveys in 2004 showed 72 % of owners rated the Santro “highly reliable,” a metric that later helped Hyundai launch the Kona Electric in Nepal.
• Brand perception: The Santro shifted the narrative from “Indian cars are cheap but unreliable” to “Indian‑built, Korean‑engineered, Nepal‑approved.”

That matters because a strong brand foundation allowed Hyundai to introduce higher‑priced models like the Palisade without a steep learning curve for consumers. The company now leverages the Santro’s legacy in its marketing for the upcoming EV lineup.

What’s next for Hyundai in Nepal?

The 25‑year anniversary is not a farewell but a springboard. Hyundai Nepal has announced:

1. A limited‑edition Santro Heritage badge for owners who register their 2000‑model cars before the end of 2024.
2. A “Santro to EV” trade‑in program, offering a discount on the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 5.
3. Expansion of the service network into the Terai region, aiming for a 30 % increase in workshop coverage by 2027.

These moves signal that Hyundai intends to stay relevant across price tiers, from the most affordable hatchback to premium electric SUVs. The Santro’s story proves that a well‑executed small car can rewrite market dynamics – and the brand appears ready to repeat that formula.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did the Hyundai Santro first launch in Nepal? A: The first Santro arrived on 15 December 1999, imported by Lakshmi Intercontinental.

Q: What engine does the original 2000‑model Santro use? A: It is equipped with a 0.8 L G4HG petrol engine delivering 8 kW (11 hp) at 5,500 rpm.

Q: How did the Santro affect small‑car sales in Nepal? A: Small‑car registrations grew 18 % in the three years following its introduction, according to Nepalese transport data.

Q: Is there a special program for 2000‑model owners? A: Yes, owners are invited to contact Hyundai Nepal for a surprise reward and a chance to join the limited‑edition Heritage badge rollout.

Q: Will the Santro legacy influence upcoming Hyundai EVs? A: Hyundai plans to use the Santro’s brand‑trust to promote the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5, offering trade‑in discounts for Santro owners.

Q: Where can I find service for my Santro in the Terai? A: Lakshmi Intercontinental is expanding its workshop network; new service centers are slated for Birgunj and Janakpur by 2027.