The Hyundai Santro is a true symbol of India’s growing automotive culture. First launched in 1998, it quickly became a household name for its reliability and affordability. After a brief hiatus, Hyundai brought the Santro back in 2018 with fresh updates. This new avatar aims to appeal to both nostalgic buyers and a new generation of customers.
A Look Back at Its Legacy
The original Santro, with its tall-boy design, was a game-changer. It delivered the perfect blend of space, comfort, and affordability, making it a popular choice for Indian families. By 2014, the Santro had made way for newer models, but Hyundai didn’t forget its roots. The 2018 re-release aimed to capture the magic of the original while offering a modern twist.
Design: Bindaas Yet Familiar
Hyundai has kept the Santro’s signature “tall boy” design, which maximizes headroom and gives it a roomy feel. However, they’ve updated it with fresh, stylish elements. Here’s what you’ll spot in the new design:
- Cascading Grille: Hyundai’s signature look, making the Santro appear more premium.
- Swept-back Headlamps: Integrated with the grille, it creates a sleek front-end design.
- Bold Character Lines: Running along the sides, giving the Santro a dynamic, zippy look.
- Stylish Rear Combo Lamps: These enhance the car’s modern, clean appeal.
The Santro still feels familiar yet has a sharper, more contemporary design. It’s a ride that mixes old-school charm with a touch of Dhaakad flair.
Performance: A Mighty Beast Under the Hood
When it comes to performance, the Santro isn’t trying to be a rocket, but it’s a killer option for city driving. The Santro offers two engine choices: petrol and CNG.
Petrol Engine:
- Engine Capacity: 1.1-liter, 4-cylinder.
- Power Output: 69 PS @ 5,500 rpm.
- Torque: 99 Nm @ 4,500 rpm.
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or AMT (Automated Manual Transmission).
CNG Engine:
- Engine Capacity: Same 1.1-liter, 4-cylinder.
- Power Output: 59 PS @ 5,500 rpm (on CNG).
- Torque: 85 Nm @ 4,500 rpm (on CNG).
- Transmission: 5-speed manual.
This engine setup makes the Santro a solid urban companion, offering great fuel efficiency for daily commutes. The AMT transmission, a first in this segment, gives buyers a taste of convenience without breaking the bank.
Fuel Efficiency:
- Petrol: 20.3 km/l (manual), 20.1 km/l (AMT).
- CNG: 30.48 km/kg.
With these numbers, the Santro proves to be a mast choice for fuel-conscious buyers in the city.
Interior: Lux and Comfort Wrapped Together
Step inside the Santro, and you’ll be surprised by the level of comfort and features Hyundai has packed in. The cabin feels spacious, thanks to the tall-boy design. Here’s what you get:
- Dual-Tone Interior: Adds a premium vibe to the cabin.
- 7-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment: Available on higher trims, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Rear AC Vents: A segment-first feature that ensures comfort for everyone in the car.
- Steering-Mounted Controls: For easy access to audio and phone functions.
- Power Windows: Standard on most variants.
- Rear Parking Sensors: Helping you maneuver easily in tight spots.
Storage space is also pretty decent. The boot offers 235 liters of space, which should be good enough for day-to-day needs but might fall short on long trips.
Safety: A Showstopper in the Entry-Level Segment
Hyundai has ensured the Santro meets the growing safety expectations of Indian buyers. It comes equipped with several key features:
- ABS with EBD: Standard across all variants.
- Driver Airbag: Standard, with a passenger airbag available in higher trims.
- Front Seatbelt Pretensioners: For added protection in case of a collision.
- Speed-Sensing Auto Door Lock: Keeps the car secure at higher speeds.
- Rear Parking Sensors: To help avoid low-speed collisions.
While it’s not the most feature-packed when it comes to safety, the Santro provides the essentials and more, making it a dependable choice for city drivers.
Variants and Pricing: Affordable and Loaded
The Santro is offered in several variants to cater to different budgets:
- Era: The base variant, with essential features at a great price.
- Magna: Includes features like power steering and air conditioning.
- Sportz: Gets a bigger 7-inch infotainment system and premium features.
- Asta: The top-end model with all the bells and whistles, including a rear camera.
Prices range from ₹4.5 lakh for the Era variant to ₹6.5 lakh for the Asta variant (ex-showroom). The CNG option is available in the Magna and Sportz trims for those looking to save on fuel costs.
Driving Experience: A Tight and Composed Ride
Behind the wheel, the Santro delivers a smooth and comfortable drive. The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, soaking up bumps and potholes like a champ. In the city, it’s easy to maneuver and park, thanks to its light steering.
While the petrol engine is sufficient for city traffic, it could feel strained on highways or when fully loaded. The AMT, though not as slick as a traditional automatic, offers solid convenience at an affordable price point.
The Santro’s NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are well controlled, providing a quiet and refined driving experience, especially in this segment.
Maintenance and After-Sales Service: A Trustworthy Partner
Hyundai’s extensive service network and reputation for reliability make the Santro a financially sound choice. The company offers a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, which can be extended for an additional cost.
With Hyundai’s strong resale value and affordable maintenance costs, the Santro is an easy pick for long-term ownership.
Competition: A Zabardast Contender
The Santro competes against rivals like:
- Maruti Suzuki WagonR
- Tata Tiago
- Datsun GO
- Maruti Suzuki Celerio
In this fiercely competitive segment, the Santro stands out with its balance of modern features, brand reliability, and a nostalgic connection with Indian consumers.
Environmental Impact: An Eco-Friendly Whip
While the Santro isn’t electric, it does offer an eco-friendly CNG variant. This makes it a great option for buyers in cities with CNG infrastructure. The petrol variant is also fuel-efficient, helping reduce emissions compared to older models in the segment.
The Future: A Mighty Evolution
As India moves toward stricter emission norms and electrification, the Santro’s future is uncertain. But Hyundai has shown a willingness to evolve. We might see hybrid or even electric versions in the future, keeping the Santro relevant for the next generation of eco-conscious buyers.
Conclusion: A Bindaas Car for the Modern Age
The Hyundai Santro, in its new form, captures everything that made its predecessor special. It’s not the fastest or the most luxurious, but it offers a solid, reliable, and affordable option for city dwellers. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or looking for a dependable second car, the Santro remains a fantastic choice.
Hyundai has reimagined the Santro for today’s buyers, and while it might not revolutionize the segment, it stays true to its roots. The Santro is a mighty car that offers value, comfort, and a dash of nostalgia—making it a fitting bridge between the past and the future.
Also Read This
Toyota Fortuner New look dominate the Indian Market, price is only 33 Lakh
