In the bustling streets of India, where compact hatchbacks reign supreme, the Hyundai Santro has long been a familiar sight.
First introduced in 1998, the Santro quickly became synonymous with affordable, reliable transportation for the burgeoning middle class.
After a brief hiatus, Hyundai reintroduced the Santro in 2018, aiming to recapture the magic that made its predecessor a household name.
Let’s delve into what makes the modern Hyundai Santro a compelling choice in the competitive entry-level segment.
A Brief History
The original Santro, launched in 1998, was Hyundai’s first major success in India. Its quirky “tall boy” design, spacious interior, and reliable performance quickly endeared it to Indian consumers.
The car played a crucial role in establishing Hyundai as a major player in the Indian automotive market.
After nearly two decades of success, the Santro was discontinued in 2014. However, recognizing the strong brand value and the gap in their lineup, Hyundai brought back the Santro in 2018 with a modern twist.
Design Philosophy: Familiar Yet Fresh
The new Hyundai Santro retains the essence of its predecessor while embracing contemporary design elements.
The signature “tall boy” design remains, providing excellent headroom and a sense of spaciousness often lacking in this segment.
Key design features include:
- Cascading grille: Hyundai’s signature design element gives the Santro a premium look.
- Swept-back headlamps: Integrated with the grille for a cohesive front-end design.
- Strong character lines: Running along the sides, adding dynamism to the profile.
- Rear combo lamps: Stylishly designed to complement the overall aesthetic.
While not revolutionary, the design strikes a balance between familiarity and modernity, appealing to both nostalgic buyers and new customers seeking a contemporary look.
Powertrains and Performance
Under the hood, the Hyundai Santro offers a choice of petrol and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) powertrains:
Petrol Engine:
- 1.1-liter, 4-cylinder engine
- Power output: 69 PS @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 99 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or AMT (Automated Manual Transmission)
CNG Engine:
- 1.1-liter, 4-cylinder engine (same as petrol)
- Power output: 59 PS @ 5,500 rpm (when running on CNG)
- Torque: 85 Nm @ 4,500 rpm (when running on CNG)
- Transmission: 5-speed manual only
The engine, while not the most powerful in its class, provides adequate performance for city driving.
The AMT option, a first for Hyundai in this segment, offers the convenience of an automatic transmission at a more accessible price point.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the Santro:
- Petrol: 20.3 km/l (manual), 20.1 km/l (AMT)
- CNG: 30.48 km/kg
These figures make the Santro an economical choice for budget-conscious buyers, especially in urban areas where fuel costs can be a significant concern.
Interior Comfort and Features
Step inside the Santro, and you’re greeted by a surprisingly spacious and well-appointed interior for its class. Hyundai has paid attention to both comfort and aesthetics:
- Dual-tone interior: Adds a premium feel to the cabin.
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system: Available on higher trims, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
- Rear AC vents: A segment-first feature, ensuring comfort for all passengers.
- Steering-mounted controls: For easy access to audio and phone functions.
- Power windows: Standard on all but the base variant.
- Rear parking sensors: Aiding maneuverability in tight spaces.
The seats offer good support, and the high roofline provides ample headroom for taller passengers. Legroom is adequate for a car in this segment, though taller rear passengers might find long journeys a bit cramped.
Storage spaces are well thought out, with multiple cubby holes and a decently sized glovebox. The boot space, at 235 liters, is sufficient for everyday use but might struggle with larger luggage for extended trips.
Safety Features
Safety has been a growing concern for Indian consumers, and Hyundai has equipped the Santro with a range of features to address these concerns:
- ABS with EBD: Standard across all variants.
- Driver airbag: Standard, with passenger airbag available on higher trims.
- Front seatbelts with pretensioners: Enhancing occupant protection in collisions.
- Speed-sensing auto door lock: A thoughtful safety feature.
- Impact-sensing auto door unlock: Crucial in the event of a collision.
- Rear parking sensors: Aiding in preventing low-speed collisions while reversing.
While not class-leading, these features provide a good baseline for safety in the entry-level segment.
Variants and Pricing
The Hyundai Santro is offered in multiple variants to cater to different budgets and needs:
- Era: The base variant, offering essential features at an attractive price point.
- Magna: Adds conveniences like power steering and air conditioning.
- Sportz: Introduces the touchscreen infotainment system and more premium features.
- Asta: The top-end variant with all bells and whistles, including a rear camera and passenger airbag.
Pricing ranges from approximately ₹4.5 lakhs for the base Era variant to around ₹6.5 lakhs for the top-end Asta variant (ex-showroom prices, subject to change).
The CNG option is available in the Magna and Sportz trims, offering an eco-friendly and economical alternative for those with access to CNG infrastructure.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Hyundai Santro offers a comfortable and composed ride, especially considering its price point. The suspension is well-tuned to handle Indian road conditions, soaking up bumps and potholes with aplomb.
The steering, while light and easy to maneuver in city traffic, lacks some feedback at higher speeds. This is unlikely to be a major concern for the target audience, who will appreciate the ease of parking and navigating tight urban spaces.
The petrol engine provides adequate pep for city driving, though it might feel a bit strained during highway overtakes or when fully loaded. The AMT, while not as smooth as a traditional automatic, offers a good balance of convenience and affordability.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are well controlled for the segment, contributing to a relatively refined driving experience.
Maintenance and After-Sales Service
Hyundai has one of the most extensive service networks in India, which is a significant advantage for Santro owners.
The company’s reputation for reliability and affordable maintenance costs adds to the Santro’s appeal as a value-for-money proposition.
The Santro comes with a standard 3-year/100,000 km warranty, which can be extended for an additional cost.
This, combined with Hyundai’s strong resale value in the Indian market, makes the Santro a financially sound choice for many buyers.
Competition and Market Positioning
The Hyundai Santro competes in the highly competitive entry-level hatchback segment, facing off against established rivals like:
- Maruti Suzuki WagonR
- Tata Tiago
- Datsun GO
- Maruti Suzuki Celerio
In this crowded field, the Santro distinguishes itself with its blend of modern features, trusted brand name, and the nostalgia factor associated with the Santro nameplate.
Environmental Considerations
While not a hybrid or electric vehicle, the Santro’s fuel-efficient engines and CNG option contribute to reduced emissions compared to older vehicles in this segment.
The CNG variant, in particular, offers a more environmentally friendly option for areas with CNG infrastructure.
Future Outlook
As India moves towards stricter emission norms and increased electrification, the future of the Santro, like many entry-level petrol cars, is uncertain. However, Hyundai has shown a commitment to evolving its lineup, and it’s possible we might see hybrid or electric versions of the Santro in the future.
Hyundai Santro : The People’s Car, Reimagined
The Hyundai Santro, in its modern avatar, successfully captures the essence of what made its predecessor so popular while offering the features and refinement expected by today’s consumers.
It’s not the most powerful, the most feature-packed, or the most affordable car in its segment, but it offers a well-rounded package that appeals to a wide range of buyers.
For first-time car buyers, young families, or those seeking a reliable second car, the Santro presents a compelling option.
Its blend of comfort, features, and the backing of Hyundai’s strong service network make it a safe choice in a segment where trust and reliability are paramount.
The Santro’s return to the market is more than just a nostalgia play; it’s a testament to Hyundai’s understanding of the Indian market and its ability to evolve a beloved nameplate for modern times.
While it may not revolutionize the segment, the new Santro lives up to its heritage as “the people’s car,” offering a slice of modernity and comfort at an accessible price point.
As urban mobility continues to evolve, the Santro stands as a bridge between the past and the future – a familiar name adapting to changing times, much like the dynamic, ever-changing India it serves.