Hyundai Santro: The Hyundai Santro has been a strong contender in the cutthroat compact hatchback segment in India.
Since relaunching in 2018 (following a successful first generation from 1998 to 2014), this subcompact car has largely met the needs of value-driven buyers seeking reliability.
Design and Exterior
The new Santro comes with Hyundai’s latest fluidic ‘cascading grille’ design language and a modern looking design without compromising on the proportions needed for tackling the narrow city streets.
This device has a tall-boy design that provides maximum interior space in a small footprint perfect for a busy lifestyle. Curve lines and fine character lines enhance visual appeal without coming across as overwrought.
Interior Comfort and Space
There is plenty of space in the cabin for the front passengers while, from the outside, the car does not look that roomy and spacious at all.
Two adults can sit in the rear seat comfortably, three would be a tight squeeze. The dash is unassuming and simple, with controls conveniently located for the driver.
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system (supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay)From the base on, the Soul comes standard with the 7-inch touchscreen, but you can also upgrade to a larger 8-incher if you want.
Performance and Efficiency
Powering the Santro is a 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes close to 69 horses under the hood. It’s by no means a powerful engine, yet it also mantains a decent city performance, so it doesn’t drink as much.
Ulrama Caiman Can negotiate on tight streets with a short turning radius It gets transmission options of 5-speed manual and automated manual transmission (AMT).
Safety Features
The Santro is offered with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and a speed alert system as standard on all its variants.
And while these features satisfy some of the fundamental safety needs, they are not quite as all-encompassing as the safety bundles supplied by certain rivals.
Fuel Economy
The Santro’s best selling factor, however, continues to be its brilliant fuel economy. Ideal output which makes this bike quite cost-efficient for day to day traveller is around 20Km/l in petrol model.
Its factory-fitted CNG variant takes this efficiency even further up, albeit by compromising on some trunk space.
Ride Quality and Handling
The suspension is tuned to to tackle normal indian road conditions devoid of drama, with a balanced ride that takes most potholes and bumps without too much body roll.
The highway stability is good for a car of its size, but it can be a bit twitchy in crosswinds at higher speeds thanks to its tall silhouette.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The interior is big enough given its small dimensions outside
Dependable engine that does not burn fuel and low maintenance requirements
Instinctive-friendly features like a touchscreen infotainment system in higher trims
Hyundai’s vast service reach in India
Good view from the driver’s seat with big windows
Optional CNG kit for improved fuel economy from the factory
Cons:
Not enough space or proper luggage space – especially in CNG variant.
Fewer safety features than some competitors
Rear seat comfort is full short on longer trips
AMT can be jerky in stop and go traffic
Road and wind sound are apparent on highway.
Not as high resale values as some competitors
Hyundai Santro: Verdict
The Hyundai Santro is still a sensible option for cheapskate buyers in the market for a dependable, frugal city car.
And as a daily driver, it’s a champ with good drivability, affordable operation, and decent room for a small family.
It may not be as polished or have all of the features as pricier models, but it provides good value for a compact hatchback too for those looking for their first automotive purchase or a cheap second car for running about town.