The Hyundai Santro remains a top pick for Indian families, now returning with a sharper design, modern features, and an impressive fuel efficiency of up to 37 km/kg in its CNG variant. Though classified as a hatchback, its elevated stance and bold styling give it a mini-SUV vibe, ideal for city driving. With its compact size, updated interior, and affordable price, the Santro is a smart choice for urban drivers seeking comfort, economy, and value.
Overview Table
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Model | Hyundai Santro |
Fuel Options | Petrol / CNG |
Mileage (CNG) | Up to 37 km/kg |
Mileage (Petrol) | Around 21 kmpl |
Transmission | 5-speed Manual / AMT |
Engine | 1.1-litre 4-cylinder |
Seating Capacity | 5 |
Boot Space | 235 litres |
Top Speed | 140 km/h |
Price Range | โน4.9 lakh โ โน6.4 lakh (showroom) |
Design and Appearance
Hyundai has revamped the Santro look to appeal to younger buyers. The front sports a wide, chrome-accented grille and sleek, swept-back headlights, giving it a confident, modern appearance. Its slightly raised stance mimics a mini-SUV, aligning with the preferences of urban drivers.
From the side, clean lines and stylish wheel covers enhance its appeal, while the rear features bold tail lamps and a wide boot gate for a balanced, attractive look. Inside, the cabin feels roomy for a compact car, with a dual-tone dashboard and neatly arranged controls. The materials and build quality are impressive for its price, and even taller passengers will find the front and rear seats comfortable.
Engine and Driving Performance
The Santro is powered by a 1.1-litre petrol engine, delivering 69 PS in petrol mode and 59 PS in CNG mode. The engine is smooth and refined, making it ideal for city commutes and occasional highway trips.
Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission), which simplifies driving in heavy traffic. The car offers decent acceleration and feels stable at typical speeds. While not built for high-speed thrills, itโs perfectly suited for daily urban use.
Ride and Handling
The Santro shines in city environments with its light steering and tight turning radius . Its soft suspension absorbs potholes and speed bumps effectively, ensuring a comfortable ride. Even at higher speeds, the car remains steady, and its wide windows and upright seating provide excellent road visibility for safer driving.
Features and Technology
Hyundai has packed the Santro with practical and modern features without breaking the bank. Highlights include:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto
- Rear parking sensors
- Voice recognition system
- Steering-mounted audio controls
- Power windows and remote central locking
- Digital instrument cluster with multi-information display
For safety, the Santro offers dual airbags, ABS with EBD, seatbelt reminders, and a robust body structure, striking a balance between comfort and security.
Fuel Efficiency and Savings
The Santroโs standout feature is its fuel economy, particularly in CNG mode, where it achieves up to 37 km/kg, making it one of the most cost-effective cars in its segment. The petrol variant delivers around 21 kmpl, which is solid for a city car. With rising fuel costs, the CNG option offers significant long-term savings, especially since CNG is widely available in most cities.
Price and Variants
The Hyundai Santro is available in multiple trims to suit various budgets, with prices ranging from โน4.9 lakh to โน6.4 lakh (ex-showroom). The variants include:
- Era: Base model with essential features
- Magna: Mid-tier with infotainment and basic tech
- Sportz: Fully loaded with touchscreen, AMT option, and CNG compatibility
- Asta (optional): Adds extra safety and styling enhancements
The Sportz CNG variant offers the best mix of features and value for money.
FAQs.
Q1: Can the Santro handle highway driving?
it is primarily built for city use but can manage short highway trips comfortably.
Q2: Does the CNG version lose performance?
It has slightly less power than the petrol mode but remains adequate for everyday driving.
Q3: How much boot space does the CNG variant offer?
The CNG cylinder reduces some boot space, but itโs still sufficient for daily needs.
Q4: Is the Santro suitable for new drivers?
it is compact size and light steering make it very beginner-friendly.
Q5: Are maintenance costs high?
the Santro is low-maintenance, and Hyundaiโs extensive service network ensures convenience.
Also Read – BSNL 5G Smartphone Packing a 6800mAh Battery and a 250MP Camera
Final Verdict
The Hyundai Santro remains a practical and intelligent choice for urban drivers. Its compact size, modern styling, feature-packed cabin, and exceptional 37 km/kg mileage in CNG mode make it ideal for budget-conscious families and first-time buyers. Though small, it delivers big on savings, comfort, and reliability. For those seeking an affordable, fuel-efficient city car with a touch of SUV flair, the Santro is a compelling option.