Hyundai Santro D-Lite (Old Model)

The Hyundai Santro D-Lite is a basic variant of the Santro lineup, known for its simplicity and affordability. It comes with a 1086cc, 1.1L, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 69 HP and 99 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The car features a dual-tone interior, which is one of its standout aspects, but lacks power windows and air conditioning. It has a boot space of 235 litres and a seating capacity for five people. The car is equipped with basic safety features like a driver-side airbag and an engine immobilizer but misses out on more advanced safety features. The overall build quality is decent, but the cars design and features are clearly aimed at budget-conscious buyers rather than those seeking luxury or advanced technology.

The Hyundai Santro D-Lite, although discontinued, presents a mixed bag for potential buyers. On the positive side, it offers good mileage and is known for its value for money. The dual-tone interior is a notable feature, adding a touch of modernity to the cabin. However, the lack of essential comforts such as power windows and air conditioning, with only a heater available, is a significant drawback. Additionally, the absence of critical safety features like ABS, EBD, and airbags is a major concern. Overall, while it may appeal to those on a tight budget looking for basic transportation, it falls short in terms of both comfort and safety.

In August 2019, Hyundai announced that the entry-level variants of the Santro, including the D-Lite and Era, would be discontinued from its lineup in India. This move was part of a strategy to reposition the Santro variants to better align with market demands. I think this decision was necessary to focus on more feature-rich models that appeal to modern buyers.

In July 2019, Hyundai introduced a new variant of the Santro and added more features to the existing models. The prices for the Santro range started from Rs 4.15 lakh and went up to Rs 5.68 lakh. The new variant included a 1.1-litre, 4-cylinder motor that could run on both petrol and CNG. I believe this update made the Santro more competitive in the market.

The Hyundai Santro D-Lite, the base variant of the Santro, was priced at Rs 3.90 lakh before it was discontinued. It featured a 1.1-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and basic amenities like a heater but no power windows or AC. I believe the D-Lite was a good option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable car.

The 2018 Hyundai Santro was launched in India in October 2018, priced between Rs 3.89 lakh and Rs 5.45 lakh. This new model came with several first-in-segment features and a standard warranty of 3 years or 1 lakh km. I think the return of the Santro was a smart move by Hyundai to regain market share in the compact car segment.

Hyundai stopped production of the old Santro towards the end of 2014 to allocate the production capacity to more modern cars. However, the Santro had a successful run, garnering 1.86 million customers worldwide, with 1.32 million of those in India. I think the old Santros robustness and reliability were key factors in its popularity.

The Hyundai Santro D-Lite was priced at around 3.90 lakh (ex-showroom) in India before it was discontinued. When considering the on-road price, you would need to factor in additional costs such as registration, insurance, and other local taxes, which could push the price up to around 4.5 lakh to 5 lakh, depending on the state and local regulations. Given its basic features and lack of modern amenities, the price seems reasonable for those prioritizing affordability over luxury and advanced safety features.

The Hyundai Santro D-Lite offers a certified ARAI mileage of 20.3 kmpl, which is quite respectable for a petrol-powered hatchback in its class. This mileage makes it a viable option for those concerned about running costs, especially for city driving where fuel efficiency is crucial. However, real-world mileage may vary based on driving conditions and habits.