Hyundai Santro Asta AMT

The Hyundai Santro Asta AMT is a hatchback that combines modern design with practical features. Powered by a 1.1L petrol engine producing 69 HP and 99 Nm of torque, it offers a smooth and efficient driving experience. The AMT transmission is particularly noteworthy for its smooth gear shifts, making it ideal for city driving. The cabin is well-appointed with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear AC vents, and smartphone connectivity. Safety features include ABS with EBD, a driver-side airbag as standard, and dual airbags in the top Asta variant. With a ground clearance of 165 mm and a kerb weight of 900 kg, the Santro handles road uncertainties well and provides a comfortable ride. However, the reduced boot space and lack of certain safety features in lower variants are areas where the car could improve. Overall, it is a good choice for daily city commuting and first-time car buyers looking for a hassle-free driving experience.

The Hyundai Santro Asta AMT is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and comfortable city car. While it may not excel in every aspect, it offers a smooth driving experience, particularly with its AMT transmission, which is one of the smoothest in its class. The cars modern design and well-appointed cabin are notable positives, with features like rear AC vents, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, the reduced boot space of 235 litres and the lack of dual airbags in lower variants are significant drawbacks. For daily city commuting and those who prioritize ease of driving without the hassle of manual gear shifts, the Santro Asta AMT is a good option, but it falls short in terms of value for money and safety features compared to some of its competitors.

The Hyundai Santro Asta AMT, the top model in the Santro lineup, is priced at Rs. 6.45 Lakh in India. This variant comes with a 1.1 Epsilon MPI petrol engine, producing 68 bhp and 99 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth AMT transmission. It also features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and rear AC vents for enhanced comfort. I think the combination of modern features and comfortable ride makes it a compelling choice in its segment.

Hyundai India has introduced new CNG variants of the Santro, although these are based on the Magna trim and not the Asta. The higher spec Sportz CNG variant has been discontinued, and the new CNG models start at Rs. 5.87 Lakh. This move aims to cater to the growing demand for CNG vehicles in India. I believe this is a smart move by Hyundai to expand its offerings in the CNG segment.

The Hyundai Santro has been praised for its smooth AMT transmission and modern interior, but it has also faced criticism for not having dual airbags as standard across all variants. Only the top Asta variant comes with dual front airbags, which is a safety feature many consider essential. I think Hyundai should consider making dual airbags standard in all variants to enhance safety.

Hyundai celebrated the first anniversary of the Santro by launching an Anniversary Edition, priced between Rs. 5.17 Lakh and Rs. 5.75 Lakh. This special edition, based on the Sportz trim, includes cosmetic and feature updates, making it a festive season offering. I believe this edition adds a nice touch to the existing model, making it more appealing to buyers.

The Hyundai Santro received a price hike, with the base trim now starting at Rs. 4.15 Lakh, an increase of Rs. 25,000 from the previous D-Lite trim. The Era Executive trim has replaced the lower variants, and prices for mid and higher-spec versions remain unchanged. This adjustment reflects market dynamics and production costs. I think this price adjustment is reasonable given the current market conditions.

The Hyundai Santro Asta AMT is priced competitively in the Indian market, with an ex-showroom price starting at around 6.01 lakh in Delhi. However, the on-road price can vary significantly depending on the location, with prices in cities like Chennai reaching up to 6.40 lakh. This pricing makes it a bit steep compared to some of its rivals, but the features and comfort it offers do justify the cost to some extent. For those considering the top-end Asta variant, the pricing is almost on par with the Sportz AMT variant, which might make the decision between manual and AMT transmissions more about personal preference than cost. Overall, while the pricing is not the most competitive, it is still within the realm of affordability for many first-time car buyers.

The Hyundai Santro Asta AMT offers a certified ARAI mileage of 20.3 kmpl, which is respectable for a car in its segment. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage ranging from 18 to 22 kmpl, depending on driving habits and conditions. This makes the Santro a viable option for those concerned about running costs, as it balances fuel efficiency with decent performance.