Hyundai Santro Sportz

The Hyundai Santro Sportz is a compact hatchback that has made a significant impact in the Indian market with its modern design and premium interior. Powered by a 1086 cc petrol engine producing 68 bhp, it is available in both manual and AMT transmission options. The car also comes with a CNG variant, offering 59 bhp. One of the standout features is the interior, which boasts a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear AC vents, and a height-adjustable driver seat. The Santro Sportz also includes safety features like rear parking sensors and a camera, although these are limited to the top-spec Asta variant. With its comfortable ride, stable handling, and good all-round visibility, the Santro Sportz is an excellent choice for city driving and occasional highway use. However, it may not be the best option for high-speed highway driving due to the engine noise and slightly bouncy ride at higher speeds.

The Hyundai Santro Sportz is a mixed bag that offers both impressive and lacking aspects. On the positive side, the interior quality and design are standout features, making it feel like a shrunken premium hatchback. The cabin is well-built, with appreciable plastics, switchgear, and overall fit and finish. The AMT transmission complements the engines character well, making it smooth and easy to use, especially for first-time automatic car buyers. However, the Santro falls short in the features department, lacking dual airbags, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, adjustable headrests, alloys, and DRLs, even in the top Asta variant. Despite these omissions, the Santros comfortable ride, stable handling, and powerful AC make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing interior quality and a premium feel over outright value.

The Hyundai Santro Sportz AMT variant is now available, priced around Rs. 6 lakh (ex-showroom). It features a 1.1L Smart Auto AMT engine, 5-speed automated manual gearbox, and various comfort and safety features like rear AC vents and a 17.64cm touchscreen AV system. I think the addition of an AMT option makes the Santro more appealing to urban buyers.

Hyundai has introduced two new CNG variants of the Santro, based on the Magna trim, with prices starting at Rs. 5.87 lakh. These variants cater to fuel-price conscious buyers and fleet owners, making the Santro a viable option in the CNG market. I think this is a smart move to tap into the growing demand for CNG vehicles.

The Hyundai Santro has received two stars for adult and child occupant safety from Global NCAP, highlighting a need for improvement in safety features. Despite this, the Santro remains popular for its modern interiors and comfortable ride. I believe Hyundai should prioritize adding more safety features to future models.

Hyundai India has launched the Hyundai Santro Anniversary Edition, priced between Rs. 5.16 lakh and Rs. 5.74 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This special edition, based on the Sportz trim, includes cosmetic and feature updates, making it a compelling option for buyers during the festive season. I think this move will help boost sales for Hyundai.

The 2018 Hyundai Santro saw significant demand, with over 38,500 bookings and 211,000 enquiries within a short period after its launch. Hyundai ramped up production to meet the high demand, aiming to sell 10,000 units in November 2018. I believe this strong response indicates the Santros appeal in the Indian market.

The Hyundai Santro Sportz variant is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for the Santro Sportz starts at around Rs. 4.26 lakh for the petrol manual version and goes up to Rs. 6.45 lakh for the petrol automatic (AMT) version. On-road prices, including taxes and other costs, can range from approximately Rs. 5.2 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh, depending on the location and additional features. This pricing makes the Santro Sportz an attractive option for those looking for a well-equipped compact car without breaking the bank. However, its essential to note that prices can vary based on the state and local taxes, so its always a good idea to check the prices in your specific city.

The Hyundai Santro Sportz offers respectable mileage figures, making it a viable choice for those concerned about running costs. The petrol manual version provides an ARAI-certified mileage of 20.3 kmpl, while the petrol AMT version offers 20 kmpl. For those opting for the CNG version, the mileage is an impressive 30.24 kmkg. In real-world conditions, users have reported mileage figures close to these certified values, making the Santro a fuel-efficient option for daily driving.