Possibly one of the biggest launches of 2018 is the all-new Hyundai Santro. This new budget hatchback is larger than the original and is loaded with far more features. It is powered by a 69hp 1.1-litre four-cylinder engine that is mated to a 5-speed manual or an automated manual transmission (AMT). Its prices range from Rs 3.89-5.45 lakh for the petrol-manual, Rs 5.19-5.47 lakh for the AMT and Rs 5.24-5.65 lakh for the CNG variants; the latter two are available only in the mid-spec Magna and Sportz variants.
What are the standard features on offer?
Right from the base variant, ABS with EBD and a driver’s side airbag are on offer, along with a power steering, tachometer, MID with gear-shift indicator, an engine immobiliser and dual-tone beige and black interiors, which are standard across the range. Interestingly, the base D-Lite variant (Rs 3.89 lakh) misses out on essential kit. Those looking for basics like air-conditioning and front power windows will have to spend Rs 35,000 over the base and get the Era variant (Rs 4.25 lakh). In addition to the features listed above, the Era also gets rear AC vents, a power socket and body-coloured bumpers. So if on a tight budget, the lowest variant to consider is the Era.
Which is the variant that we recommend?
The variant that we recommend from the entire range is the Sportz. At Rs 4.99 lakh it is pricey, but it has all the feel-good features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, steering-mounted controls, electric outside mirror adjustment, and then there are other features like central locking, remote-key entry, power steering, power windows and rear AC vents, which are also available on some of the lower variants. The Sportz gets wider 165/70 R14 tyres, whereas the lower variants get 155/80 R13 tyres.
Another reason to opt for the Sportz is that, besides the Magna, it is the only other variant that gets the convenient AMT option, for a premium of merely Rs 47,000 over the manual. If a majority of your usage is in heavy traffic, it is worth opting for the AMT. In this variant, Hyundai also offers a factory-fitted CNG kit at a cost of Rs 65,000 (over the manual), for those looking for maximum efficiency.
Is it better to buy the top variant instead?
For Rs 46,000 more, the Asta variant, which is the only variant to also get a front passenger airbag, comes with rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and a rear wiper and washer. However, for the price of the fully-loaded Santro, you could consider a Grand i10, which is more premium and has a more powerful engine. What really sweetens the deal in favour of the Grand i10 are some of the attractive deals that are currently available on it.
Also see:
Hyundai Santro AMT pricier than rivals
2018 Hyundai Santro vs rivals: Specifications comparison
2018 Hyundai Santro price, variants explained
2018 Hyundai Santro image gallery