Hyundai Santro : The Hyundai Santro has been one of the most important cars in the Indian hatchback space, single-handedly responsible for making Hyundai a household name in India. The Santro was first introduced in 1998, and it soon became a hit due to its tall-boy architecture, compact size and frugal petrol engine. It has had to adapt and change with the times to keep up with demand for a more modern product, but at its heart is the same thing — lightweight, accessible, and useable. Re-launching it in the Indian automobile sector, Hyundai presents Santro in new avatar restoring nostalgia and combined well with modern day looks and mechanicals. It remains a dependable entry point into Hyundai’s line-up and offers comfort, value and ease of use in a segment that is fiercely fought and difficult to crack.
Familiar but Modern Exterior Styling
New iteration of the Hyundai Santro carries a similar stance as the original tall-boy design, but with contemporary features and design cues. Up front, there’s a broad cascade grille with slim swept-back headlamps that help give the compact dimension with attitude. Body colored bumpers, door handles and side mirrors add to the sophisticated look, while the faint character lines flowing along the side of the car add some nice visual interest without over complicating the look of the 2020s. The high roofline creates a nice sense of space inside, and its short overhangs result in a city-friendly footprint. The hatch also flows neatly into the taillights, and there’s a big Hyundai badge on the boot lid. In terms of design, overall, the Santro still looks fresh but with a nod to today’s increasingly urban population.
Well-Planned Interiors for Urban Utility
Get inside the Santro and one can see that Hyundai has played the practicality and comfort cards in this tight space. The two-tone interior is attractive and the space inside is neatly organized and there’s adequate headroom in the high-boy position. The dashboard here is marked by functionality – a centrally placed infotainment system, rotary control for the air conditioning and neatly integrated storage spaces among other things. Large windows and narrow pillars are helpful in promoting good outward vision for safer driving and parking in metropolitan traffic. Four adults sit in reasonably comfortable positions with decent legroom in all rows. The back also has a flat floor and decent cushioning, so it is a usable family car even though it is a little small in size. The cabin design shows that Hyundai knows what works for Indian roads and traffic conditions and there is simplicity where it’s needed.
Efficient, user-friendly engine
Underneath the bonnet, the Hyundai Santro will house a 1.1-litre petrol engine that will emphasise on performance and fuel-efficiency. That powertrain is set up for urban-oriented use, with adequate torque for city-speed commuting and occasional freeway jaunts. The 1.1 Eco-Torque 3-cylinder unit can be paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and Hyundai’s proprietary AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) which gives customers the power of choice to choose depending on their driving needs. The AMT version, for one, is a godsend for city commutes that see a lot of shifting action. While an itty bitty motor on paper, the refinement is pretty impressive, with predictable throttle response and little to no buzz. It drives fairly stable when you accelerate or break the car it will not wobble to much, so it’s a solid ride to do day-today errands and drive to any destination close by.
Dynamic Handling for Everyday Use
The Hyundai Santro is well balanced and well mannered to take on Indian roads. Its small dimensions and lower turning radius give it great agility in city driving. The suspension is calibrated to soak up everyday road blemishes — potholes, speed bumps, etc. — without making the cabin too unsettled. Steering feel is light but predictable, making the car easy to park and steer through freeway lane changes. Tire clearance is okay for normal urban driving, leaving drivers feeling secure when traveling over bumpy streets. Braking is managed by a front disc/rear drum system that can stop the bike under most basic riding conditions. On the whole, the Santro feels quite planted and manageable for people who are new to driving or are relatively less experienced.
Helpful tools that contribute to the difference
Although an entry-level offering, the Santro isn’t short on features that boosts its everyday practicality. High end trims are provided with a 7 inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connection, steering mounted audio controls, rear parking sensors and electrically adjustable ORVMs. The aircon is a big win even in severe summer heat, the electric front windows are an added bonus. Safety is taken care of thanks to dual airbags, ABS with EBD as well as a strong body shell which meets the present crash norms. There isn’t a huge amount of boot space, but it is well shaped and there should not be much of a problem with grocery runs or small luggage. This sort of thoughtful features show Hyundai’s attention to details and clear customer centricity that even a budget hatchback can feel whole, and modern.
A Believable Hatchback with Lasting Appeal
Hyundai Santro It’s really popular in India among those who value the practicality, efficiency, and a trusted brand. It has emotional value for many, particularly as an earlier model that served as a first car, or as […] The post Ford Bronco 2021: Return Of An Off-Road Legend appeared first on Ride. With a modern design, an economical engine and a compact form, this Santro continues to carry forward that tradition and addresses to today’s consumer needs. It is reinforced by Hyundai’s wide dealership network and strong after sales services thus increasing its allure among both urban and semi-urban customers. The Santro is certainly a well-rounded package that you can associate with if you had owned the original version and are in the market for an economical and hassle-free car that still feels like a car.