Overview:
Hyundai Motor India Limited launched its hatch ‘Santro’ in 1999, in a re-bagged version of the Hyundai Autos. Taking on market leader Maruti 800 and the Wagon R, the Santro is one of India‘s most popular ‘B’ segment hatchbacks. The Santro was revamped in 2003 and renamed as Xing. Now Santro has come up with a facelift and with a new 1.1 eRLX Epsilon engine.
The Santro can be termed as an affordable small car that makes great sense. The new Santro is an outstanding package comprising a well-equipped car, superior technology, roomy interiors and the stamp of reliability. Endearing itself to the auto buying public, the new Santro with its curvy, boxy shape sits tall, and has become a hot favourite and a convenient small family car for the Indian urban jungle.
The new Santro is available in eight variants. They are XK Non AC, GL, GLS, GL LPG, GLS LPG, XK Non AC CNG, GL CNG and GLS CNG. Keeping pace with expectations of Hyundai lovers, and still rubbing shoulders with the new Maruti Suzuki Estilo, the all new Hyundai Santro is all set to go a long way ahead. The new Santro will be available in 8 exciting colours: Crystal White, Black Diamond, Sleek Silver, Electric Red, Dark Grey, Silky Beige, Berry Red and Sparkle Blue.
Powertrain and Performance:
The new engine under the hood is a Hyundai eRLX Epsilon engine, displacing 1,086 cc that outputs 62 bhp at 5,500 revs and 96 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Hyundai‚s ‘active intelligence’ eRLX technology powers the engine to improve performance and mileage and is Euro IV compliant.
Standard transmission is a 5-speed manual with overdrive, which is fast and responsive. The 4-speed automatic gearbox option on the GLS variant is best suited for urban commuters and does away with the hassle of frequent gear changing in city traffic.
The hatchback features ventilated discs in the front and self-adjusting drums in the rear. With its low-end torque and excellent throttle responses, the Santro delivers good fuel economy (11/16 kmpl city/highway).
TThe Santro is agile and handles well; its short wheelbase and turning radius makes it ideal for swift maneuvers. While cornering, the car displays some body lean, but when driven with some punch, the driver can experience a measure of road feel. The new features world class McPherson Strut suspension in the front and 3-link offset coil springs in the rear, which even out the bumps on Indian roads. Wider tyres add to confidence levels while negotiating slippery surfaces. The suspension aggregates remains the same but changes would be made to the front rear suspension damping and a bigger anti-roll bar to improve the ride and handling further.
Build and Styling:
The new Santro sports an extensive redesign with a more international and contemporary look with flowing aerodynamic bodylines. The front fascia will boast a new elegant grille, chrome inserts new stylish rounded headlamps with integrated indicators and re-designed cool front fenders. The rear end has revamped brighter tail lights, body colored bumper for a chic look and a sporty rear spoiler. Moreover, the doors will be dressed in new pull type grab handles and the wheels will be covered by new full wheel cover for a posh look. The New Santro flaunts a rear spoiler for better aerodynamics.
The revamped interior looks plush and comes in an exciting brown beige interior similar to the i20. It features a new silver finish center console, new rotary control for the air conditioner and storage areas to store knick knacks. The dash, instrument cluster and the central console have a smart new look with sporty dials and better-designed vents. A newly designed rear parcel tray is also among the add-on features.
The Tallboy design provides for ample leg-, head- and elbow-room; seats are supportive and offer firm thigh and back support; and head restraints for front and rear seats enhance occupants’ safety. Standard interior features include air-conditioning, heater, blower speed, power steering, power windows, rear wiper and washer, defogger, intermittent wiper and washer. Safety features include child locks, crumple zones and high torsion impact bars.
