New Car Reviews- Hyundai Santro Xing

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.

An affordable small car that makes great sense, the Xing 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 Santro Xing 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 Santro’s new face has infused fresh vitality into its sales and extended its road life for some more seasons.

The Santro Xing is available in seven variants - XK non-AC, XK non-AC with CNG, GL, GL CNG, GLS, GLS CNG, and GLS AT. Keeping pace with expectations of Hyundai lovers, and still rubbing shoulders with the new Zen Estilo, the Hyundai Santro is all set to go a long way ahead.

The engine under the hood is a Hyundai Epsilon Engine, Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), eRLX, in-line four, 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 despite additional restrictions imposed by Euro III emission norms. Standard transmission is a 5-speed manual with overdrive, which is fast and responsive. The 4-speed automatic gearbox option on the GLS AT 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). The new model is longer by about 70 mm and wider by 30 mm.

The 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 Xing 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. While power delivery is adequate, ride comfort for rear seat passengers is compromised, especially on bad roads.

The Santro Xing sports an extensive redesign with a more international and contemporary look with flowing aerodynamic bodylines. The front has a new horizontal chrome grille, a large bumper, stylish new headlamps and large sporty tail lamps, more in keeping with Hyundai’s international design cues. The large headlamps add some cheer to the front; tail lamps are imposing and offer more safety while braking; and the new tailgate incorporates a glass section and a black strip, running parallel to the molding on the rear bumper.

Summing up, the car’s snub-nosed, compact looks have instant appeal and make for a highly viable ‘buy,’ for the single-salaried individual or the archetypal family.

The revamped interiors look plush and feature a 3-spoke steering, new instrument clusters, power windows and premium upholstery. The new 3-spoke steering wheel has a thicker grip that makes handling easier. The dash, instrument cluster and the central console have a smart new look with sporty dials and better-designed vents. A newly designed hand-rest, a rear parcel shelf, a luggage lamp, power controls for the rear windows and a storage tray under the two front seats are 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.