Well, cars are for luxury and small cars are for joy. This is something the Indians are familiar about. Small cars in India have started a tradition of sorts and everybody is going in for a small car these days. The reason basically is that it offers the luxury of a posh car for a small family at an affordable price. Fair enough. Since Maruthi 800 hit the Indian roads there have been a deluge of small cars in India. But one car that impressed me like anything was Hyundai Santro. I would like to share my thoughts on this car with you.
The Hyundai Santro hit the Indian roads in 1998 and ever since its launch, it has been selling extremely well. This Korean “Tall Boy” had our hero Shahrukh head over heels in its advertising campaign, which no doubt helped boost the image of a little known Korean brand in India. The small car gives a trouble-free performance and a good ownership experience, which is the reason why there are so many proud owners like me around.
The styling of the car is somewhat different from other small cars. With a tall back, the car gives an opportunity for tall people to get in comfortably. The build quality is superior and the interiors are simply wonderful. I am in no mood to bore you with intricate details and so I would say I was totally impressed with the styling of the car and the comfort of the interiors.
Coming to the engine, The Santro is powered by a 999cc four-cylinder engine , which produces all of 55 bhp. Fuel injection ensures that it is very frugal. With regular service, oil and filter changes, the engine is sure to give trouble-free service for more than a lakh kilometers before requiring any major attention whatsoever. This for sure speaks volumes of the quality of the engine that has been incorporated. The Santro like most cars today is a front-wheel drive, with the engine mounted transversely over the front axle. The gearshift is slick and positive and makes for an enjoyable driving experience. The gearbox works well and it retains its positive feel even after 40, 000 kms.
Since the Santro uses a standard MacPherson strut suspension set-up in the front, one is guaranteed of great riding. The rear suspension set-up comprises of a dead axle, coil springs and shock absorbers. The car handles relatively well through the corners, thanks to its good front suspension set-up. The feel good factor is that you don’t see any sort of abnormal wear and tear of the tyres even after long rides. The car, in my opinion has a softer suspension compared to other small cars.
The Santro makes use of the rack and pinion steering while some higher-spec models are available with power assistance. The steering works really good and this Korean mini perfects refinement to nicety. The brake set-up is discs in the front and drums at the rear. I feel the car feels skittish under severe braking even on slightly bad roads.
As far as handling is concerned, the car is a good handler, totally predictable and sticks to its line even under hard cornering and stuff. With a revvy motor, the Santro enhances its appeal with its slick gearshift and overall refinement. The 3-valve engine is mated to a gear box that makes city driving a breeze in the Santro. The ride quality, well I wouldn’t say is brilliant. It is average. Well the higher center of gravity of the car necessiates a stiff setting for the rear anti-roll bar. The resultant is a sort of a kick-back when the car rolls over the limit causing minor jerks.
Especially in a country like ours where the cost of fuel is very high as compared to salaries of people who own cars, it becomes one of the single-most influential parameters in deciding which car to own. The Santro gives an average mileage of 16 kmpl and I feel it is good enough but if I go to compare with some other.....well, let me not compare. I feel its good enough for me. Yes, frankly I am biased here. On the whole the Santro gives a good value for money.
So, as a final note, I would like to say that I love this vehicle and I simply adore this ’’tall-boy’’. My dear people, if you wish to buy a small car, then do have a peep into Santro, for I feel this car deserves its due for the peppy ride and performance it provides. I would definitely recommend this car for I love it but then, somebody proposes and somebody disposes. In my opinion though, one can certainly go for it.