The Indian buyer had got used to seeing the boxy 800s or the curves of the Zen or the highly outdated uno, so the ’’bug eyed’’. Santro certainly caught his eye in 1998 when the car was introduced in the indian market.
Santro’s looks were criticized by many, lets face it, it wasn’t the beauty on the streets but certainly
ruled the streets in many other aspects.
Recently Hyundai re-launched the santro in a new xing...santro Xing! although the technical components are much the same there are some major changes in it’s appearance. Gone is the ’bug eyed’ front replaced by more modern and smart lamps. There is a distinct change in the rear panel as well. There is a a rubber strip provided below the rear window to break the monotony. The dimensions of the car have also changed by a few mm.The tall boy look is no longer evident.(70mm longer 30mm wide.)
The airconditoner in the certainly superior to most others in the segment. Very powerful and effective
in the peak afternoon heat. And it’s absolutely quiet.
Being taller than the 800 or Zen its easier getting into the santro.The interiors are very comfortable with comfortable leg room abundant head space.
Moreover the ride is very smooth, infact on a highway if you shut your eyes(only when
you are the passenger, ofcourse!!) it feels as good as a lower end C segment car.
Although I wouldn’t say the seats are too good. It becomes a bit uncomfortable for long journeys, but then it’s a city car!! However it sticks to Hyundai’s culture of excellent interiors.
safety wise it scores pretty well...the body is robust and it’s a little higher than other cars
you don’t feel like you are sitting at road level like in a Zen.
Santro-Analysis
Engine
The santro has a revvy 1.1 litre Hyundai Epsilon engine with multi point fuel injection system which wipes out the hassles of servicing the carburetor for top notch performance. The Electronic Injection system avoids breaker gap arrangement. The Engine requires minimum looking after. I don’t even remember having to open the hood anytime during the first year.
Engine Details
12 V SOHC inline 4 cylinders 1086cc 63ps power at 5500RPM and 9.1 Kg m of torque at 4000RPM
Suspension
Independent McPherson Strut is what cradles you from the harsh roads. It provides for a
smooth ride.
Steering
One of the aspects Hyundai must have spent extra time on is the zippy santro steering.
It makes it easier to maneuver the car in small spaces.Well, u can actually zip through the
curves with that electronic steering wheel.
Brakes
Rear Discs and front drums provide effective braking power. Nothing special about it.
Variants
XE-Basic Model
XG-Power steering, Power Windows(front), Body coloured bumpers.
XP-Power steering
XS-Fully Loaded.
One of the features of Santro that needs to be highlighted is its engine cooling system. The temperature gauge just refuses to go beyond the cool mark. Whether you are stuck in traffic jams or climbing hills the needle remains steady at ’’cool’’.
The acceleration is good.
Cost of spares is average. Service station network is good although not as much spread as
maruti obviously, although I have heard that the so called on road service is not available
when you are in-between cities. I never had to use it.
The dealerships are good. Infact at certain places you can have the dealership guy come and pick your car up from office or home take it for servicing and have it delivered to you by evening.