When the original Hyundai Santro debuted in 1998, it changed the Indian car market forever. It was an affordable hatchback that didn’t feel like a compromise—offering modern styling, surprising interior space, and refinement at a budget-friendly price. The Santro quickly became “the people’s car,” helping Hyundai establish itself as a dominant player in India’s fast-growing automotive industry.
Now, after a brief hiatus and a less successful comeback, Hyundai has unveiled the 2025 Santro—completely redesigned to meet the expectations of today’s buyers. This isn’t just a revival of an iconic nameplate; it’s a modern redefinition of what an entry-level family car should be in an era of evolving mobility needs.
Table of Contents
Design
The 2025 Santro moves away from the tall-boy design of its predecessor and embraces Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” philosophy. The front features a bold cascading grille, flanked by sleek LED daytime running lights that form a distinctive signature.
The headlamps are positioned lower in the bumper, creating a sophisticated tiered lighting arrangement. The hood’s subtle creases flow into the A-pillars, adding a touch of dynamism to the compact hatchback.
From the side, the new Santro has a more streamlined silhouette. A gently sloping roofline maintains rear headroom, while a stylish C-pillar kink adds visual interest. Entry-level variants come with steel wheels and aero-focused covers, while higher trims sport 15-inch turbine-style alloy wheels designed for both aesthetics and efficiency.
At the rear, horizontally oriented taillights visually widen the stance. A roof-mounted spoiler houses the high-mounted stop lamp, contributing to better aerodynamics. The rear bumper’s black lower section adds a sporty touch while integrating reflectors and a rear fog lamp on premium trims.
Buyers can choose from six exterior colors, including the striking “Titan Gray Matte,” which was previously reserved for Hyundai’s premium models. The attention to detail in design signals a shift in the segment, making entry-level cars look more stylish and aspirational.
Interior
Step inside, and the 2025 Santro surprises with a spacious and well-thought-out cabin. The dashboard follows a horizontal theme, enhancing the sense of width. Materials feel premium for the segment, with fabric inserts, textured surfaces, and well-integrated trim pieces that elevate the overall experience.
Seating is a strong point. The slightly elevated driving position provides excellent visibility, and the front seats offer supportive bolstering without compromising ease of entry and exit. Rear passengers benefit from a high-set bench that improves forward visibility and ensures sufficient legroom, even when taller passengers occupy the front seats.
Technology is another highlight. Even the base variant features a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Higher trims upgrade to a 10.25-inch display—on par with models from higher segments. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Bluetooth and USB-C charging ports for both rows.
The climate control system is optimized for Indian conditions. Base variants get manual air conditioning, while higher trims feature automatic climate control with special attention to second-row airflow.
Storage is well thought out, with door pockets that hold 1-liter bottles, a large glove compartment, and multiple cubbies for small items. The boot offers 310 liters of cargo space—ample for daily errands and weekend getaways.
Performance
The 2025 Santro moves away from naturally aspirated engines, introducing a new 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. This Smartstream unit produces 100 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque—making it one of the most powerful options in its segment while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency.
Peak torque is available from just 1,500 rpm, ensuring strong low-end performance. This makes city driving effortless, with quick acceleration when needed.
Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox, a refined 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT), or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The AMT has been reworked for smoother shifts, while the CVT delivers maximum efficiency with simulated gear steps for a more natural driving feel.
For the first time in this segment, Hyundai is offering a mild-hybrid system on select variants. This 48-volt system assists with acceleration, enhances stop-start functionality, and enables engine-off coasting, improving efficiency by 5-7%.
Fuel economy figures are impressive. The manual variant delivers 22 km/l under standard conditions, with the AMT and CVT versions offering similar efficiency thanks to optimized gear ratios and the mild-hybrid system where equipped.
Ride and Handling
Built on Hyundai’s lightweight K1 platform, the 2025 Santro strikes a balance between comfort and handling. The suspension setup consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear—a common layout in this segment, but one that Hyundai has fine-tuned for a more composed ride.
Unlike many small cars that prioritize soft suspension at the cost of handling, the Santro feels planted and stable. It absorbs rough roads well while maintaining good body control during turns.
The electric power steering system has been calibrated for urban convenience, offering light effort at low speeds and progressively firming up on highways for better stability. Parking is effortless, thanks to a quick steering ratio that reduces lock-to-lock turns.
Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and rear drum brakes across most trims, with top variants receiving solid rear discs. Pedal feel is progressive, making stop-and-go traffic easier to manage.
Safety
Hyundai has made safety a top priority in the 2025 Santro. Even the base variant includes six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The body structure incorporates high-strength steel and reinforced crumple zones, helping the Santro secure a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating.
Higher trims introduce driver assistance features like autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and a rear occupant alert system. These features are rare in this price bracket, making the Santro one of the safest entry-level cars in India.
Parking aids include a rearview camera on mid-level trims and a 360-degree surround-view system on top variants—an unheard-of feature in this segment that makes city parking effortless.
Connectivity and Features
Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car technology makes its way into the Santro, offering features like remote engine start, climate control pre-conditioning, and vehicle tracking. The system supports over-the-air updates for maps and software, keeping the car’s tech up-to-date.
Voice recognition can handle commands in multiple Indian languages, allowing for hands-free control of navigation, music, and climate settings.
A standout feature is the Digital Key, which allows owners to unlock, start, and share access to the car via their smartphone. It uses NFC and Bluetooth, ensuring functionality even if the phone’s battery is low.
Pricing and Ownership Experience
The 2025 Santro starts at ₹5.3 lakh (ex-showroom), with the top-end variant priced at ₹8.5 lakh. While slightly higher than some rivals, the Santro justifies this with its premium features, strong safety package, and fuel efficiency.
Hyundai offers a 3-year unlimited-kilometer warranty, extendable to 5 years. Service intervals are set at 10,000 km or one year, with transparent pricing available via Hyundai’s app. The extensive service network ensures easy maintenance, while Bluelink provides service reminders and digital records for better resale value.
Thanks to its efficient powertrain and lower maintenance costs, the Santro remains economical to own. The mild-hybrid variants further enhance savings for high-mileage users.
A New Benchmark for Entry-Level Cars
The 2025 Hyundai Santro arrives at a time when entry-level cars are no longer just about affordability. Buyers today expect modern design, technology, safety, and efficiency—all of which the new Santro delivers.
Rather than cutting corners, Hyundai has redefined the segment by offering features previously reserved for premium models. The result is a well-rounded, future-ready small car that blends nostalgia with modern-day practicality, making it a strong contender in India’s competitive hatchback market.
FAQs
What is the price of the 2025 Hyundai Santro?
The price ranges from ₹5.3 lakh to ₹8.5 lakh (ex-showroom).
What is the mileage of the new Santro?
It offers up to 22 km/l with the manual transmission.
Does the 2025 Santro have a hybrid option?
Yes, select variants come with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
What are the safety features in the new Santro?
It includes six airbags, ESC, and optional ADAS on higher trims.
Does the Santro support wireless Apple CarPlay?
Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
