2025 Hyundai Santro Review: Comeback Hatchback with Modern Tech & Design

The Iconic Rise of Hyundai Santro

Launched in 1998 on Hyundai’s K1 platform, the Santro (known globally as Atos) introduced a compelling mix of style, performance, and affordability. Bangladesh’s pioneering “tall‑boy” styling provided superior headroom and visibility. Its early engine (999 cc producing 55 hp) and segment-first features-power steering, power windows helped it stand out.

Endorsed by Shah Rukh Khan from day one, Santro gained trust and cultural significance. With iterative updates (Zip, Zip Plus, Xing), Santro became a beloved family hatchback, selling nearly 1.85 million units by 2014.

Though discontinued in 2014, revived in 2018, and停 again in 2022, its legacy remains strong with rumors pointing to a modern 2025 comeback .

Summary Table: Hyundai Santro 2025

Feature
Details
Body Style
Tall‑boy 5‑door hatchback
Expected Launch
2025
Engine Options
1.1 L petrol ➝ 68 hp / 99 Nm + AMT option; CNG variant (30 km/kg)
Fuel Efficiency
Petrol = 20-22 km/l; CNG = 30-32 km/kg
Transmission
5‑speed manual; 5‑speed AMT
Infotainment
8‑inch touchscreen, Android Auto/CarPlay, digital cluster
Comfort
A‑C vents for rear, wireless charging, USB‑C channels, adjustable seats
Safety
Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear camera/sensors, seat‑belt reminders, ESC, LDW, ACC
Boot Space
Approx. 250 litres
Estimated Price (INR)
From ₹3.99 Lakh to ₹6.5 Lakh (top trim)
Official Site

A Modern Exterior, Same Tall‑Boy DNA

The new Santro is expected to retain its distinctive tall‑boy silhouette, but with significant modernisation:

  • Sharper front fascia featuring Hyundai’s signature cascading grille and LED headlights
  • Sportier bumpers, revised alloy styles, and new young‑oriented body colours
  • Slightly enlarged dimensions for greater interior space and comfort while still compact for cities

The design preserves Santro’s iconic identity while blending 2025’s contemporary styling cues.

Powertrain & Efficiency

Petrol

  • Engine: 1.1 L Epsilon block (68 bhp @5,500 rpm; 99 Nm @4,500 rpm)
  • Transmission: 5‑speed manual and 5‑speed smart AMT
  • Fuel economy: 20-22 km/l

CNG

  • Factory-fitted 1.1 L CNG option
  • Mileage: ~30–32 km/kg, per HT Auto

With dual-fuel options, Santro appeals to both value-driven and green-minded buyers.

Interior Comfort & Connectivity

Hyundai is expected to massively upgrade cabin comfort:

  • 8‑inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Digital instrument cluster on higher trims
  • Wireless smartphone charging, USB‑C connectivity, and 12 V socket
  • Rear A‑C vents, adjustable steering and seating
  • Options like panoramic sunroof likely in higher trims
  • Boot space: Approx. 250 L, ideal for family use

These trims bridge practicality and premium features rare in sub‑₹7 Lakh hatchbacks.

Advanced Safety for 2025 Standards

Expect comprehensive safety improvements, including:

  • Dual front airbags (with side/curtain in higher trims)
  • ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
  • Rear parking camera/sensors, seatbelt reminders, ISOfix
  • Revised stronger body structure (high‑strength steel) for crash safety

Santro 2025 marks Hyundai’s commitment to taking safety seriously even in budget segments.

Comparison with Segment Rivals

Model
Engine
Gearbox Options
Safety Features
Price (ex-showroom)
Hyundai Santro 2025
1.1 L petrol / CNG
Manual / AMT / CNG
Dual‑airbags, ABS+EBD, ESC, LDW, ACC
₹3.99 – 6.50 L
Maruti WagonR
1.0 L petrol
Manual / AGS
Dual airbags, ABS, rear camera
approx. ₹4.50 – 7 L
Tata Tiago
1.2 L petrol
Manual / AMT
4 airbags, ESC, Reverse parking, LDW
approx. ₹5 – 8.5 L
Renault Kwid
1.0 L petrol
Manual
2 airbags, ABS, rear parking sensor
₹4.7 – 6.6 L

Santro’s comprehensive safety and connectivity features are poised to give it an edge.

Who Will the New Santro Appeal To?

  • First-time car buyers seeking reliability and affordability
  • Urban families who require comfort, space, and safety
  • Fuel-conscious users benefiting from petrol and CNG options
  • Feature seekers, attracted to modern tech without SUV price tags

At its expected market position (₹4–6.5 L), Santro could resonate strongly with millennial and Gen‑Z buyers in metros and Tier‑2 cities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When will the Santro 2025 be launched?

Ans. Although unconfirmed, Hyundai plans a 2025 rollout, aiming for a Q3-Q4 launch. Rumour intensity suggests Hyundai naturally wants it out before major festival seasons.

Q2: What will the price range be?

Ans. Expected ex-showroom pricing is ₹3.99 L (base petrol manual) to ₹6.5 L (top petrol AMT/CNG).

Q3: Will there be a CNG version?

Ans. Yes factory-fitted 1.1 L CNG model is likely, achieving  30-32 km/kg mileage .

Q4: Does it offer AMT?

Ans. Yes an efficient 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission will be available alongside the manual gearbox.

Q5: How spacious is the cabin?

Ans. Tall‑boy design provides generous headroom and legroom comparable to larger segment rivals and bolstered by a  250 L boot.

Q6: What safety features are included?

Ans. Standard models have dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear camera/sensors, seatbelt reminders. Higher trims add ESC, LDW, Adaptive Cruise Control, and extra airbags.

Q7: Are the interior tech upgrades significant?

Ans. Yes 8‑inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone pairing, USB‑C ports, wireless charging, and optional panoramic sunroof address modern consumer needs.

Final Take

The Hyundai Santro 2025 brings back the iconic hatchback with a modern makeover. Its compelling mix space-efficient tall design, updated styling, enhanced safety, advanced infotainment, and dual‑fuel options positions it well for success in a highly competitive market.

If Hyundai executes this relaunch with thoughtful affordability and thoughtful feature packaging, the Santro could once again dominate India’s urban mobility scene.

Keep watching official Hyundai announcements as we approach the Santro’s official return in 2025.

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Tushar

Tushar is a skilled content writer with a passion for crafting compelling and engaging narratives. With a deep understanding of audience needs, he creates content that informs, inspires, and connects. Whether it’s blog posts, articles, or marketing copy, he brings creativity and clarity to every piece. His expertise helps our brand communicate effectively and leave a lasting impact.

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