2018 Hyundai Santro: Competition Check

The competition in the entry-level hatchback segment has turned fierce with the reintroduction of the Santro in the country. The Santro is a direct alternative to entry-level B-segment hatches such as Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. Here is how the new Santro compares against its rivals in our competition check.  

Maruti Suzuki Celerio 

The Celerio was the first one to introduce the AMT in this segment, and the Santro is the one to debut it for Hyundai. Also, the Celerio can be had with a factory fitted CNG kit, just like the Santro. The Celerio's styling is a tad radical for Maruti Suzuki, but the Santro takes it up a notch further. The Hyundai claims a tall-boy stance with sharp creases all around the body. The Celerio received a 2018MY update and still looks fresh even after being around for four years already. Both the hatchbacks come with similarly powered powertrains. 

Tata Tiago

The Tiago proved to be a runaway success for Tata since its introduction, owing to its upmarket styling and feature-rich cabin. The Tiago also offers AMT and unlike the Santro, it also offers a frugal diesel motor. But the Santro feels more premium than the Tiago on the inside yet it misses out on the alloy wheels. And the Santro also underpins the Tiago in terms of pricing. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.0

The Wagon R has been a household name in the country and is one of the highest selling models in this list. It was the first to boast of the tall-boy look and now Santro is here to challenge it. The Wagon R is powered by the same powertrain as the Celerio with the option of CNG as well as the AMT automatic transmission. It would be a tough task for the Santro to dethrone the Wagon R from its highest selling position. But since it carries one of the iconic names in the Indian automotive market, the Santro can surely challenge the Maruti in its own game.  

Renault Kwid 1.0

The Kwid introduced the SUV-esque styling in the entry-level hatchback segment. The Kwid also offers a touchscreen infotainment system, AMT and what's more, the power output of both hatchbacks are evenly matched. However, the Kwid lacks the premium feel offered by the rest of the competition and there is no CNG option either. The pricing of the Kwid is also evenly matched with the newcomer but the Santro feels like a complete package compared to the Kwid.

Datsun Go

The Datsun got a major update recently bringing it on par with the rest of the competition. It now gets ABS and airbags as standard along with alloy wheels and a new touchscreen infotainment system. The updated Go has become more desirable now than the older car. But it still lacks the quality which is Santro’s forte. The Santro is also slightly more feature loaded with features like rear air-con vents, AMT, adjustable driver seat and a CNG option.