Is Hyundai Santro worth buying in 2024?

ISLAMABAD: Nearly 15 years ago, the Hyundai Santro was one of the most popular mini hatchback cars in Pakistan. This was before the Pakistani auto market was heavily flooded with Japanese mini hatchbacks.

It was seen as a significant upgrade from the locally manufactured Suzuki Mehran, offering better styling and a more modern interior and exterior than both the Suzuki Alto and Mehran. The Santro also provided enhanced comfort than its competitors.

One of the key selling points of the Santro was its reliable 1000cc engine and ‘better than Suzuki’ suspension, which made it a popular choice for many buyers.

The first generation of the Santro was available in a single variant (Plus), while the second generation came with six variants: Club, Club GV, Exec, Exec GV, Prime, and Prime GV.

Although the two generations had similar designs, the second generation was viewed by many as a facelift. Its rear lights were positioned in the centre rather than at the top, alongside other minor cosmetic tweaks.

Despite its comfort and quality, the Santro struggled with resale value compared to other cars in the same category. The reason for this was the brand’s reputation. In 2004, Dewan Farooque Motors Limited, which owned the Hyundai franchise in Pakistan, faced a financial crisis and ceased operations in the country by 2009.

Santro’s price in 2024

However, in 2024, with rising car prices, the demand for older, affordable cars has surged. People are now looking to buy used kei cars like the Suzuki Khyber, Suzuki Alto, Suzuki Mehran, and the Hyundai Santro.

Due to the spike in prices, Hyundai Santro owners are now asking for hefty sums. On online car buying and selling platforms, the 2009 Hyundai Santro is priced as high as Rs1.7 million, while older models, such as the 2005 Santro, are listed for over Rs1.5 million, despite being nearly 20 years old.

The Santro came with an in-line 4-cylinder, water-cooled engine known as the Epsilon engine. This advanced 1000cc engine featured 3 valves per cylinder, making it a 12-valve engine. When new, it produced 55 BHP and 82 Nm of torque and was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Given its 1.0-litre engine and 5-speed manual gearbox, the Hyundai Santro offered good ride quality and comfort for its time. Its suspension was notably superior when compared to other hatchbacks from that era.

Although the price of used Santro models in Pakistan’s market is undeniably high, it remains a viable option for those seeking comfort at a lower price.

With Suzuki Mehran being sold for as much as Rs2 million, the Santro appears to be a better alternative for buyers unwilling to pay a premium for a car with a stiffer suspension and basic features.

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