The Hyundai Santro made a big comeback in 2018 by reviving the hit tall-boy hatchback format for the modern era. Intelligent cabin packaging, decent rear legroom, rear AC vents, touchscreen infotainment, and a reliable 1.1-litre petrol engine all strike the right balance between affordability and practicality.
Fast-forward to 2025, and the Santro remains a formidable option. But the question is: Do you opt for a brand-new Santro fresh from the production plant, with a full warranty, the latest registration, and in pristine condition? Or do you save some hard cash on a used Hyundai Santro, a 2021 or 2022 model, stuffed full of goodies and still going strong?
This guide walks you through both sides, including feature comparison, price analysis, financing, insurance, operating costs, reasons for resale, and in-world presence. You’ll have complete clarity on exactly which Santro has the most value in your lifestyle and budget.
Table of Contents
New Santro: Quick Overview
Here’s what you get with the new Hyundai Santro:
- Engine & Performance: 1.1 L petrol, ~69 PS power / 99 Nm torque.
- Transmission choices: 5‑speed manual or 5‑speed AMT automatic.
- Mileage: ~20–21 kmpl in petrol, ~30 km/kg in CNG.
- Safety & Features: Dual airbags, ABS + EBD, seat-belt reminders, speed alert, rear parking sensors + camera.
- Comfort & Convenience: Rear AC vents, 7″ touchscreen with smartphone compatibility, keyless entry, front power windows.
- Body Style: Smart tall-boy hatch—roomier than typical small hatchbacks.
Hyundai also offered a factory-fitted CNG version until late 2022, which is still supported in service centers today.
Key Features of New Santro
- 69 PS / 99 Nm 1.1 L engine
- 5-speed manual or AMT
- Tall-boy design with rear AC vents, adequate boot
- 7″ touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
- Dual airbags, ABS + EBD
- Rear parking camera and sensors
- Keyless entry, power windows, steering-mounted controls
New Santro Ex‑Showroom Price
| Variant | Transmission | Ex‑Showroom Price (₹ Lakhs) |
| Era Executive | Manual | ₹4.90 |
| Magna | Manual | ₹5.36 |
| Sportz | Manual | ₹5.73 |
| Magna AMT | AMT | ₹5.82 |
| Sportz AMT | AMT | ₹6.00 |
| Asta | Manual | ₹6.01 |
| Asta AMT | AMT | ₹6.45 |
These prices give you room to estimate on-road pricing across different cities.
Used Santro: Quick Overview
When you buy a used Hyundai Santro model from 2019 to 2022:
- Same engine, transmission, safety, infotainment, and comfort levels.
- Factory-built CNG emerges in 2020–2022 models.
- Carry-forward features include a touchscreen, rear AC, and a camera.
- Depreciation hit taken, meaning you pay less than the new price.
- Many units still have warranty left and low mileage.
A 2021 Sportz AMT in good condition can be purchased for around ₹4.8–5.2 lakh on the road in Pune/Mumbai, while manual versions from the same year range from ₹4.5–4.8 lakh. CNG variants demand a slight premium.
Used Santro Price Overview
| Year | Transmission / Fuel | Approx. Price (₹ Lakhs) |
| 2022–2021 | Petrol Manual / AMT | 4.5 – 5.5 |
| 2021–2020 | Petrol / CNG Manual / AMT | 3.5 – 5.0 |
| 2020–2019 | Petrol Manual / AMT | 3.0 – 4.8 |
New vs Used Santro: Financing Comparison
Let’s compare two real-world scenarios:
- New Santro Sportz AMT: Ex-showroom: ₹5.98 L | On-road: ₹6.90 L
- Used 2021 Santro Sportz AMT: On-road: ₹4.80 L
Assumptions:
- Down payment: 20%
- Interest: 9% for new, 11% for used
- Tenure: 5 years new / 4 years used
| Detail | New Santro AMT | Used Santro AMT |
| On-road Price (₹) | ₹6.00 L | ₹4.80 L |
| Down Payment | ₹1.28 L | ₹0.96 L |
| Loan Amount | ₹4.80 L | ₹3.84 L |
| Loan Tenure | 5 years | 4 years |
| Estimated Interest Paid | ₹1.14 L | ₹0.88 L |
| Total Repayment | ₹7.14 L | ₹5.68 L |
| Total Savings | — | ₹1.42 L |
Opting for the used Santro saves you over ₹1.42 lakh in total repayment, a substantial amount.
Insurance Comparison
Here’s how insurance pans out for a 5-year duration:
New Santro Sportz AMT
- Initial IDV: ₹5.98 L
- 1–Year Premium: ₹9,000
- 5-Year Total: ~₹33,000-₹35,000
Used 2021 Santro Sportz AMT
- IDV: ₹4.80 L
- 1–Year Premium: ₹7,500
- 5-Year Total: ~₹27,000
You save approximately ₹5,000-₹7,000 over five years by opting for a used 2021 Hyundai Santro Sportz AMT.
Other Ownership Considerations
To get a full picture, here’s what else matters:
1. Running Cost & Fuel Economy
Real-world mileage: 18–20 kmpl in petrol, ~28–30 km/kg in CNG. Annual fuel cost: ₹60,000–70,000.
2. Maintenance
The annual service costs ₹3,000–5,000. Expect a set of tires and brake pads by year 3.
3. Warranty & Benefits
New items come with a comprehensive warranty; used items may still have some parts remaining. Hyundai offers an extended warranty transfer if you choose.
4. Resale Value
A 3-year-old Santro holds ~50–55% of its on-road value. Used models depreciate more slowly beyond year 2.
5. Common Issues
Typical wear, such as cushion sagging and tailgate struts, as well as minor part replacements, not major repair territory.
New vs Used: Which One Should You Buy?
Go for the New Santro if:
- You want full peace of mind, a new cabin, and one that is non-previously owned.
- You will have the car for years with the full factory warranty.
- You want the latest capabilities and no compromise.
Go with the Used Santro if:
- You want to save ₹2–3 lakh less on finance, insurance, and depreciation.
- You’re okay with a 2021 or 2022 model in good condition.
- You aim to get value, comfort, and features without spending extra for “fresh off the lot.”
For daily commuting or urban family driving, the variance in driving performance by a lightly driven 2021 model and a brand-new model is practically zero. You’d be paying more—but likely getting little more.
Conclusion
The decision between purchasing a new Santro and a used one hinges on what is most valuable to you. The former comes with new car ownership, full warranty, and unspoiled comfort. A low-mileage 2021 or 2022 model Santro yields the identical performance at a vastly lower overall cost.
Peace of mind, a clean service slate, and fresh paint are most important, and your money is loose, then go new. But if practicality, cost-consciousness, and up-to-date amenities sit at the top, the pre-owned Santro is the smart buy in 2025.
FAQs
Q. Is a used Santro reliable in 2025?
A. Yes. Models from 2019 onward are reliable, easy to maintain, and spare parts are readily available.
Q. How’s the mileage?
A. Both petrol and CNG variants deliver around 18–20 kmpl and 28–30 km/kg respectively.
Q. Should I go for AMT?
A. Absolutely—Hyundai’s AMT is smooth and low-maintenance. Do check for proper servicing if it’s used.
Q. What about annual service costs?
A. Roughly ₹3,000–5,000. Used cars may require minor wear-and-tear replacements, but they are still relatively inexpensive to run overall.
Q. How much resale value can I expect?
A. A clean, used Santro holds around 50–55% of its on-road price after three years.



