Maruti S-Presso vs Hyundai Santro: Which Car To Pick?

Which of the two models offers a value-for-money package?

Maruti recently launched the S-Presso, which is priced from Rs 3.69 lakh to Rs 4.91 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Owing to its price, it not only competes with entry-level hatchbacks but also with those in the compact category. This puts it in contention with the Hyundai Santro, which is priced between Rs 4.19 lakh and Rs 5.74 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

But which of the two models offers the most value for money? Let’s find out:

Dimensions

As the Santro is not offered with roof rails, we compare the dimensions of both the models without them. The Santro is a clear winner in every aspect except for its boot space.

Engine

Also Read: Maruti S-Presso: Which Colour Is The Best?

The S-Presso is powered by a 1.0-litre petrol unit whereas the Santro comes with a 1.1-litre engine. Both the models are offered with either a 5-speed MT or a 5-speed AMT. The S-Presso is slightly more frugal than the Hyundai’s entry-level hatchback when it comes to claimed efficiency.

Variants and Prices

Note: We’ve listed the prices of only the ‘optional’ variants of the Maruti models as they are equipped with more safety features and are the only ones we’d recommend.

For the comparison, we’ll only be considering variants priced at no more than a difference of Rs 50,000. 

Maruti S-Presso Lxi (O) vs Hyundai Santro Era Executive

Common Features

Safety: Driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, child safety rear door locks, immobiliser, driver seat belt reminder.

Interior: Cabin lamp, 1L bottle holders on front doors, map pockets.

Comfort and Convenience: Manual AC, power steering.

What S-Presso Lxi (O) offers over Santro Era Executive: Sun visor (driver+co-driver),, seatbelt alert (driver+co-driver), rear parking sensors, speed alert, co-driver airbag and seatbelt pretensioner and force limiter.

What Santro Era Executive offers over S-Presso Lxi (O): Body coloured bumpers, hub cap, tachometer, front power windows, folding rear seat bench, remote fuel lid opener and remote tailgate opener, distance to empty and low fuel warning.

Verdict: Even though the Santro’s Era Executive variant comes with features such as front power windows, folding rear seat and body coloured bumpers, we recommend the S-Presso’s Lxi (O) variant as it is packed with more safety features. The S-Presso comes with seatbelt alert (driver+co-driver), seatbelt pretensioner and force limiter, rear parking sensors, co-driver airbag and speed alert.

Maruti S-Presso Vxi (O) vs Hyundai Santro Magna

Common Features (over previous variants)

Safety: Central locking and keyless entry

Exterior: Roof antenna

Infotainment System: 2 speakers, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Comfort and convenience: Front power windows.

What S-Presso Vxi (O) offers over Santro Magna: Rear parking sensors, speed sensing door lock, co-driver airbag, front seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter and full wheel covers.

What Santro Magna offers over S-Presso Vxi (O): Body coloured ORVMs and outside door handles, steering-mounted audio, Bluetooth controls and rear AC vents.

Verdict: While Hyundai offers premium features such as rear AC vents and steering-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls in the Santro’s Magna variant, we recommend the S-Presso’s Vxi (O) variant as it comes with additional safety features. This includes speed sensing door lock, rear parking sensors, co-driver airbag and front seatbelts with pretensioner and force limiter.

Also Read: Hyundai Santro Anniversary Edition Launched, Prices Start At Rs 5.17 Lakh

Maruti S-Presso Vxi+AMT vs Hyundai Santro Magna AMT

Common Features (over previous variants)

Comfort and convenience: Rear parcel tray.

What S-Presso Vxi+ AMT offers over Santro Magna AMT: Rear parcel tray, internally adjustable ORVMs, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and full wheel covers.

What Santro Magna AMT offers over S-Presso Vxi+ AMT: Nothing.

Verdict: The S-Presso’s Vxi+ AMT is a top-spec variant and hence comes loaded with features such as internally adjustable ORVMs and touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. So, we would recommend this variant over Santro’s Magna AMT owing to the extra equipment being offered as well as the added safety features such as dual-front airbags.

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