Buying a Used Hyundai Santro? Here’s Why Manual is Still the Top Choice

The Hyundai Santro has been a well-regarded hatchback in the Indian market for decades. From the original tall-boy design that came out in 1998 to its modern iteration, the Santro has been synonymous with practicality, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Available in both manual and automatic transmission options in recent years, the Santro is able to cater to a broad spectrum of buyers. However, despite the increasing preference for automatic cars in India, manual transmission Santro models continue to massively dominate the used car space.

CARS24’s 2024 used car market report states that the share of automatic vehicles in the pre owned market has increased from 11.8% in 2022 to 14.7% in 2024. Although the adoption of automatic transmissions is gradually increasing, automatic transmission sales for used Hyundai Santro hatchbacks remain minimal.

Used Hyundai Santro Sales Favour MT Over AT

Among used Hyundai Santro models, the manual transmission remains an overwhelming preference for buyers. This doesn’t come as a surprise as it’s the preferred transmission for cars of this segment, being a familiar and easy-to-operate gearbox. Manual variants are also more affordable due to better fuel efficiency and lower maintenance costs. In 2024, the sales split for used Hyundai Santro models was:

Previous years’ data highlights a steady trend:

This data indicates that nearly 19 out of 20 pre owned Hyundai Santro cars sold were equipped with a manual transmission. While automatic models offer a more convenient driving experience, their lower resale value, perceived higher maintenance costs, and the perception of better control with manuals have contributed to the continued dominance of manual transmission in the used car market.

Demand for Used Automatic Hyundai Santro is Slowly Increasing

From 2021 to 2024, market trends have shown a slow but steady increase in the demand for used automatic Santro models:

• 2021: Automatics accounted for just 2.42% of all used Hyundai Santro sales.
• 2022: Automatic transmission share increased to 3.19%.
• 2023: Automatic share rose to 4.7%.
• 2024: Automatic sales reached their highest at 5.5%.

The Hyundai Santro’s AMT transmission offers an affordable automatic option for city driving. However, manual variants remain the first choice, especially in semi-urban and rural areas where automatic models are seen as expensive and potentially more expensive to maintain.

Hyundai Santro Engine and Transmission Options

Used Hyundai Santro Xing models are still in circulation and their engines are considered highly reliable and frugal, with trouble-free performance over many years.

Petrol Variant

• 1.1-Litre Epsilon MPi Petrol Engine

   

  • Transmission options: 5-speed Manual
  • Power: 62 bhp
  • Torque: 96 Nm

Since its relaunch in 2018, the Hyundai Santro continued with a tweaked version of the trusty 1.1-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. This engine was paired with both manual and automatic transmission options.

Petrol Variant

• 1.1-Litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine

   

  • Transmission options: 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT
  • Power: 68 bhp
  • Torque: 99 Nm

CNG Variant

• 1.1-Litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol + CNG

   

  • Transmission options: 5-speed Manual only
  • Power: 58 bhp (on CNG)
  • Torque: 85 Nm (on CNG)

The Santro’s AMT gearbox is a cost-effective automatic solution, making it a practical choice for city driving. However, AMTs are often perceived as less refined than conventional automatic transmissions, which could explain the limited demand for automatic Santro models in the used market. Moreover, newer drivers who have learnt driving with a manual transmission may opt for the same due to familiarity and having clutch control.  

Used Hyundai Santro Market Pricing

The Hyundai Santro holds a strong resale value in the used car market due to its reputation for reliability, fuel efficiency, and ease of maintenance. These factors make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Average Used Selling Price

Key Takeaways

1. Manual transmission Hyundai Santro models dominate the used market – In 2024, 94.5% of used Santro sales were manual, reflecting a preference for affordability and fuel efficiency.

    

2. Automatic transmission demand has increased slightly – Used automatic Santro models have seen a small rise in demand, growing from 2.42% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2024. However, this is much lower than the country average of 14.7% in 2024.

    

3. Resale value for manual variants remains higher – Used manual cars hold their value better in the market due to more availability, stronger demand and lower maintenance costs.

    

4. CNG variants are only available with manual transmission – Buyers prioritising fuel savings tend to opt for the manual transmission-equipped CNG model, reinforcing the preference for gearbox type.

    

5. Urban buyers prefer automatics, but manuals remain strong – While automatic Santro models are gaining traction in city markets, manuals continue to be the first choice in non-metro regions.

Conclusion

Automatic Hyundai Santro models are slowly gaining traction; however, manual transmission variants continue to dominate used sales. Buyers prioritise affordability, fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs of the manual transmission thus it is the preferred choice among used car buyers. In urban areas where convenience is a priority, the AMT-equipped second-generation Santro is becoming a viable option due to its operational convenience.

For budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, reasonably spacious, and fuel-efficient hatchback, the manual Hyundai Santro remains the best option. Meanwhile, those seeking a hassle-free city driving experience may find the AMT variant a suitable alternative.