How to Increase Mileage of Santro?

For a car that has had a major influence on the hatchback segment in India for over two decades, the Hyundai Santro still manages to tick the boxes when it comes to everyday usability. But as traffic gets denser and fuel prices remain unforgiving, even a small hatch like this can start burning more fuel than expected, which is why the topic of Santro mileage keeps coming up, especially among second or third owners.

The brochure says 20+ kmpl, but the truth is, these numbers are hard to reach unless you're driving in ideal conditions and truth be told, most of us aren’t. Many small things keep chipping away at the average. If you’ve been scratching your head over low mileage, this guide breaks down exactly what’s holding it back and how to squeeze better efficiency out of your Santro, regardless of its age. 

Hyundai Santro ARAI Mileage

The Hyundai Santro’s mileage, as certified by ARAI, is tested by experts in a setup that mimics simulated driving. The Santro mileage figures are: 

• Petrol Manual: 20 kmpl
• Petrol AMT: 20.3 kmpl
• CNG Manual: 30.48 km/kg

It must be noted that the Santro’s mileage will differ when it is driven on roads. The ARAI tests are based on real-life circumstances but fail to account for real-world factors. A car’s mileage is highly affected by factors like road conditions, driving style, AC usage, and overall load.

Hyundai Santro City Mileage

Here is what users typically observe in terms of Santro mileage when driving on city roads:

• Petrol Manual: 13–15 kmpl
• Petrol AMT: 12–14 kmpl
• CNG Manual: 18–20 km/kg

While driving a car in a city, the mileage goes down quite a lot. It includes factors like frequent braking, high AC usage, stop-and-go driving, and long waits at traffic stops. This is why Santro mileage figures vary a lot in city driving conditions. 

Factors Affecting Hyundai Santro City Mileage

These are some factors that directly affect Santro mileage when driving in the city:

1. Heavy AC usage 

Extended use of AC at high settings increases fuel consumption and can affect the mileage significantly. It is advised to use the AC at a low setting or roll down the windows for better mileage.

2. Heavy Traffic 

Heavy traffic leads to frequent stops, sudden braking and increased idle time. This leads to high fuel usage and low mileage.

3. Driving Behaviour

Aggressive driving at high speeds, sudden braking and rapid acceleration cause a drop in mileage. 

4. Driving for Short Distances

Driving a car for short distances doesn't allow the engine to reach an optimal temperature. Such cold starts affect the car negatively, resulting in reduced mileage.

How to Improve Hyundai Santro City Mileage?

There are some measures one can undertake to improve the Hyundai Santro mileage:

1. Use AC moderately

Santro mileage can be increased significantly with limited use of the AC. Avoid running the AC when driving short distances, as it puts strain on the engine. 

2. Type Pressure Management

Worn-out or underinflated tyres can quietly drain your fuel as they increase rolling pressure and the engine has to work harder.

3. Regular Servicing 

Regular car servicing, oil change, spark plug checks, battery health check and air filter replacement, along with an overall inspection, is key to achieving optimal mileage.

4. Pre-plan the Routes

City traffic is unpredictable. Hence, plan your routes before starting the journey. Use Google Maps to find the best possible routes to avoid congestion.

5. Avoid Quick Start or Stop

Maintain a stable speed, especially during long drives, as sudden acceleration and deceleration impact the car’s performance and mileage. 

Hyundai Santro Highway Mileage

Here are the user-observed estimates of Santro mileage from reliable sources like Team BHP. 

• Petrol Automatic: 17–19 kmpl
• Petrol AMT: 16–18 kmpl
• CNG Manual: 23–26 km/kg

The Hyundai Santro's mileage is generally higher on highways, as compared to city routes. With improved conditions and traffic-free driving, the Santro mileage records a positive jump in highway driving. 

Factors that Impact Hyundai Santro Highway Mileage

Even with favourable conditions, the following factors can impact Santro mileage on highways. 

1. Heavy Acceleration

Mileage reduces with frequent overtaking, high-speed driving and sudden acceleration. Santro’s engine is not built for heavy revving and it can drastically reduce the overall mileage. 

2. Wind Resistance

Driving a car at higher speeds with open windows hampers the car’s airflow, which results in lower mileage. Additionally, car accessories like spoilers, roof racks, and grills increase resistance even further. 

3. Elevated Highways

Climbing on the inclines of hilly and mountainous highways demands more power. Hence, it is better to avoid such routes as Santro is not built for intense hilly driving. 

4. Poor Tyre Pressure

Santro mileage also depends on tyre pressure. Incorrect tyre pressure increases friction, compromising efficient fuel usage, safety and speed of the car.

How to Improve Hyundai Santro Highway Mileage?

Adopt the following practices to improve Santro mileage on highways:

1. Maintain a Steady pace

Speeding beyond 100 kmph will impact the Hyundai Santro mileage. The ideal speed range for the best mileage figures is 80-90 kmph.

2. Quick Vehicle Check

Before every long drive on the highways, take a quick scan of the car’s condition. Check the tyre pressure, fuel level, coolant, and brake fluids. 

3. Lighten the Load

Apart from essentials, ensure the car does not have unnecessary items. The reduced weight will ensure optimum engine performance and increased mileage.

4. Gear Shifting Habits

For manual variants, change the gear to the highest on the highway once you reach a steady speed. Downshift only when necessary, as gradual gear shifting is the key to high mileage.

5. Exterior Car Accessories

Hoarding the car with multiple car accessories, such as roof racks or spoilers, will only affect its performance. Hence, when not required, remove any roof carriers or extra load to get better mileage. 

Summary

Increasing the Hyundai Santro mileage is easy when you adopt better driving habits and ensure proper car maintenance. Factors like tyre maintenance, smooth acceleration, and steady driving speed are some of the measures that can help you stretch every drop of fuel further than you’d expect. Manual or AMT, petrol or CNG, the Santro might be compact, but it’s got enough in its tank to deliver efficient performance when driven right. And if you’re interested in budget-friendly options, you can explore a wide range of used Hyundai Santro models across fuel types and budgets on CARS24 and find the perfect fit.