The ever increasing fuel prices and increasing traffic on the roads are now making the new car buyers shift to alternatives like electric vehicles and CNG powered cars. While the EVs offer incredibly low running costs, they are not very affordable right now and hence small CNG cars are enjoying a stronger demand. CNG powered cars are not only cheap but are in addition to this, also offer supreme practicality for those looking for a comfortable daily commuter. The long-term reliability too is great and brands like Maruti and Hyundai are now offering a number of entry-level cars with these OEM CNG kits. Here is a detailed Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG Vs Hyundai Santro CNG comparison for those looking to buy an affordable family hatchback.
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG Vs Hyundai Santro CNG - Design And Dimensions
The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso boasts a boxy design language with a high-set hood. The square headlamps and chrome grille may remind you of another famous ladder-on-frame SUV but a compact footprint does make it look a little out of proportions to many. The bumper gets black plastics to give it a more rugged look. Move to the sides and you will notice that the R13 steel wheels look extremely small and out of the place. The rear however looks subtle and in all, the design may not impress everyone. The build quality too is not great and you will find many not so uniform panel gaps here and there. It is also worth noting that the car lacks proper insulation and thus the NVH levels inside the cabin are not great either.
Read Also: Tata Tiago CNG Vs WagonR CNG - Here Is What We Can Expect
The Hyundai Santro on the other hand gets more subtle looks and features a large grille up front that falls in line with the brand's latest design language. The swept-back headlamps complement the front design and the bumper too is simple sans any drama. Move to the sides and you will notice that the brand is not offering any alloy wheels with the CNG models. The windows are large and the build quality levels too are much better than the S-Presso. the rear too looks nice and in all, the Hyundai Santro definitely has an edge over the Marut Suzuki S-Presso when it comes to external looks. The Santro is also larger in terms of exterior dimensions and offers better space inside the cabin.
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG | Hyundai Santro CNG | |
| Length | 3565 mm | 3610 mm |
| Width | 1520 mm | 1645 mm |
| Height | 1549 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2380 mm | 2400 mm |
| Tyres | 145/80 R13 | 165/70 R14 |
Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG Vs Hyundai Santro CNG - Spec Comparison
The Maruti S-Presso gets the same CNG engine that we also see in cars like the WagonR CNG and the Celerio CNG. This 1.0-L K10B engine churns out 59 Ps and a peak torque output of 78 Nm. A five-speed manual gearbox comes mated to this engine. While the refinement levels from this motor are decent, it does boast commendable long-term reliability and impressive fuel efficiency figures. Long term maintenance too is affordable. Performance however is adequate for city usage and the car does struggle to pick up speeds on the highways.
Also Read: Upcoming Maruti CNG Cars In India - Here Is Everything That We Know!
The Hyundai Santro CNG on the other hand gets a bigger and better engine. The car gets a 1.1-L four-cylinder engine that not only has better refinement levels but also offers better driveability and better high-speed performance. With a claimed power output of 59 Ps and a peak torque output of 84 Nm, this engine too boasts low running costs and commendable long-term reliability. A five-speed manual gearbox comes mated to this engine. The initial performance of both these cars is comparable but it is the Santro that has an edge over the S-Presso at high-speed performance.
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG | Hyundai Santro CNG | |
| Engine | 1.0-litre, three-cylinder | 1.1-litre, four-cylinder unit |
| Max. Power | 59 PS at 5500 RPM | 59 PS at 5500 RPM |
| Max. Torque | 78 Nm at 3500 RPM | 84 Nm at 4500 RPM |
| Transmission | 5-speed | 5-speed |
| Emission Norm | BS6 | BS6 |
Price
The Maruti S-Presso is one of the most affordable cars in the brand's line-up and is priced from INR 5.11 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base CNG variant. The Hyundai Santro on the other hand is priced from INR 5.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base CNG variant. While the S-Presso offers a more affordable price tag, it is the Hyundai Santro that offers better build quality and a more premium cabin.
Also Read: Tata Punch Vs Maruti Ignis - Here Is Everything That You Should Know!
| Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG | Hyundai Santro CNG | |
| Starting Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs. 5.11 Lakh | Rs. 5.99 lakh |
Final Verdict
Both of these cars in our comparison offer supreme value for money to the buyers and have their own set of pros and cons. However, it is the Hyundai Santro that has an edge over the Maruti S-Presso. the Hyundai Santro not only gets a better exterior design but also boasts much better build quality and a more comfortable cabin. The NVH levels too are better and the quality of plastics used inside the cabin is also better than the S-Presso. The Santro also offers a more practical package and slightly better safety levels. The features on offer with the Santro too are better than the S-Presso. The Maruti S-Presso on the other hand offers a more affordable price tag and better after-sales support. Its compact footprint makes it better for those looking to use it in crowded cities.
Also Read: Tata Punch Mileage Revealed - Better Than Ignis?
So, what are your views on the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso CNG Vs Hyundai Santro CNG comparison? Do let us know through the comments section below. Also, join our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group to know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride and much more! Also, you can subscribe to our Youtube channel for video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!
