Hyundai Santro Adjudged India’s Most Dependable Compact Car

JD Power study names Hyundai Santro as the No.1 in the compact car segment

Hyundai Motor India Ltd., India’s largest car exporter and the second largest passenger car manufacturer, added another feather to its cap as the Hyundai Santro bagged the number one position in the compact car segment in the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) conducted by JD Power Asia Pacific 2008. The JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study conducted for the first time in India, ranks vehicles within eight market segments: compact cars, premium compact, entry mid-size, mid-size, premium mid-size, entry luxury, MUV/MPV and SUVs. Only original owners of cars that had been on the road for 30 to 42 months (the reason why Hyundai Verna And i10 were not covered by this study) across various segments were evaluated under the study. Rigorous testing covered various aspects of performance, comfort and style, ranging from the exterior and the interior to the electrical and mechanical aspects of a car, as well as fuel-efficiency, emissions and safety standards.Commenting on the awards, Hyundai Motor India Managing Director H S Lheem said: “This is deeply satisfying, especially as the JD Power Asia-Pacific study is one of the most esteemed and reliable studies, reputed for its total objectivity. The Santro’s success in being ranked as the best compact car only confirms our commitment to quality. This endorsement of our products by a body like this speaks volumes for the reliability of Hyundai cars.” The 2008 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from nearly 4,700 owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2004 and September 2005. The survey measured problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles by examining more than 150 problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience, which includes performance of brakes, steering wheel and tires; features, controls and displays; audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission. The study is designed to allow manufacturers to track the quality performance of their models and vehicle parts over time to implement product improvements, and to provide consumers with insight into the reliability and dependability of brands and specific models post-warranty. Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidences and higher long-term vehicle quality.The Hyundai Santro was launched in September, 1998 and since then has been the largest selling car in its segment. The Santro is powered by a 1.1 litre petrol engine and till date has sold over 1.3 million units both in the domestic as well as the overseas market. The Santro has been exported to around 70 countries.

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