The morning rush in Connaught Place, Delhi, swarmed around me as I steered the all-new 2025 Hyundai Sentro through the chaotic roundabouts. What stood out wasn’t a flashy feature or a jaw-dropping performance but the sheer balance of this budget-friendly hatchback.
Hyundai has managed to craft an entry-level car that doesn’t feel like a compromise—a rare feat in a market where affordability often comes at the cost of quality.
Hyundai’s decision to introduce the Sentro couldn’t have come at a better time. With rising car prices due to stricter regulations and advancing technology, many first-time buyers find themselves priced out of new car ownership. The Sentro aims to fill that gap, offering a value-packed, practical, and refined option for those looking for an affordable yet modern vehicle.
Table of Contents
Design
The Sentro’s design follows Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” philosophy, delivering a smart yet functional look. The front grille, flanked by angular headlamps with LED daytime running lights (even on mid-range trims), gives the car a sharp and modern appearance.
From the side, a strong character line runs across the doors, giving it a more premium feel. The rear is kept simple yet effective, with taillights that complement the overall design. The slightly upswept window line prevents the rear cabin from feeling cramped—something many budget hatchbacks struggle with.
Color choices are well thought out, ranging from classic white and silver to more vibrant options like Fiery Red and Starry Blue. A dual-tone Atlas White with Abyss Black Roof variant adds a touch of sportiness for those who want something more eye-catching.
Interior
Step inside, and you’ll notice Hyundai’s clever approach to maximizing perceived value. The dashboard is designed with a horizontal layout that makes the cabin feel wider. A 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen (depending on the variant) sits at the center, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
The seats provide excellent comfort for this segment, with well-padded cushions that make long drives less tiring. Rear passengers get decent legroom, and a nearly flat floor means even the middle seat is usable. Hyundai has also included ample storage solutions—door pockets for 1-liter bottles, a deep glovebox, and a well-placed smartphone tray near the gear lever.
Despite the affordability, Hyundai has made sure the cabin doesn’t feel cheap. Hard plastics are present but well-textured, avoiding the low-budget look often seen in this category.
Performance
Under the hood, the Sentro is powered by a 1.1-liter three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 68 horsepower and 99 Nm of torque. It’s not a powerhouse, but for city driving, it’s more than adequate.
Two transmission options are available: a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). The manual variant offers smooth gear shifts and a light clutch, making it easy to drive in stop-and-go traffic. The AMT provides convenience but comes with the usual hesitation during gear shifts—although Hyundai has tuned it well to minimize jerkiness.
Fuel efficiency is one of the Sentro’s strong points, returning around 22-23 km/l in mixed driving conditions. With a 30-liter fuel tank, expect a range of over 650 km—perfect for budget-conscious buyers.
Ride and Handling
Hyundai has nailed the suspension tuning for Indian roads. The Sentro’s MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension absorb bumps well, keeping passengers comfortable even on rough patches.
Steering is light and responsive, making city driving effortless. The 4.7-meter turning radius helps in tight spots, and braking is predictable, with ABS and EBD included as standard.
Despite its small size, the Sentro remains stable at highway speeds, with decent noise insulation that keeps cabin noise at bay. Hyundai has ensured that while the car is affordable, it still delivers a pleasant driving experience.
Features and Safety
The Sentro balances affordability and technology well. The infotainment system is easy to use, with good touch response and clear graphics. Safety-wise, all variants come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims add side airbags, a rear camera, and electronic stability control.
Other convenience features include automatic climate control (on mid and higher trims), power windows, steering-mounted controls, and keyless entry.
Instead of stuffing the car with unnecessary gimmicks, Hyundai has focused on what truly enhances the driving experience.
Pricing and Ownership
With a price range of ₹4.50 lakh to ₹7.25 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sentro competes with the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Tata Tiago, and Renault Kwid. The Magna variant (manual transmission) offers the best balance of price and features, making it a great choice for buyers.
Hyundai provides a 3-year/100,000 km warranty (extendable to 5 years/unlimited km) and service intervals of 10,000 km or 12 months. Maintenance costs are claimed to be 25% lower than key rivals, and Hyundai’s vast service network ensures easy access to parts and repairs.
Verdict
The 2025 Hyundai Sentro proves that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromise. It delivers solid design, a comfortable cabin, good fuel efficiency, and essential modern features while maintaining Hyundai’s reputation for quality and reliability.
For first-time car buyers or those seeking a budget-friendly yet refined vehicle, the Sentro is a standout choice. It’s practical, economical, and well-built—everything you’d want in an entry-level hatchback without feeling like an entry-level purchase.
FAQs
What is the mileage of the Hyundai Sentro?
The Sentro offers around 22-23 km/l in mixed driving conditions.
Does the Hyundai Sentro have automatic transmission?
Yes, it comes with a 5-speed AMT option on mid and higher trims.
What is the price of the 2025 Hyundai Sentro?
The price ranges from ₹4.50 lakh to ₹7.25 lakh (ex-showroom).
How many airbags does the Hyundai Sentro have?
It comes with dual airbags as standard, with side airbags on higher trims.
What are the main rivals of the Hyundai Sentro?
Its key rivals include Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Tata Tiago, and Renault Kwid.
