NEW DELHI: Santro, auto maker Hyundai's largest selling car in India, has bagged the number one position in the Vehicle Dependability Study conducted by JD Power Asia Pacific 2008.

It emerged winner in the compact car category of the study which ranks vehicles covering various market segments like premium compact, entry mid-size, mid-size, premium mid-size and entry luxury, a statement from Hyundai said.

Only original owners (customers) of cars that had been on the road for 30 to 42 months across various segments were evaluated under the study. The cars were tested on various parameters like performance, comfort and style, fuel-efficiency, emissions and safety standards.

Commenting on the award, Hyundai Motor India Managing Director H S Lheem said, "This is deeply satisfying. 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 study covered 4,700 car owners and looked at factors like 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 car was launched in 1998 and since then has been one of 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.