Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R is one of India's most loved cars in the budget segment. Let us find out what the BS6 version of the car has to offer.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R will be mentioned as one of the greatest successes whenever the history of the Indian car industry is written. Critics might call it boxy, dull and nothing fun to drive. But the WagonR has proved it all wrong and has become one of our consumers' favourite urban automobiles thanks to its simplistic approach, superb functionality, space, and affordability.
Exterior
The new Maruti Suzuki WagonR has the same architecture as its siblings, the Swift, Baleno, Ignatius, and many more. In addition to having improved performance and fuel efficiency, the exterior is stronger and harder for higher safety, handling, and riding comfort.
The new waggon is more extensive (3655 mm), bigger than the outgoing one (1675 mm) and larger also (1620 mm). The extra width gives a better position and quite frankly, the designers in Maruti have done the new WagonR magnificently well. While the practical design and the proportions and profile inherent in it still exist, all simple, straight lines with sharp edges have been smoothed out.
This well-kept latest version of the WagonR also has two headlights, prominently carved shoulder lines, slim grill with a streaming energy like structure. It's also well-dressed with a double headlight, slit wheel arches.
Interior
Step inside and you first notice that entry, if not better, is still excellent. The enormous amount of headroom that has always existed is still present.
The further width also helped the designers to create more space and no longer rub the passenger's shoulders. The whole passenger compartment actually appears to be larger and more comfortable. The combination of the beige and the dark interior enhances things and immediately draws the eyes to the new touchscreen, described by Maruti as a 'Smartplay Studio.' The largest car producer in India says the interface can be customised and connected to the cloud.
They claim that it is loaded with top of the line features from charging phones to actual traffic updates and news. This Smartplay Studio offers an impressive and very useful graphic look that allows for instant fuel efficiency, range, etc. You will be informed of a door opening, parking brake, seat belt and low fuel.
It has vehicle alerts. The display also has a temperature and date display. The built-in reverse parking sensors also have an intelligent graphical display. The top-end variants feature a colourful instrument cluster with a large rpm, placed next to them. The metre has an interestingly good old mechanical touch with a push-button lever.
The three-speed steering wheel feels good, but I find the air conditioning windings totally uneasy and un-aesthetic. The two ends of the dashboard are round, while the ones between them are nearly rectangular. Some plastics, especially the power window switches and the ORVM's adjustment knob, might have been a bit better. The seats are decent, but you do not want to be as comfortable or supportive if you plan to stay for long hours. However the space is great, with the larger dimensions of the new WagonR benefiting the rear seat.
Engines and Transmission
Two options are provided for the new Maruti Wagon R: a 1-liter, three-cylinder engine with 68 HP and 90 Nm of power and a 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine with a capacity of eight hp and 113Nm. Both engines come from Maruti's K-series and are operating in different models. The new WagonR has a positive results, with a fuel efficiency of 21.5 kmpl and 22.5 kmpl
The gear shift action in the manual is light and precise. The performance and installation of their AGS systems has constantly improved and literally improved with every new vehicle.
Back to engines, I believe even a smaller engine of 1.0 litres should be more than suitable for the majority of consumers. In fact, if you don't want to play road racing, something I strongly advise, then you must choose the 68 PS, because the 1.0 litre is some Rs 70,000 cheaper, a substantial difference and saving when comparing the base models.
Safety Features
The high-speed WagonR features high frontal visibility and, thanks to a low dash and short cap, easy manoeuvring makes driving the WagonR particularly in the city extremely easy. The brakes are somewhat spongy, but they are powerful enough to stop. ABS and Airbag drivers are available standard on the high-end and optional airbag for passengers.
Pricing
The latest Wagon R model, recently launched at a start price of 4.19 lakhs (ex-showroom), not only strengthens and improves all core qualities, but also offers new and more intelligent styling, improved driving dynamics, and more.
The new WagonR has built on its fundamental strengths and amplified them. In an overall sense, it is one of the best small car from the stable of Maruti.
