The Maruti WagonR. It’s a name synonymous with practicality, affordability, and reliability in the Indian car market. For years, it has been a top seller, a go-to choice for families seeking a no-nonsense, efficient city car. But in a world of increasingly stylish and feature-rich hatchbacks, does the WagonR still hold its own? This review takes a deep dive into the WagonR, exploring its design, performance, features, safety, and overall value proposition.
Exterior Styling: Practical and Purposeful
The WagonR’s exterior design has always prioritized function over form. It’s a tallboy design, maximizing interior space. While recent iterations have seen some styling updates, it remains distinctly boxy. The front fascia features a simple grille and headlamp design, while the side profile highlights its tall stance. The rear is equally straightforward, with a clean tailgate and taillamp arrangement. While it might not win any beauty contests, the WagonR’s design is undeniably practical, contributing to its spacious interior and easy manoeuvrability in city traffic.
Comfort and Space: The WagonR Advantage
The WagonR’s interior is where it truly excels. The tallboy design translates into exceptional headroom, and the cabin feels surprisingly spacious for a car in its class. Legroom is also decent, and even taller passengers will find it comfortable. The seats are supportive, although they might feel a bit basic compared to more premium offerings. The dashboard layout is simple and functional, with easy-to-reach controls. Ample storage compartments are available throughout the cabin, adding to its practicality. Overall, the WagonR’s interior is designed for comfort and convenience, making it a great choice for daily commutes and family errands.
City Driving Made Easy: Performance and Fuel Economy
The WagonR offers a choice of two petrol engines. There’s a 1.0-liter engine producing 66.62 PS, and a more powerful 1.2-liter engine generating 89.73 PS. Fuel efficiency is a key highlight, especially for the 1.0-liter engine, which boasts an impressive 24.35 km/l with the manual transmission (MT), 25.19 km/l with the AGS, and a remarkable 33.47 km/kg in CNG mode. The 1.2-liter engine also delivers a respectable 23.56 km/l.
Color Your Ride: The WagonR Palette
The WagonR is available in a range of eye-catching colors such as Magma Grey, Gallant Red, Nutmeg Brown, Silky Silver, Solid White and Poolside Blue.
Great Value, Great Price: Explore the WagonR Range
Known for its value, the Maruti WagonR offers a range of trims to fit different budgets. Let’s take a look:
Trim | Ex-Showroom Price |
LXI | Rs. 5,64,500 |
VXI | Rs. 6,09,500 |
ZXI | Rs. 6,38,000 |
LXI CNG | Rs. 6,54,501 |
VXI AGS | Rs. 6,59,500 |
ZXI+ | Rs. 6,85,500 |
ZXI AGS | Rs. 6,88,000 |
VXI CNG | Rs. 6,99,500 |
ZXI+ AGS | Rs. 7,35,500 |
Pros:
- Spacious and comfortable interior.
- Excellent fuel efficiency.
- Practical and versatile.
- Affordable pricing.
- Reliable and low maintenance.
Cons:
- Not the most stylish or exciting design.
- Basic interior design and materials.
- Limited performance.
- Safety features could be more comprehensive.