Maruti Suzuki WagonR (new 2010)

The new WagonR is actually an all-new car on a completely new platform with just the name being the same as the car it is replacing. Everything about the car has changed- new engine, new transmission, new interiors, and new design. The car has been given a much deserved upgrade and by addressing key issues it has received a new life.

Background/History
Though the car originated in Japan it had remained fundamentally unchanged since its launch in 1999 with a few cosmetic and interior changes. Yet with its functionality and ease of use it made practical sense and was eventually one of the largest selling cars of the Maruti Suzuki stable and turned into its blue-eyed boy.

Engine & Mechanicals
The new engine is an all aluminum light weight engine based on Suzuki’s new K-series engines developed to meet BS-IV stage norms. There is a new cable-link type transmission replacing the old notchy gearbox. This has smoothened gear shifts and easier power delivery thereby making the drive more comfortable. The new engine is more fuel efficient and the company claims an ARAI certified mileage of 18.9 kmpl.

Engine Type:                       998 cc, 3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder all aluminum  
Maximum Engine Output:     68 PS @ 6200 rpm   
Maximum Torque:                90 NM @ 3500 rpm  
Maximum Speed:                180 kmph
No. of Gears:                       5 Forward + 1 Reverse

Suspension & Tyres
The top of the line Vxi variant comes with tubeless tires for a sportier ride. While isolated trailing link with coil spring suspensions come across all variants offer a cushier ride. Thus the ride has improved over the previous car delivering a better experience.

Tyre Type:                  Tubeless(Vxi), Radial (Lxi & Lx)   
Tyre size: (Vxi)           155/65 R14   
Tyre size: (Lxi & Lx)    145/80 R13   
Suspension Front:       McPherson Strut with coil spring
Suspension Rear:        Isolated trailing link with coil spring

Exteriors & Looks
The design cues remain from the old WagonR territory with its tall stance remaining – at 1670 mm it is one of the tallest in its segment. But looking from the front the car seems more SUV-like in appearance with the raised hoodline and a wider grille. The company can afford to do so as it has room to differentiate among its 5 hatchback offerings.
It has even given a blue tinge to the headlight to give it a prominent blue-eyed look. It has kept clean side to give the doors a wide feel, giving the overall impression of a bigger car. Although it is a fresh look - designs are a purely subjective matter and hence appeal differently to different persons.

Interiors & space (Cabin & Boot)
As always cabin space is ample and airy. The tallboy stance gives the passengers a high seating position adding to the ease of getting in and out of the car and the SUV-like feel. At 3595mm the length of the car has increased and the rear seat has also been pushed back a bit more to make space for more legroom. This has improved long distance travel comfort but sacrificed some of the boot space.
The dash has also been refreshed with a few shared features of the Swift like the music system and AC controls. Innovations have improved storage space with a bigger parcel tray and front passenger under seat tray. The new dual toned dash and seat fabric give the cabin a more upmarket feel than its older version.

Equipments & feature-specs
The new lineup offers a wide range of feature set to pamper the customer. Tilt-adjust steering, Electronic power steering, integrated music system and AC, all 4 power windows, central locking, 60:40 rear seat split, front and rear seat belts, front and rear fog lamps, rear wiper, washer and defogger, Computerized Anti Theft System (i-CATS) and engine immobilizer. The company also offers the option of airbags and ABS on the top variant.

Drive & feel
The car feels smooth and comfortable at low speeds. Despite its tall size, body roll is lower than expected and at high speeds the car feels more planted. The power steering does not feel too light at high speeds and feels just right when turning at low speeds. Minor potholes are easily gobbled up by the improved suspension. The power delivery is even and there is no lag but there is a slight jump in power once it reaches 3000rpm. Engine noise is felt inside the cabin but more like a slight hum and is easily ignored.

All in all the WagonR was good family car and now it is a great family car. What the company has managed to do is take an already best selling product and improve it even further to ensure its selling spree. Given the update on the car and its price positioning Maruti Suzuki is all set to compete with the new players in the Indian hatchback space.

Prices (ex-showroom Kolkata)

    Variant                                             Metallic              Non-metallic
WAGON R LX BS4                         Rs. 343,703.67      Rs. 340,509.40
WAGON R LXI BS4                        Rs. 373,549.58      Rs. 370,355.30
WAGON R VXI BS4                        Rs. 398,970.09      Rs. 395,775.82
WAGON R VXI BS4 WITH ABS       Rs. 429,991.54      Rs. 426,797.27