Maruti Wagon R car has a 1061cc petrol engine, with dimensions of 3495(L) X 1495(W) X 1660(H) mm and weighs 840kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 165mm and 2360mm respectively, a turning radius of 4.6 meters. It takes 6.49secs to reach from 0-60kph and has a fuel economy of 12kpl on urban and highway.
It also comes with a factory fitted air conditioner, heater, music system and has additional features like automatic gear transmission, power steering, power windows (front), body color bumpers, rear windshield wiper and washer, boot lamp, tachometer, key not removed buzzer, light on or off reminder, wheel hub caps, molded floor and trunk carpets, boot lamp, front and rear door pockets, electronic multi trip meter and is available in 6 colors. It has safety features like high mounted stop lamp, collapsible steering column, side impact beams, central door locking, front and rear seat belts and childproof rear door locks. Variants available are LX,LXi PS,VXi,AX Auto. Wagon R is a hugely successful car, which comes in four variants- Maruti Wagon R LX, Maruti Wagon R LXi, Maruti Wagon R VXi, and Maruti Wagon R AX.
Wagon R comes with1061cc MPFI low friction engine that delivers an awesome 64bhp@6200rpm power for smoother pick-up and faster acceleration. A 32 bit on-board computer (in BS III variants) with diagnostic capability monitors the air-fuel ratio for optimum fuel efficiency.
Dual Distributor-less Digital Ignition (DDLI) ensures an instant, hassle-free start every time and a more efficient power distribution. Wagon R’s tall body, high seats and wide opening doors make it easy to get in and get out. As with all Marutis, it was only a matter of time before the Wagon R was given a major shot of Botox.
Since we went to press early this time, we’ve been unable to obtain official pictures in time from Maruti. However, what you see here is a digitally enhanced image based on early spy shots of the car we have received.
So what are the changes in the car? Firstly, replacing the square headlamps, are larger ones that extend up at the corners and stretch beyond the belt line. The top half now has an orange turn indicator, the lenses are clear and there is a circular element at the bottom of the lamps.
A larger slatted grille sits between the headlights and extends into the front bumper. There is also a new chunky bumper, whose upper surface follows the lower contours of the headlights and grille.
Similar in execution and style to the facelift carried out on the Zen, this upgrade looks like it has been executed by Maruti in India. The rear features longer, multi-element tail-lights that have twin bands of clear plastic, like the face lifted Alto’s tail-lights. The tailgate is no longer flat, now incorporates the registration plate, while the beltline crease follows right around.
The interiors get less attention though. A modern, three-spoke, silver/black steering replace the aging one, and the sliding AC controls give way to rotary ones. A liberal dose of matte silver has been splashed around the cabin; the gear stick garnish similar to the limited edition Zen Carbon and Steel. And for those looking for a petrol alternative there’s some good news - launched simultaneously this month will be the Duo - an LPG variant.
Safe and Environment-friendly
The WagonR meets Japan’s stringent safety standards. The sturdy manocoque body is designed to absorb front and rear impacts through crumple zones which disperse the energy in three directions. The side-impact beams and collapsible steering column also absorb impact in a collision.
The 8-inch booster -assisted brakes give you solid, controlled stopping power, even with a light pressure on the pedal. The large, vertical headlamps enhance visibility at night the high ceiling and large glass area also adds to the safety as you a perfect view all around. What’s more, it’s an eco-friendly car. The air-conditioner is CFC-free, the gaskets and lining used are asbestos-free, and the 16-Value MPFI engine ensures reduced emissions.
Exteriors
People certainly get stunned by the boxy style. No curves, but only lines and soft edges. The rear looks like a shrinked passenger van. On the whole, WagonR carries the faint looks of a passenger wagon, but in a shrinked size. The VXi variant reviewed here carries the sporty appearance with body-colored bumpers and roof-top-rails. There is a provision for fog-lamps, but the VXi model doesn’t feature any fog-lamps. The paint finish is decent. By default the VXi model with factory fitted radial tyres, but without the wheel cover.
Interiors
WagonR’s interiors are average. Plastic dominates most of the interior construction. The doors panels, dashboard is made of polymers. The WagonR’s dashboard is functional with a big Speedometer and two small meters for Temperature and Fuel. The instrumentation is clear and visible. The central console features cooler vents, controls and bay for Audio system. There is a cup holder in front of the gear. There is a open shelf below the glove-box to keep your frequently accessed items. The glove-box is spacious too. But you cannot cram a lot inside. The Dashboard offers lots of room to stuff your things.
The upholstery is basic and blends well with the interiors. Not too dark, nor too bright. The height of the seat is not adjustable, but the reclining and push-pull traction is functional. The rear seat is completely reclaimable and attains a near-flat position, where you can sleep peacefully. To enjoy this feature, you should not carry much luggage in the boot space. Interestingly Wagon R’s rear seats are split.
Though 3 persons can sit comfortably in the rear seats, only two can wear the seat belts. I couldn’t guess any reason behind this model. The leg room is better than Santro. On the height front, you have almost a feet space above your head to reach the roof. The boot space is one of the largest. There is no provision to fit any audio speakers. You have to fit them into the boot-door.
Engine and Performance
Powered by the punchy 1.1Litre engine, one can expect a good performance from this cutie. Cruising in the city traffic is a breeze. With AC switched on, moving from traffic signals is not a big problem. Still the 1.1 liter engine produces enough power to move ahead of other cars in the line. Switch off the AC and you are in Turbo mode. Yes WagonR produces a smooth and quick acceleration.
It is sure to pull some heads around to look at you. Navigation is easy too. With powered steering, the cruising is easier and safer. Touch the brakes and she will respond gently. The braking is good for a car in this class. On the Acceleration front, she performs better with AC on, and performs amazingly with AC off. To sum up, this is a good performer in its class.
Ride Quality and Suspension
The Ride quality is good for highways and city roads. But still the suspension needs to be more powerful and rigid coz on bumpy roads the ride quality compromises. But it still offers a comfortable and smooth ride. The suspensions are better and would have done extremely well, if Maruti Suzuki has fitted wider and larger tyres.
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