WagonR was first launched in the year 1999, that was the era when Maruti 800 and Alto happens to be the first choice for most Indian buyers, which may have diminished the fame of the first generation. Therefore, after a long pause, the second generation was launched in the year 2010, which showcased the ‘Tall-boy’ design of WagonR, which uplifted the brand of the car with its practicality and affordability. At that time, the company offers CNG, LPG, and two Petrol engines in WagonR. The current generation WagonR went through some minor and major upgrades, and the company claims that this update is more refreshed. Let’s go in-depth review of third-generation WagonR and find out why the company still claim it as a value for money product.
It is powered by the 1.0 L, 3-cylinder petrol engine, producing the maximum power of 69 bhp at 5500 Rpm and 90 Nm of torque at 3500 Rpm, whereas the more powerful 1.2-L, 4-cylinder petrol engine used in Swift and Baleno as well, generating 82 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Both engines are available in manual and automatic transmission. The new-gen WagonR price in India starts from INR 4.19 lakhs (ex-showroom), which goes up to INR 5.49 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Along with the engine update, WagonR has received numerous cosmetics changes. The new sharp shoulder lines and spacious cabin retains the "tall boy" design, eliminating the boxy appearance of the previous generation. Now car sits on the HEARTECT platform (Advanced High Strength Steels) designed by Maruti Suzuki for a safe and smooth drive. The new generation WagonR is the top-selling car in its segment, with a growth of 35% in sales compared to last year (Oct 2018). Whereas Santo decline in sales by 31%, while Tiago followed a drop of 28%.
The new WagonR is more spacious, and the dual-tone interior feels fresh and bright:
Leg and headroom for rear passengers
7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment system
Boot space
60:40 split-folding rear seat.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
SmartPlay Studio
Plastic quality
Excessive body roll
Position of Air conditioner vents
Slow cooling Air conditioner
Unimpressive High-Speed Dynamics
For the 2020 model year, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR has gone through several changes both in exterior and interior modifications. Some of the significant upgradations are:
More powerful 1.2 L petrol engine
7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment system
SmartPlay Studio
Cloud connectivity
Android and Apple car play
Standard Airbag and ABS with EBD
Advanced HEARTECT frame
Steering mounted controls
Architectural front grille
New headlights and tail lamps
Car | Discount Scheme |
Maruti Wagon R BS6 | Rs. 15,000 Cash + Rs. 20,000 Exchange Bonus + Rs 2500 Corporate |
*Consumer Offer Applicable on Select Maruti Suzuki Arena Models in Delhi, NCR
There are a total of 3 variants offered in the Maruti Suzuki WagonR with two engine options. The range starts from Rs. 4.19 lakhs and goes as high as Rs. 5.49 lakhs. The LXi version is available only with 1.0 L engine, and the powerful 1.2 L motor is constrained to VXi and ZXi variant. And you also get a 1.0L engine option in VXi.
Trim | LXi 1.0L | VXi 1.0L | VXi 1.2L | ZXi 1.2L |
Price Manual (Ex- Showroom) in INR | 4.19,000 | 4,69,000 | 4,89,000 | 5,22,000 |
Price AGS (Ex-Showroom) in INR | N/A | 5,16,000 | 5,36,000 | 5,89,000 |
Features | Gear shift Indicator | Remote Keyless Entry | Includes features of VXi 1.0L and these | Includes features of VXi 1.2L |
Recline and Front sliding seats | 2nd row 60:40 split seat | Silver garnish Gear knob | Tachometer | |
Driver Airbag | Power adjustable ORVMs | Gear Position Indicator | Rear defogger | |
Rear Parking Sensors | Speed Sensitivedoor lock | Steering mounted audio controls | 7-inch Smart Infotainment | |
Reddish Amber Instrument | All door power Window | Speed alert system | Electric Retractable ORVM | |
ABS with EBD | Smart play dock Infotainment | Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | ||
The WagonR is a city car and known for its practicality. The VXi 1.0L variant could be the best option to choose from other variants. The new VXi 1.0L comes with all standard safety aspects, the primary entertainment system, Airbag, ABS, steering mounted control, electric adjustable outer mirrors and all the necessary elements, which makes it the value for money car. Just like other Maruti product, WagonR is also the low maintenance and enjoys the good resale value. All variants of WagonR comes with 14-inch steel wheel there is no option of Alloys. So, in terms of looks, VXi and Zxi looks similar and you can any time upgrade the look with accessories offered by Maruti Genuine.
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New WagonR is powered by the K-series 1.0 Litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine, meant to produce maximum power of 69 bhp at 5500 Rpm and 90 Newton meter of torque at 3500 Rpm, whereas the more powerful 1.2-L, 4-cylinder petrol engine, generates 82 bhp at 6000 rpm and 113 Newton meter of torque at 4200 rpm.
Both engines are available in manual and automatic transmission. The new-gen WagonR price starts from INR 4.19 lakhs (ex-showroom), which goes up to INR 5.49 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Models | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hyundai Santro | Tata Tiago |
Price (Ex-Delhi) in INR | Rs. 5.49 Lakhs | Rs. 5.50 Lakhs | Rs. 5.59 Lakhs |
Engine (Petrol) | 1.2L K-Series VVT 4-cylinder | 1.1L Epsilon 4-cylinder | 1.2L Revotron 3-cylinder |
Engine (Diesel) | N/A | N/A | 1.05 L Revotorq |
Transmission (Petrol) | 5 Speed Manual | 5 Speed Manual | 5 Speed Manual |
Transmission (Diesel) | N/A | N/A | 5 Speed Manual |
Power (bhp) | rpm D- [email protected] rpm | ||
Torque(N-m) | rpm |
Maruti petrol engine is fun to drive and the addition of a new 1.2L engine amuse the drive of 2019 WagonR with more punch and power. Now the car allows effortless overtake and you relax on the pedal as the Manual transmission requires less gear change. The AGS (Auto gear system) is quick and responsive.
With a gentle tap it the car moves without hassle. The 1.2 L engine is tuned to overtake quickly. In just 12.15 seconds WagonR reaches from 0 to 100 kmph, where Tata Tiago and Hyundai Santro thrive to achieve the pace of the car by scoring 15.23 and 15.24 seconds on the chart sheet. On an open road, Tata Tiago is more fun to drive and the handing is supreme too.
At low-speed car remains stable, and the light setup of the clutch makes the city drive comfortable. Hence, the 1.0L engine feels a bit underpowered which makes you have to downshift the gear for fast overtakes.
Models | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hyundai Santro | Tata Tiago |
0-100 kmph | 12.15 sec | 15.23 sec | 15.24 sec |
30-80 kmph | 10.22 sec | 11.91 sec | 12.66 sec |
Engine | 1.2L K-Series VVT 4-cylinder | 1.1L Epsilon 4-cylinder | 1.2L Revotron 3-cylinder |
Here the light body frame helps WagonR to go quicker than others but Tiago rules when it comes on highway drive. In terms of weight, WagonR is 50kg lighter than Hyundai Santro and 100kg lighter than Tata Tiago
WagonR is a driver's delight car and a family car too. The 14-inch wheel and the soft suspension setup of the new-gen WagonR provides a premium hatchback's comfort and stability to all passengers. But at higher speed, a pothole or a bump the softer suspension bangs harshly, which hinders the pleasure of the passengers.
The light electric steering wheel is very responsive for city traffic but it feels a bit nervous at high speed on the highway. The 165 mm of ground clearance manages to tackle the rough roads which also gives excessive body roll to the occupant at the corners.
The car gets ventilated discs up front and drums at the rear that get Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) as standard. Though the car got a technical upgrade in this section, and also this is not the right car to test the efficiency of the ABS, as it kicks early and makes a scary halt.
Model | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hyundai Santro | Tata Tiago |
Front Brakes | Disc | Disc | Disc |
Rear Brakes | Drum | Drum | Drum |
Kerb Weight (kg) | 845 | 901 | 950 |
Though the car is lightest among the rivals but in terms of braking WagonR is not as efficient as Hyundai Santro and Tata Tiago.
According to the fuel-efficiency tests conducted by the ARAI, Maruti WagonR petrol version runs around 15.2 kilometres in a litre of fuel and CNG runs around 34km in a kg. The lower kerb weight of the vehicle and the CNG option makes it the most efficient car in its segment.
Model | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hyundai Santro | Tata Tiago |
Mileage (Kmpl) | 15.20 | 14.25 | 15.12 |
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) | 35 | 35 | 35 |
Range (Km) | 525 | 499 | 530 |
Here, every car has a similar tank capacity but the light frame of WagonR makes it the efficient of all.
The new Maruti Suzuki WagonR has received numerous cosmetic changes and has also strengthened the core value of the previous generation. Now the 2020 WagonR is 13mm longer, 125mm wider with the more extensive wheelbase, which goes ideal with its wider stance and Strong shoulder lines.
The side view of the car retains the tall boy design, even without the roof rails. In the rear, a new set of vertical taillights and the new bumper looks more fresh and modern. The Architectural grille and dual split headlamps feel robust and are a head-turner too.
Model | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hyundai Santro | Tata Tiago |
Kerb weight (kg) | 845 | 901 | 950 |
Length(mm) | 3655 | 3610 | 3746 |
Width(mm) | 1620 | 1645 | 1647 |
Height(mm) | 1675 | 1560 | 1535 |
Ground clearance (mm) | 165 | 165 | 165 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2435 | 2400 | 2400 |
The side view of the car retains the tall boy design, even without the roof rails. In the rear, a new set of vertical taillights and the new bumper looks more fresh and modern. The Architectural grille and dual split headlamps feel robust and are a head-turner too.
Electric retractable ORVM
Blacked B & C pillars
Roof antenna
LED indicators on ORVM's
The doors of WagonR opens to a spacious cabin, dual-tone dashboard houses 7-inch touchscreen infotainment on the centre, which looks a part of the dashboard. Thanks to the bigger and wider body, the new WagonR offers better packaging inside all directions. The front seats also offer good support. You get an ample amount of knee space along with an airy cabin.
Rear seats accommodate three passengers easily, which makes your family drive peaceful and comfortable. The more extended wheelbase adds extra knee room and headroom for all passengers. Now the front occupant doesn’t sit too close.
Model | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hyundai Santro | Tata Tiago |
Kerb weight (kg) | 845 | 901 | 950 |
Length(mm) | 3655 | 3610 | 3756 |
Width(mm) | 1620 | 1645 | 1647 |
Height(mm) | 1675 | 1560 | 1535 |
Ground clearance (mm) | 165 | 165 | 165 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2435 | 2400 | 2400 |
Compared to the Hyundai Santro, the new Wagon R has 30mm extra knee room, 70mm more headroom and 70mm more shoulder room. This makes easy accommodation of three adults at the rear ensuring good comfort. The rear bench offers upright backrest that gives good support to the passengers. The under-thigh support and adjustable headrests are bliss for the rear seat passengers.
The infotainment system of the new Maruti Suzuki WagonR comes with Smartplay Studio, which connects the vehicle to the cloud. And an AHA radio phone application allows you to connect your smartphone to a 7-inch Infotainment that houses all the top class features like Apple and Android car play, Bluetooth connectivity, FM, AM, USB, Aux, Navigation system, and phone connectivity.
The all advanced system enhances the driving experience, and for the safe drive, you also get vehicle health alerts on the device.
7” Touchscreen Infotainment system
Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity
Bluetooth, FM, AM
Steering mounted audio controls
Navigation with Live traffic updates
Bluetooth and USB connectivity
Call assistance
Vehicle Alerts
Smartplay Remote
1L bottle holder on all four doors
Door ajar warning lamp
Rear defogger
Silver finish on gear knob
New WagonR offers boot space of 341 litres, which can accommodate two large trolley bags and a couple of duffels bag too. And after folding the rear seat, you could shift your home as well.
Model | Maruti Suzuki WagonR | Hyundai Santro | Tata Tiago |
Cargo Volume (Litres) | 341 | 235 | 242 |
Whereas its rivals Santro comes with only 235 litres of boot space and Tiago offers 242 litres of luggage space. Thus, WagonR provides the most significant boot space in its segment, which also makes a unique selling point for the company.
Now, Maruti WagonR is safer than its predecessor. The car comes with standard driver-side airbag and ABS with EBD. And just by paying extra Rs 6000, you can get dual airbag variants. In the crash test conducted by GLOBAL NCAP, New WagonR has scored only 2-star, although the car is equipped with all standard safety features and sits on the Suzuki’s advanced HEARTECT platform, the body shell of WagonR is rated unstable. The crash test was conducted at the Speed of 64kmph by Global NCAP, but with standard Indian Speed (56 kmph), the new-gen platform absorbs the force and keeps you safe.
Hyundai Santro shares the same safety rating as WagonR, and officially there is no data for Tata Tiago. Tata has worked on the safety of its car and happens to be one of the Unique selling points of their product as recently in a crash test one of its product ‘Tata Nexon’ scored 5-star safety rating in all aspects. So, with this aspect, Tiago could be the safest of all.
Safety Features:
The Maruti Suzuki safety features on offer include:
Speed-sensing door lock
Dual airbags
ABD with EBD
Rear Parking Sensor
Engine immobilizer
Driver side Load Pre-tensioner and limiter
Driver Seat Belt reminder
Open door warning
Hyundai launched Santro in 1998 as a successful entry product for the Indian market. Back then, Maruti happens to be the first/Only choice for the Indian buyers and it was challenging for an Automobile manufacturer to gain the trust of Indian buyers. In the year 2014, the company discontinued the car and after a pause of 4 years, Santro was relaunched in 2018 with advanced features and new exterior design.
Tiago is the youngest car in the segment which offer more advanced feature than WagonR. Tigor is a flagship product from Tata and it has helped the company in retaining the brand value. Both cars deliver similar has powertrain and the same fuel efficiency.
WagonR is the third-highest car sold in the Indian market after Alto and Swift. The car is spacious and carries the reliability of Maruti Suzuki as well. If you are looking to buy a hatchback, compatible with a city drive and family comfort, then WagonR could be the right option to choose. In the city traffic, the 1.0L engine maneuvers effortlessly and for overtaking, you have to shift down the gear, where the more powerful engine 1.2L engine option eliminates the issues. At slow speeds, the soft suspension absorbs the potholes and speed bumps without causing any trouble to the passenger.
The AC vents are oddly placed and this makes the steering cold, and the driver’s hand as well. It also takes more time to cool the cabin compared to its rival. If you are looking for a city driving car 1.0L engine option of WagonR could be the perfect one and for the driver enthusiast 1.2L engine could be best enjoyed in Maruti Suzuki Swift. And for the highway drive Tata Tiago could be the right option.