India's Best Compact Hatchback

Maruti Suzuki WagonR   

When Maruti Suzuki announced a new version of its hot selling tall-boy, many were left wondering about where it would borrow its styling from, and what engine options it would come with. Despite two timely facelifts though, the WagonR had begun to show its age. The biggest of concerns, and the burning cause for Maruti to fix a model that was selling well were the new emission norms that would have rendered the old WagonR troublesome in large cities. And why go with just a new engine when you have enough engineering clout to go ahead and make an all-new car? Precisely Maruti Suzuki's thoughts, and the result was the new 2010 WagonR.

In an almost no-brainer move though, Maruti Suzuki plonked its 1-litre three pot K10 engine into the WagonR, retaining its value for money proposition yet offering better performance - critically without any trade-offs in terms of fuel efficiency. Retaining its intuitive and connected drive, improved suspension bits have also enhanced the ride quality of the new car.

What did surprise the market however was an all-Indian styling for the new WagonR, on the outside and inside. While many expected the car to borrow design cues from its latest Japanese cousin, India's largest carmaker showed off its design capabilities with a tailored-for-India product. The car also comes with smartly integrated storage spaces and cubby holes. Be it the glass holders at the front or the shopping tray under the co-driver's seat, small bits of innovation on the inside add a whole lot to the car in the larger context. A 60:40 split rear seat and a massive boot also ensure that the new WagonR remains a properly usable, real-world family car. Most importantly though, the 2010 WagonR manages to shatter its budget car mould, and grow into a properly modern and urban car that comes adorned with India's most trusted badge.   

Quick Facts:
Engine: 998cc, Inline 3-cylinder
Power: 68PS @ 6,200rpm
Torque: 90Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 2,400mm
LxWxH: 3,595 x 1,495 x 1,700mm
Weight: 885kg
Performance
0-100 km/h: 15.89 sec
Top speed: 147.6 km/h
Fuel efficiency (overall): 17.66 kmpl


Variants:
LX (A/C): Rs. 3.39 lakh
LXi (A/C, Power windows, Power steering): Rs. 3.67 lakh
VXi (A/C, Power window, Power steering): Rs. 3.92 lakh
LXi CNG: Rs. 4.18 lakh
VXi (ABS, Airbags): Rs. 4.23 lakh

Cheers:
1. Great use of space, tallboy design gives an airy feel to the cabin
2.K10 engine gives the new WagonR refined, frugal and sufficient performance

Sneers:
1.Despite the facelift, the competition has some better looking cars
2. Interiors still feel as if they are on a budget. The competition offers plusher interiors

Honourable Mentions

Chevrolet Beat
The biggest achievement of the Beat is its  1.2-litre engine, which dwarfs the competition in terms of its performance. The overall design of the exteriors and interiors in the Beat is also very futuristic, which makes increases its appeal massively for the young buyer.

Hyundai i10
The i10 has recently received a facelift which has added a hint of aggression to the otherwise cute car. Apart from this, the option of the iRDE and the 1.2-litre Kappa engine make this car a versatile product which has appeals across a large cross section of buyers. 

Other Rivals


Maruti Suzuki A-Star
The definitive hot hatch in the country, the A-Star offers scintillating performance for the enthusiast. Space comes at a premium in this small soldier though, especially at the rear.

Maruti Suzuki Estilo
The Estilo offers all that the WagonR does, in a chunkier and more substantial package. It’s a great step-up from the Zen Estilo in terms of space and overall appeal.


Fiat Palio Stile
The Palio Stile is at the fag end of its product cycle but is still be available in small numbers. The car was unique for offering a petrol and a diesel option in the segment. Awaiting a replacement, Fiat!