Best Entry Level Mini Car of the Year - Maruti-Suzuki WagonR

The redesigned front-end design makes the new WagonR look much more appealing than the older car

Maruti’s popular tall-boy retained its name, but changed everything else with its 2010 version and is almost an all new car compared to the older version. This car also packs the same K10B engine which made its debut on the A-Star. Practicality is the paramount consideration of this car as it offers loads of cubby holes and cup holders along with a 60:40 split rear seats. 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. 

The styling change and new engine coupled with the retained practicality make the WagonR a winner

What the judges loved about this new WagonR was the sheer practicality of the machine. The tall-boy design allows for large doors and high seats, which makes getting in and out of the car extremely easy. Comfortable seating for four adults and loads of storage space also earned the car a lot of brownie points. Maruti’s new 1.0-litre 3-cylinder K-Series engine is also peppier than the older mill and the judges particularly found this new WagonR a hoot to drive. It surpassed its sibling Alto K10 to top its segment, thanks to great practicality and same, loved WagonR soul.

Looks nice and drives well no doubt, but the Alto K10 can't match the new WagonR in premium feel and space

The Alto K10 too is almost a brand new car, rather than merely a facelift of the old Alto, and features the brilliant 3-cylinder 1.0-litre K10B engine from the Maruti-Suzuki A-Star. T this K10 also features revised suspension to improve handling and ride quality and a new fascia as well. But that wasn’t enough for this new Alto to score over the WagonR in the ET ZigWheels awards. The interiors, though fresher, are still a little too cramped, especially in the back seats. Coupled with the slightly less-than-premium feel of the car, it was easy to see how the WagonR took the top honours in this category.