Maruti Suzuki has proven its mark once again in country’s automobile industry as its blue eyed boy, Wagon R has crossed 15 lakh sales mark. Being branded as the ideal family car, Wagon R has been one of the top 5 selling cars from MSI since a long time. Having sold more than 1.5 lakh models in the year 2013-2014, sales have crossed 93,000 units for the current year.
Engine and performance
Wagon R fulfills all the criteria for a family car such as space and comfort along with decent features. The portfolio was extended by the company with introduction of Stingray in 2013. It is powered by a 998cc lightweight all aluminum K-series engine that churns out power of 68PS and torque of 90Nm at 3500rpm. The car is available in three variants – Petrol, LPG and CNG. It gives its best mileage with the petrol version at 20.5kmpl while the LPG mode gives 14.6 KMPL and the CNG mode disperses 26.6 km/kg.
Maruti Wagon R was first launched in 2000 with a subsequent makeover in the year 2003-2004 and a second facelift in the year 2006-2007. It was in this year that the LPG variant of Wagon R was launched. A completely new platform of the car was introduced in the year 2010 – 2011 with more space and features compared to its earlier version. This year also saw the launch of its CNG variant with i-GPI technology. In the year 2013, to keep excitement going on, Maruti launched another performance packed model based on Wagon R with sportier exteriors and eye catching features called as Wagon R Stingray. And in the starting of the same year, Maruti launched the facelift of Wagon R with upmarket looks. So, the car has evolved from time to time.
Exteriors
The upgraded Wagon R scores high on design, making a bold statement with its refreshed exteriors. The newly designed front bumper and the chrome detailed grille give a smarter look to the model. A swept back headlamp with unique blue lens and sporty fog lamp bezel design sets it class apart. At the rear, one finds crystal effect tail lamps along with chrome engraved celebration plate.
Interiors
Wagon R comes with smart interiors offering dual toned cabin colored in black and beige. An ergonomically designed instrument panel makes accessibility easy. The model comes with Eagle wings audio system with integrated USB port for added class. The dashboard features are smartly worked out and the push type cup holders are conveniently located. Electronic ORVM’s and power window controls put up on the driver’s arm rest while the wide doors make for easy entry-exit points. The steering wheel comes with tilt adjustability while the car features day/night inside rear view mirror. The dashboard also houses digital fuel indicator with double trip meter. The company has intelligently designed front passenger under seat tray for extra storage facility. At the rear, passengers can laze around in inclined rear seats which provide better lumbar support. The rear seats can be folded for extra storage space. Also included is a rear parcel tray for convenient storage.
Safety features
Wagon R comes with ABS and an energy absorbing body structure for safe drive and protection during collisions. A driver’s side airbag enhances the safety feature. The model also houses central locking system with security alarm and rear wiper, washer and defogger for clear visibility.
With all the above mentioned best in class features and price tag ranging between INR 3.5 – 4.4 lac, it is no surprise that the model has crossed the 15 lac sales mark and has made Maruti Suzuki proud of one of its jewels from its bouquet. Wagon R has been aptly called by the company ‘a smart car for a smarter you’.
