2019 Maruti WagonR has been launched in India. It is priced at Rs.4.19 lakhs for the base LXi going up to Rs.5.69 for the top end ZXi trim. It is presented in six color options of Superior White, Silky Silver, along with four new colors of Magma Grey, Pearl Nutmeg Brown, Pearl Autumn Orange, and Pearl Poolside Blue.
Its variants include the LXi 1.0L, VXi 1.0L, VXi AGS 1.0L, VXi 1.2L, VXi AGS 1.2L, ZXi 1.2L and ZXi AGS 1.2L while it sports a completely revamped design as compared to its earlier counterpart. Is it better than before? Let’s take a look at the 2019 Maruti WagonR first look video created by Youtube channel Car Director.
Dimensions : Maruti Suzuki WagonR measures 3,655 mm long, 1,620 mm wide and 1,675 mm tall which makes it 56 mm longer, 130 mm wider and 25 mm shorter that the earlier versions while wheelbase too has been increased by 35 mm to 2,435 mm. Boot space is at 341 liters. It is based on the 5th generation Heartect platform on which the Swift and DZire are also based. It competes with the Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid and Datsun GO.
Exteriors : Though the WagonR continues to sport its all boy image, the updated exteriors get new headlamps, a chrome car split grille, revised fog lamps and a raised bonnet along with a lower bumper and floating roof design. Overall, the design looks outdated and old.
Interiors : Thanks to larger dimensions, space on the inside has been increased. You now have more headroom and legroom. Interiors are done up in a two tone color scheme and sport updates such as a large touchscreen infotainment system, steering mounted controls, central air vents, high mounted gear lever and SmartPlay Studio for in-car entertainment. Plastic quality on the inside is not that great. Even on the top variants, you do not get adjustable headrest.
Safety : To comply with stringent safety norms coming into effect in India, Maruti Suzuki has fitted the new WagonR with driver airbag, front seatbelt reminder, speed alert system, rear parking sensors and ABS and EBD as standard. Key safety features also include tilt adjustable steering wheel, remote keyless entry, auto gear shift and electrically retractable ORVMs with side indicators. Maruti claims that the car is now much more safer than the old WagonR, in spit of weight being reduced by as much as 65 kgs.
Engine – The new WagonR comes in with two petrol engine options. The K10B 1.0 liter engine offers 68 PS power and 90 NM torque while joining the lineup is a new 1.2 liter petrol engine that also powers the Baleno and Swift. This engine offers 83 PS power and 113 Nm torque. Both engines get mated to 5 speed manual and AMT options. A CNG variant is expected to be introduced at a later stage. Mileage claimed by petrol 1 liter is 22.5 kmpl while that by 1.2 liter is 22.5 kmpl.
Should you buy one? : The car fails to look attractive. Compared to this, even the older WagonR now looks good looking. With cars like Tata Tiago and Hyundai Santro on offer in the market, it is surprising that the Maruti went ahead with this rather plain looking design language. The areas where the new WagonR excels, is interior space, after sales network, maintenance and resale value.
