The Maruti WagonR is one of the most trusted and loved hatchbacks in India. Known for its tall-boy design, spacious cabin, excellent mileage, and low running costs, WagonR has been a go-to car for small families, daily commuters, and first-time buyers. Over the years, Maruti has improved the WagonR without changing what people like about it – its practicality and reliability.
In its latest form, the WagonR offers more engine options, modern features, and even a CNG variant for those who want to save more on fuel. This article will take you through a simple and honest review of the Maruti WagonR, covering everything from design to performance, features to price – in a way that’s easy to understand.
Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Maruti WagonR |
| Body Type | Tall-boy Hatchback |
| Engine Options | 1.0L Petrol / 1.2L Petrol / CNG |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / AMT |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 24 – 34 km/kg (Petrol/CNG) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 Seater |
| Key Features | Touchscreen, Dual Airbags, CNG Option |
| Price Range (Ex-showroom) | ₹5.54 – ₹7.42 Lakh |
Design & Style
The Maruti WagonR has a very familiar and practical design that hasn’t changed too much over the years, and that’s actually a good thing. It follows a tall-boy structure which gives it a unique shape compared to other hatchbacks. The car looks upright, boxy, and clean – and this works really well in city traffic and narrow parking spaces.
In its latest version, the front grille and headlamps have been slightly updated, giving it a fresher look. The dual-tone color option in the top variant adds a little style to its otherwise functional design. While it may not look sporty or premium, the WagonR has its own charm, especially for families who want space and comfort.
Engine & Performance
The WagonR offers two petrol engine choices – a 1.0-litre and a more powerful 1.2-litre option. Both engines are smooth and refined, ideal for city use and occasional highway trips.
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The 1.0-litre engine produces around 67 bhp and is best suited for daily commuting.
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The 1.2-litre engine gives you 88 bhp and feels a bit more powerful, especially on highways or with full load.
For those looking to save money on fuel, there’s also a CNG variant with the 1.0L engine, which is perfect for city driving with excellent mileage.
Gearbox options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT (automated manual transmission). The AMT is convenient for beginners and traffic-heavy cities, while the manual gives you better control.
Ride & Handling
The WagonR is built for comfort, not for sharp handling or fast driving. It has a soft suspension setup that handles potholes and speed breakers quite easily. The tall stance may lead to a bit of body roll at higher speeds, but for regular use, it’s more than acceptable.
Steering is light and responsive at low speeds, which is helpful during city driving and parking. The turning radius is small, making U-turns and tight corners easy. On highways, it’s better to drive at moderate speeds as the car is not meant for high-speed stability like bigger cars.
Features & Tech
For its price, the WagonR offers a good number of features. The top model comes with:
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7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
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Steering-mounted controls
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Power windows, central locking, electrically adjustable ORVMs
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Dual airbags, ABS with EBD
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Rear parking sensors
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Hill-hold assist and ESP (only in AMT variants)
The dashboard is simple but functional. Cabin space is impressive for a hatchback, with enough headroom and legroom even for taller passengers. Boot space is also decent and can hold multiple bags, making it ideal for small families.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Mileage is one of WagonR’s strongest points. Whether you choose petrol or CNG, it delivers great fuel economy:
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1.0L Petrol Manual: Around 24.35 km/l (claimed)
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1.2L Petrol Manual: Around 23.56 km/l
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1.0L CNG Variant: Up to 34.05 km/kg, which makes it one of the most economical cars to run
These figures make the WagonR a solid choice for people who drive daily and want to save on fuel costs.
Price & Variants
The WagonR is priced attractively, which is one reason why it sells in large numbers.
Price Range: ₹5.54 – ₹7.42 lakh (Ex-showroom)
Variants include:
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LXi: Basic model, ideal for budget buyers
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VXi: Mid-level variant with extra features
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ZXi: Top-end with touchscreen and styling upgrades
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CNG options: Available in LXi and VXi variants
The car is very affordable to maintain as well, with wide service coverage and low-cost parts, thanks to Maruti’s service network.
FAQs
Q. Is the WagonR good for long drives?
Yes, if driven at a moderate speed. It’s comfortable and fuel-efficient for highway trips too.
Q. Does it have automatic transmission?
Yes, both petrol engines offer AMT (automatic manual transmission) variants.
Q. What is the safety rating of WagonR?
It comes with dual airbags and ABS. Safety rating hasn’t been very high, but it’s acceptable for city usage.
Q. Can tall people sit comfortably?
Yes, the tall-boy design offers excellent headroom and upright seating, ideal for tall passengers.
Q. Is CNG available in the top variant?
CNG is only available in LXi and VXi variants, not the ZXi.
Final Verdict
The Maruti WagonR continues to be one of the smartest and most practical buys for Indian families, first-time car buyers, and even those looking for a fuel-efficient second car. Its spacious cabin, low maintenance cost, great mileage, and trusted Maruti badge make it a no-nonsense option in the hatchback market.
It may not be the most stylish or high-tech car out there, but when it comes to usability, affordability, and peace of mind, the WagonR stands strong. If your priorities are comfort, fuel savings, and value for money, this car is definitely worth considering.