After owning the older WagonR Vxi for little over 6 yrs, I have come across two types of people - those who know what its like to own a WagonR and others who simply reject the car by calling it a "bread box"
It's a practical car with intelligent packaging - mention space, maneuverability in traffic and reliablity, thats what we basically need. The outgoing model was 1.1 and had a flat torque curve meaning you could drive it in taller gears at low speeds without complaining.
Straight to 2010 , a new model called "The Blue Eyed Boy" with new platform, a trusted 1.0 K-Series engine is launched. The new car doesn't excite in terms of new car appeal as far as looks matter but the WagonR was never about racing your pulse, it was more about buying a reliable and sensible urban city tall-boy designed car.
The New WagonR comes in variety of shades, the marketing color is breeze blue which in my opinion is the best. Others on list-white /black /silver /grey /red / chocolate brown
Interiors" Keyless entry(MGA) is offered a standard on the Vxi trim, having Unlock and Lock function on the key itself.
The cheesy part - Press "Unlock" button and two beeps later, the interiors light up which if left unattended dims off in a theatre dimming light fashion in 15secs - C O O L !! ..Similarly, remove keys from ignition holder and the interiors light up unlocking ALL Doors which fades in 15 seconds if unattended.
Step inside and you are welcomed by 2-tone facia, Integrated Music System(Vxi) (stylised with a chunky silver Volume knob) having USB /AUX function and a nice 3-spoke Steering wheel with Suzuki badging. The ergonomics are S U P E R B as stepping in and walking out of the Car is a breeze even while holding a baby...also Good for older folks / hefty guys and sari clad women. Jokes apart, Its actually welcoming that ALL doors open close to 90 degrees.The doors house a speaker each (Vxi).
Overall, interior feels roomier (and fresh) coz the roof is tad taller now. Vxi gets all power windows with safety lock on driver side. The Sides are flanked by electrically adjustable side view mirrors(ORVM)-(Vxi) a nice touch. (esp.Rainy season)
- Wide Opening doors and chair like Seats is Key reason why WagonR is preferred widely
Space : One area that has definitely improved. The Seats have greater travel. I am 5'11 and even with the front Seat pushed back, there is enough leg room for another "ME" to sit comfortably in the rear seat.- an important deciding factor for me.
3 adults at rear would be a a little tight fit as the width remains same, the longer seat travel and increased legroom somewhat makeup for it .The rear floor is almost flat, helps middle seat passenger to sit comfortably.
Seats (Innovative features): Special mention of the front left occupant seat(Vxi) , which opens up to reveal a hidden storage basket (to keep stuff away from prying eyes eg. laptop and doubles up as a shopping basket for grocery items ).The front seats can also be reclined flat (i.e 180 degrees) to make fanatic airline bed for rear occupants. Try it if the car is driven by a chauffeur - you'd enjoy the experience
Rear seats are better inclined now and offer greater comfort during long hours of travel, They are 60: 40 Split - for the occasional trip to the airport and while the Boot space is now reduced but its adequate..adjustable headrests help to sit back comfortably and relax the neck .Some extras, like removable rear parcel tray and rear seat lamp(Vxi) hardly deserve a mention
Engine and Drive feel : Being a 3-pot motor essentially, some burble is present the moment engine is fired. Its noticeable on the steering wheel but one gets used to it as days get by. A mention about the engine noise that filters through the cabin which makes you feel Maruti had used enough dampening material for this car. To add further to the noise Vxi model gets a louder horn , which is a good thing if you are a edgy driver but the loudness takes time getting used to.
The engine feels little sluggish at low rpms (till 1500rpm) , very typical of K-Series Engine, but one has adjust driving style accordingly. Sudden Braking does ensure a definite downshift. but on the contrary the engine is pretty rev happy. It is very tractable and can be revv to glory! for example Plot 3rd gear n one can touch and maintain 80-90kmph pretty easy, the engine too takes it nice and easy!!
Maneuverability : A tight turning radius of 4.6 mtrs(no change from the previous versions) although visibly bonnet is a tad longer.Electronic power steering is quick and responsive at low speed/traffic
Gear Shift : Earlier model's GS was rated as pathetic, This one gets cable shifted gears which is precise and sure clicking, a vast improvement ! . The gear knob is oval and fits into hand grip just perfect
A/C : May not be the best but its sufficient and adequate. Rear seat occupants feel comfortable if not chilly, thanks to its good blower. The Engine feels bit strained while overtaking on an uphill climb or a flyover in city with A/c On necessitating a downshift.
To Sum it up , It is a Very promising vehicle which is tuned for urban city driving - perfect for daily commute in busy city/ dense traffic - point A to B , easy to park and negotiate turns, reliability and a good mileage( 14.5 -16kmpl) . On the highway, it 's happy cruising steadily and if kept under 3-digit speeds This engine is essentially a bargain for Mileage, but it can also be very peppy (esp. if you know where to keep the rpm). requires less frequent oil change ~10K ,
Ending Notes:
The WagonR calls for a sedate and relaxed driving style owing to its dynamics and is not suitable for people who love to push their cars. Some crosswinds / body roll may be experienced as speed climbs up.
Other Things that I Liked (Vxi)
(1) Fog lights in front (driving in foggy cond.)
(2) Fog lamp at rear (a must during winters)
(3) Rear wiper/defogger(helpful during rains)
(4) 14inch tyre rims which are wider too(more grip) vs 13inch Lxi
(5) Shopping bag hook present beneath the glovebox (little towards the center of the dashboard) - (very useful )
==Mileage Review
==1st Tankfull : 11kmpl (with A/c+ short trips) - Sept 10
2nd Tankfull : 14kmpl ( with A/c+ Short trips) - Oct 10
3rd Tankful - 13.5kmpl ( with A/c+ Very short trips+ Dense traffic) - Oct 10
4th Tankful - 14.5 (with A/c+ medium stops) -Nov10
5th tankful - 15kmpl (without A/C)- Dec'10
Anticipated Mileage (Once the car crosses 2500kms)
City :14 - 14.5 with A/c and 15-15.5 without in the city
Highway : 16-16.5 with a/c and 18 without a/c
Why I chose wagon R over Figo Petrol...
With Short Drives Mostly and 3 tankfuls of petrol in a months max
Wagon R currently sets me off 4500 bucks in a month whereas a ford figo petrol would have guzzled 6000 rupees worth of fuel for the same km run)
thats 18000/- saved annually and 1, 08, 000/- saved in a typical 6 year car's lifetime excluding service cost
This is an Honest feedback about the car and I hope I have summarized all aspects of owing a WagonR for your help. I request you to Kindly rate my review and leave your comments.
Hope you found it Very Useful
Regards,
Dr. Gaurav Bhagra
Delhi
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