Maruti Wagon R VXI

Maruti India launched the face lifted model of the hatchback Maruti Wagon R in April 2010. This Maruti hatchback has achieved great success like the Maruti’s Alto and 800. The car is available in the market in six different variants and is also expected to come in the diesel variant. This hatchback will take the design, technology and features to a higher level. The design of this new model is very eye catchy with dynamic exterior and very impressive interior. The front and the side of the car have a very typical design while rear has nothing extraordinary in it. But overall the car has many turns and twist to make it look appealing. When it comes to the interior of the car there are many safety and comfort features to provide a safe and comfortable ride. The dashboard of the car is in black color with the upholstery in dual tone blue-black. The body of the car is very stylish and has curvier shape to give it a modern look. The all new Maruti Wagon R VXI runs on a 12 Valve KB 10 petrol engine which comes with an engine displacement of 998cc . The 3 cylinder engine produces 67bhp at 6200rpm and a peak torque of 90Nm at 3500rpm. Maruti has not only paid attention to the looks of the car but safety of their passenger too, with highly advanced features like ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), Airbags etc. The standard features in the car include the Air Conditioner, CD player, power steering, power windows and central locking.

Exterior

The looks of the new model of Wagon R are much better than predecessor. New WagonR is based on the very Japanese way of creating cars, gone are the boxy looks, the shape of the car is more rounded. The company has tagged this car as ‘The Blue Eyed boy’ as it features a smart looking blue touch on the large headlamps.  This time the facelift is quite major as Maruti engineers has used all new chassis which is wider that the last generation one and hence the new WagonR looks wide and more proportionate than the old WagonR. The grille of the new Wagon R is very sleek in design with a chrome strip on the top and Suzuki emblem in the centre. The side profile of the car is very bland making the car look taller. There nothing much at the rear, except the new elongated tail lights. The adjustable front headlights have a tinge of blue color making it look stylish. The hood of the car is curved to the side adding some more to the side profile. The hatchback has a length of 3595mm, width of 1495mm and height of 1475mm. the wheelbase of the car is 2400mm with a ground clearance of 162mm.

Interior

The interior of the car is also gets a new combination for the door trims and new upholstery for the seats. The dual tone combination with aluminum touches all around add to the beauty. The blue eyed boy is packed with roomy and spacious interior . The chrome accentuated instrument panel with silver finish door handles gives a royal and supreme touch to the car.  The molded roof lining and the ergonomically designed seats and gear knobs gives a very stylish and impressive interior look. Some of the other interior features of Wagon R are Luggage parcel tray, air conditioner with heater, adjustable steering column, Tachometer, Glove compartment and digital odometer.

Engine and performance

The new Maruti Wagon R VXI is powered by Bharat Stage IV compliant 1.0 L KB 10 series petrol engine . The 3 cylinder engine churns out a maximum of 67bhp at the rate of 6200rpm and a peak torque of 90Nm at the rate of 3500rpm. This is the same engine that powers the Maruti A-Star.the KB 10 petrol engine is endowed with 5 speed manual transmission, DOHC with offset crankshaft, which delivers improves power and fuel efficiency. The engine will provide a mileage of 14kmpl in city roads and of 18.6kmpl on the highway. The power and torque generated by the car can readily accelerate it from 0-100kmphin 15.6 seconds and can have a top speed of 146kmph.

Braking and Handling

The brake mechanism of the car includes disc brakes in the front while the drum brakes in the rear. It is further enhanced by the ABS (Anti Lock Braking System) which comes optional in this variant. The ABS technology avoids skidding of the car in case of abrupt braking . The car also comes with 8 inch booster brake assist which is very efficient in case of unexpected surprise on the road. The suspension system in the car includes the McPherson Strut in the front while isolated trailing link in the rear.This new frame type front suspension with 3 point control arms leads to better stability and driving comfort. To improve the handling the car has in it Electronic Power Steering (EPS) that provides a very low turn radius of 4.6m.

Safety Features

The safety of the passengers is also taken great care of; the car is equipped with both active and passive safety features . A rigid case structure technology along with increased frontal impact absorbing area, thanks to greater distance between steering wheel and front bumper, keep the passengers safe. The VXI model is equipped with the front and rear fog lamps, rear wiper and washer,rear defogger, dual horn and comes with safety features such as Airbag and ABS as options.

Comfort Features

The Wagon R model offers a cloak of comfort and pleasure. The adjustable steering wheel along with the electric ORVMs present in the car offers comfort. Power windows in both front and rear seats and remote trunk and lid opener, push type cup holders both left and right side, front passenger under seat tray, driver side storage space, and front passenger seat back pocket offers a very comfortable ride.

Pros

Interior, safety features, comfort, turning radius

Cons

Exterior, pick up