Maruti launched the new generation of the Wagon R, it has been one of the best selling cars in India.
Exterior
The new Wagon R is based on Suzuki’s Heartect platform, this platform offers better dynamics, improved safety and a lighter car. It also resulted in increased cabin space which provides more leg and knee room than before.
The 2019 Wagon R certainly looks bigger than the previous model. At the front end of the car there are new headlamps, a new modern architecture chrome grille. The bonnet and the side of the car have distinct lines which make the car look bigger and better. The rear has a new set of taillamps along with a C pillar on the side which was not there on the old model. There is a chrome strip on the boot which carries the name Wagon R On It.
Interior
The car has more cabin space than it’s predecessor, it gets a dual-tone black-beige upholstery with a new Touchscreen Infotainment System which is now called the Smartplay Studio and comes with a 17.78 cm touchscreen and a very well designed UI, it gets connectivity options such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, USB/AUX ports and steering mounted controls. The speaker system is a big let down as it only has 2 speakers.The car now has power windows as standard and comes with Auto Down function for the driver side.
There are AC controls under the touchscreen which don’t have automatic features, there is a charging socket underneath that and a storage space. Boot space is now 341 Litres, this is a big improvement than the old model.
Safety & Engine
In terms of safety the car comes with ABS, EBD, Driver-Side Airbags, Seat-belt Reminder For Driver and Passenger, Central Locking, Rear Parking Sensors, Speed Alert System and Child-Proof Rear Door Locks.
It continues to get the 1.0 Litre 3-Cylinder Engine with 68 bhp of power but now it also comes with a more powerful 1.2 Litre 4-Cylinder K12 engine whcih produces 83 bhp of power.
Ride & Handling
We drove the 1.2 Litre engine with a manual gearbox. The gearshifts are very smooth and the engine picks up very quickly and has very good stability and straight line acceleration is linear. The cabin is noisy and can use a bit more in terms of noise insulation. The stock tyres lack grip, they are great for lasting long but not very good for grip around a corner or in rainy weather.
Final Thoughts
The new Wagon R is a good value for money option for buyers with a low budget, but the 1.2 Litre engine variant is a bit overpriced and we suggest buyers on a tight budget to get the 1.0 Liter variants instead, for more efficiency and a lower price.
Pic Courtesy:- MotorOctane
