The Maruti Wagon R is one of India’s most popular hatchbacks, boasting an impressive sales record of over 2.4 million units since its initial launch in 1999. Over the years, this car has undergone several facelifts and upgrades, with the latest model hitting the market in 2019, featuring two engine options: a 1.0-litre petrol and a 1.2-litre petrol, both of which are BS6 compliant. Additionally, it offers an AMT (automated manual transmission) option for both engines and a CNG variant for the 1.0-litre engine. Here is Maruti Wagon R Pros and Cons in details.
Contents
- 1 Maruti Wagon R Pros
- 2 Cons of Maruti Wagon R
- 3 Conclusion
- 4 FAQs
- 4.1 1. Is the Maruti Wagon R a good family car?
- 4.2 2. Does the Maruti Wagon R offer an automatic transmission option?
- 4.3 3. How does the Maruti Wagon R perform in terms of fuel efficiency?
- 4.4 4. What safety features does the Maruti Wagon R offer?
- 4.5 5. Are there any alternatives to the Maruti Wagon R in the same price range?
- 4.6 Related
Maruti Wagon R Pros
Spacious Cabin

The Maruti Wagon R excels in providing a generous amount of space within its cabin. Thanks to its tall-boy design and large windows, the car can comfortably accommodate five adults with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. Moreover, the boot space is impressive, boasting a capacity of 341 litres that can be expanded to 710 litres by folding the rear seats. The car also offers numerous storage spaces and cup holders for added convenience.
High Seating Position
The elevated seating position in the Maruti Wagon R provides the driver with an excellent view of the road and surroundings. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable, and the steering wheel is tilt-adjustable, ensuring a comfortable driving posture.
Good Fuel Efficiency
One of the main reasons behind the Maruti Wagon R’s popularity in India is its impressive fuel efficiency. The 1.0-litre petrol engine delivers a mileage of 21.79 kmpl for the manual transmission and 21.79 kmpl for the AMT⁴. On the other hand, the 1.2-litre petrol engine offers a mileage of 20.52 kmpl for the manual transmission and 20.52 kmpl for the AMT. The CNG variant is even more fuel-efficient, providing a mileage of 32.52 km/kg⁴.
Low Maintenance Cost
The Maruti Wagon R is known for its low maintenance cost. It is built with durable and reliable components, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Additionally, the availability of affordable spare parts and an efficient service network further contributes to the car’s low maintenance expenses. The vehicle comes with a standard warranty of 2 years or 40,000 km, whichever comes earlier, adding to the peace of mind for the owners.
Reliable Performance
When it comes to performance, the Maruti Wagon R doesn’t disappoint. It delivers a smooth and reliable performance on both city roads and highways. The 1.0-litre petrol engine generates 68 PS of power and 90 Nm of torque, while the 1.2-litre petrol engine produces 83 PS of power and 113 Nm of torque. Both engines offer a peppy and responsive driving experience, making it suitable for various driving conditions. The AMT option adds convenience and comfort for those who prefer automatic transmission.
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Cons of Maruti Wagon R
Poor Safety Features
One of the major drawbacks of the Maruti Wagon R is its lack of essential safety features expected in modern cars. The car comes with only dual front airbags, seat belt reminder, speed alert system, central locking, engine immobilizer, and child safety locks as standard features across all variants. It lacks rear parking sensors, rear camera, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), hill hold control (HHC), electronic stability program (ESP), and traction control system (TCS). This limited safety package raises concerns about the car’s structural integrity and occupant protection, as evidenced by its modest two-star rating in the Global NCAP crash test.
Outdated Design
The Maruti Wagon R’s design has become outdated and fails to appeal to customers who prefer more stylish and modern-looking cars. The car’s boxy shape with sharp edges and curves makes it look bulky and uninspiring. Additionally, the front grille, headlamps, tail lamps, and bumpers lack distinctive features, making the car blend in rather than stand out from the crowd.
Small Tyres
Another downside of the Maruti Wagon R is its small tyres, which do not match the size and weight of the car. The base variant comes with 14-inch steel wheels fitted with 165/70 R14 tyres, while the top variant features 14-inch alloy wheels with the same tyre specifications. These tyres compromise the car’s stability, grip, and braking performance, making it more susceptible to punctures and damage on rough roads and potholes.
Lack of Premium Feel
The Maruti Wagon R lacks the premium feel that many customers desire in a car. Its interior features cheap and hard plastic materials, providing neither plushness nor comfort. The dashboard, instrument cluster, infotainment system, steering wheel, and other elements are basic and functional, lacking any fancy or attractive features. The seats are not as cushioned or supportive as desired, and the upholstery appears plain and dull. The car also lacks additional comfort and convenience features, such as automatic climate control, rear AC vents, sunroof, and ambient lighting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Maruti Wagon R offers practicality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a simple and functional car to meet their basic needs. Its spacious cabin, high seating position, good fuel efficiency, low maintenance cost, and reliable performance are all commendable aspects. However, it’s essential to consider its drawbacks, including poor safety features, outdated design, small tyres, and a lack of premium feel. As such, potential buyers must weigh their priorities and preferences to determine if the Maruti Wagon R aligns with their expectations. This are few Pros and Cons of Maruti Wagon R.
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FAQs
1. Is the Maruti Wagon R a good family car?
Yes, the Maruti Wagon R is a good family car due to its spacious cabin, high seating position, and ample storage space. It can comfortably accommodate five passengers and is ideal for city commutes and occasional long drives.
2. Does the Maruti Wagon R offer an automatic transmission option?
Yes, both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines in the Maruti Wagon R come with an AMT (automated manual transmission) option for added convenience.
3. How does the Maruti Wagon R perform in terms of fuel efficiency?
The Maruti Wagon R boasts good fuel efficiency. The 1.0-litre petrol engine offers a mileage of 21.79 kmpl for the manual transmission and 21.79 kmpl for the AMT. The 1.2-litre petrol engine provides a mileage of 20.52 kmpl for the manual transmission and 20.52 kmpl for the AMT. The CNG variant offers even better mileage at 32.52 km/kg.
4. What safety features does the Maruti Wagon R offer?
The Maruti Wagon R comes with dual front airbags, seat belt reminder, speed alert system, central locking, engine immobilizer, and child safety locks as standard features. However, it lacks several essential safety features found in modern cars, which might be a concern for safety-conscious buyers.
5. Are there any alternatives to the Maruti Wagon R in the same price range?
Yes, there are several alternatives to the Maruti Wagon R in the same price range. Some popular options include the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Tata Tiago, and Ford Figo, among others. It’s essential to consider individual preferences and requirements while choosing the right car.