About Maruti Wagon R LXI CNG

Finding the perfect car in India can feel like a treasure hunt. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, what the monthly running costs will be, if it has the latest features, and of course, how good the company's service network is. These are all super important questions for any smart car buyer.

Today, we are diving deep into a car that often ticks many of these boxes for thousands of Indian families – the Maruti Wagon R LXI CNG. Maruti Suzuki has a long-standing reputation for reliable and economical cars, and the Wagon R has been a bestseller for years. But how does its CNG avatar, specifically the LXI variant, stack up in today's competitive market? Let us find out.

Main Highlights of the Maruti Wagon R LXI CNG

Engine Specifications

The Wagon R LXI CNG comes with Maruti Suzuki's proven 1.0L K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT engine. This engine is known for its efficiency and smooth performance in city conditions.

• Engine Type: 1.0L K10C Dual Jet Dual VVT
• Cylinders: 3-cylinder
• Max Power (CNG Mode): 57 PS at 5300 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG Mode): 82.1 Nm at 3400 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Economy (CNG): Approximately 34.05 km/kg (ARAI certified)

Design Overview

Exterior

The Maruti Wagon R continues its signature 'tall boy' design which has been a hit for its practical advantages. It might not be the flashiest car on the road, but its design is all about maximizing space and visibility.

• Front: Bold, sculpted hood and a new front grille give it a fresh look. The headlamps are large and provide good illumination.
• Side: The tall stance and large windows are evident. The doors open wide, making entry and exit very easy.
• Wheels: The LXI variant comes with steel wheels, perfect for Indian road conditions.

Interior

Step inside, and you will immediately notice the sense of space, especially for a car of its size. The cabin is designed for practicality and comfort.

• Dashboard: A simple, uncluttered dashboard layout in a dual-tone finish makes it feel airy. All controls are easily accessible.
• Seating: The seats are comfortable, and the tall boy design means excellent headroom for all passengers. Rear legroom is surprisingly good, making it a viable option for small families.
• Storage: Multiple storage spaces, including door pockets and a glove box, add to its utility.

Key Features

The LXI CNG variant, being an entry-level trim, focuses on essential features while keeping the price attractive. Do not expect fancy tech like a large infotainment screen, sunroof, 360-degree camera, or wireless charging in this variant. However, it covers the basics well.

• Manual Air Conditioning
• Power Steering
• Front Power Windows
• Central Locking
• Dual Tone Interior
• Gear Shift Indicator (for optimal fuel efficiency)

Ground Clearance

The Maruti Wagon R offers a practical ground clearance, which is a major plus for navigating varied Indian roads and speed breakers.

• Ground Clearance: 165 mm

Boot Space

This is an important point for the CNG variant. While the petrol Wagon R boasts a generous boot, the CNG cylinder takes up significant space.

• Boot Space (Petrol Variant): 341 litres (for comparison)
• Boot Space (CNG Variant): Significantly reduced due to the CNG tank. You will have minimal space left, suitable mostly for small bags or groceries.

Dimensions

The Wagon R's compact yet spacious dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spots.

• Length: 3655 mm
• Width: 1620 mm
• Height: 1675 mm
• Wheelbase: 2435 mm

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Wagon R is available with two engine options:

• 1.0L K10C Petrol Engine: Offers 67 PS power and 89 Nm torque, available with 5-speed manual or AMT.
• 1.2L K12N Petrol Engine: Offers 90 PS power and 113 Nm torque, available with 5-speed manual or AMT (not available with LXI CNG).
• 1.0L K10C CNG Engine: As discussed, with 57 PS power and 82.1 Nm torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. This is the variant we are focusing on for its incredible fuel economy.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Wagon R with essential safety features to keep occupants secure.

• Dual Front Airbags (Driver and Co-driver)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Speed Alert System
• Seat Belt Reminder

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a paramount concern for car buyers. Here is a look at the Wagon R's NCAP ratings.

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Notes
Global NCAP (2022 Test)	1 Star	0 Stars	Tested under stricter new protocols. The body shell integrity was rated as unstable.
Bharat NCAP	Rating Awaited	Rating Awaited	Expected to align with Global NCAP standards once tested.

It is important to note that while the Wagon R includes essential safety features, its structural integrity as per Global NCAP's latest tests received a 1-star rating for adult protection.

Rivals of Maruti Wagon R LXI CNG

The Maruti Wagon R LXI CNG faces stiff competition in the budget CNG hatchback segment.

• Tata Tiago CNG
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG
• Maruti Celerio CNG

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Here is a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Maruti Wagon R LXI CNG.

Pros (Advantages)

• Exceptional Fuel Economy: The biggest draw is its impressive CNG mileage, leading to very low running costs.
• Spacious Cabin: Best-in-class headroom and generous legroom make it comfortable for four adults.
• Maruti Suzuki's Reliability: Proven mechanicals and a reputation for long-term durability.
• Extensive Service Network: Maruti Suzuki has the largest service network in India, ensuring easy and affordable maintenance.
• Easy to Drive in City: Compact dimensions, light steering, and good visibility make it perfect for urban commutes.
• Affordable Maintenance: Spare parts are readily available and generally inexpensive.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG cylinder takes up most of the boot, severely limiting luggage carrying capacity.
• Basic Features in LXI: Lacks modern creature comforts like a touchscreen infotainment system, rear power windows, or alloy wheels.
• Modest Performance: While adequate for city driving, the CNG mode sees a drop in power, which might feel sluggish on highways or during quick overtakes.
• Safety Rating: A 1-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection might be a concern for some buyers.
• Design: The tall boy design might not appeal to everyone, and some might find its styling a bit dated compared to newer rivals.
• Ride Quality: The suspension is tuned for city driving, and while decent, it can feel a bit bumpy over larger potholes.

Conclusion

The Maruti Wagon R LXI CNG remains a highly compelling choice for anyone prioritizing low running costs and a spacious, practical cabin for city commutes. It is a no-nonsense car that excels at what it is designed for – being an affordable, fuel-efficient, and reliable family hatchback.

While the LXI variant is quite basic in terms of features and the safety rating is a consideration, its unbeatable mileage and Maruti's trusted service network make it a strong contender in the Indian market. If your primary needs are an economical daily driver with good interior space and a hassle-free ownership experience, the Wagon R LXI CNG could very well be the smart choice for you. However, if modern features, higher safety ratings, or more boot space are non-negotiable, you might want to explore other options in the segment.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal priorities and budget. Drive safe!