About Maruti Wagon R VXI

Are you in the market for a new car in India? We know finding the perfect vehicle can be quite a journey. You are probably thinking about your budget, how safe the car is for your family, the monthly maintenance costs, what the latest features are, and of course, how reliable the company service will be. These are all very important questions, and today, we are going to dive deep into a car that often ticks many of these boxes for Indian buyers: the new Maruti Wagon R VXI.

The Maruti Wagon R has been a household name for years, known for its practicality and fuel efficiency. The VXI variant sits in the middle of the range, offering a good balance of features and value. Let us explore if this popular hatchback is the right choice for your garage.

Engine Specifications

The Maruti Wagon R VXI offers a choice of two reliable petrol engines, known for their fuel efficiency and smooth performance in city traffic.

• 1.0 Litre K10C Petrol Engine: This is a 998cc, 3-cylinder engine that produces about 67 horsepower and 89 Nm of torque. It is perfect for city commutes and offers excellent fuel economy.
• 1.2 Litre K12N Petrol Engine: For those who want a bit more power, this 1197cc, 4-cylinder engine generates around 89 horsepower and 113 Nm of torque. It feels more responsive on highways and when the car is fully loaded.

Design Overview

Exterior

The Wagon R VXI keeps its signature tall boy design, which is a big reason for its popularity. It looks modern yet familiar. The design prioritises cabin space and ease of entry and exit. You get stylish headlamps and tail lamps, body-coloured bumpers, and outside door handles that give it a neat appearance. The overall look is practical and functional, designed to tackle urban roads with ease.

Interior

Step inside the Wagon R VXI and you will immediately notice the generous space. The tall boy design translates into excellent headroom for all passengers. The cabin feels airy and open, with a dual-tone finish that adds a touch of modern appeal. The seats are comfortable, and the dashboard layout is simple and easy to use. Everything is designed to be practical and user-friendly, making every journey a comfortable one.

Key Features of Maruti Wagon R VXI

The VXI variant comes packed with a good set of features for its price segment:

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio Infotainment: This touchscreen system offers a seamless experience, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity.
• Steering Mounted Controls: For audio and calls, adding convenience and safety.
• Manual Air Conditioning: Reliable cooling to keep the cabin comfortable.
• All Four Power Windows: Standard for convenience.
• Central Locking: For enhanced security.
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs: Easy adjustment of side mirrors.
• Rear Parking Sensors: To assist with parking in tight spots.
• Day and Night IRVM: Reduces glare from headlights behind you.

Please note that features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, and wireless charging are not available in the Maruti Wagon R VXI.

Ground Clearance

The Maruti Wagon R VXI boasts a healthy ground clearance of 165 mm. This is quite adequate for Indian road conditions, allowing the car to comfortably clear most speed breakers and potholes without scraping its underbody.

Boot Space

One of the biggest advantages of the Wagon R VXI is its impressive boot space of 341 litres. This is segment-leading and makes it an incredibly practical choice for family outings, airport runs, or even just your weekly grocery shopping. You will be surprised by how much luggage it can swallow.

Dimensions

Here are the key dimensions of the Maruti Wagon R VXI:

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

Powertrain Options

The Wagon R VXI offers flexibility in terms of transmission:

• 5-speed Manual Transmission: For those who prefer direct control over gear shifts and maximum fuel efficiency.
• 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) also known as AGS (Auto Gear Shift): Offers the convenience of an automatic without a significant jump in price or a huge compromise on fuel economy, ideal for city driving.

Safety Features

Maruti Suzuki has equipped the Wagon R VXI with essential safety features:

• 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 Reminders for front occupants
• Hill Hold Assist (only available in AMT variants)

NCAP Rating Table

Understanding a car safety is crucial. Here is how the Maruti Wagon R has performed in safety tests:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP (2019 test for current platform)	1 Star	2 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Tested	Not Yet Tested

It is important to note that the Global NCAP rating was for the model introduced in 2019. Maruti Suzuki has since made some updates to the Wagon R, and while the core platform remains, further testing could provide updated results. However, as of now, these are the most widely available ratings.

Rivals of Maruti Wagon R VXI

The Maruti Wagon R VXI faces competition from several other popular hatchbacks in the Indian market:

• Tata Tiago
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios
• Maruti Celerio
• Citroen C3

How is the Car? Pros & Cons

Pros

• Spacious Cabin: Best-in-segment headroom and ample legroom make it very comfortable for four adults.
• Large Boot Space: 341 litres is incredibly practical for a car of this size.
• Fuel Efficient Engines: Both 1.0L and 1.2L engines deliver excellent mileage, keeping running costs low.
• Easy to Drive: Light steering, good visibility, and compact dimensions make it perfect for city driving and parking.
• Reliable Maruti Suzuki Service: Extensive service network and affordable spare parts.
• AMT Option: Adds convenience for daily commutes without compromising much on fuel economy.

Cons

• Basic Safety Rating: The 1-star Global NCAP rating for adult safety is a concern for some buyers.
• Exterior Design: The tall boy design, while practical, might not appeal to everyone looking for a sportier look.
• Feature List: Lacks some modern features like a rear parking camera (though sensors are present), automatic climate control, or projector headlamps, even in higher variants.
• Highway Stability: While good in the city, it can feel a bit light at very high speeds on highways.
• Interior Plastics: While durable, some might find the interior plastic quality a bit basic compared to rivals.

Conclusion

The Maruti Wagon R VXI continues its legacy as a strong contender in the compact hatchback segment. It brilliantly balances practicality, space, and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal choice for urban families and first-time car buyers. While it might not boast the highest safety ratings or the most advanced features, its strengths lie in its incredible utility, ease of ownership, and the trusted backing of Maruti Suzuki. If your priorities are a spacious cabin, a massive boot, low running costs, and a car that is a breeze to drive in the city, the Wagon R VXI is definitely worth a closer look. It is a car that delivers on its promise of being a dependable and value-for-money package for the Indian market.