Maruti Wagon R VXI CNG

Hey car buyers! Are you on the hunt for a new car in India? We know how many things run through your mind: will it fit your budget? Is it safe enough for your family? How much will it cost every month to maintain? What about the latest features? And, of course, the peace of mind that comes with reliable company service. These are all big questions, and finding the right balance is key. Today, we're putting one of India's most popular and practical hatchbacks under the microscope: the new Maruti Wagon R VXI CNG. Let's see if this "Tall Boy" is the perfect fit for your garage!

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The Maruti Wagon R VXI CNG comes with a refined engine that focuses on fuel efficiency and practicality for city driving.

• Engine Type: K12N (1.2-litre DualJet, Dual VVT)
• Cubic Capacity: 1197 cc
• Max Power (Petrol): 89.73 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (Petrol): 113 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Max Power (CNG): 76.43 PS at 6000 rpm
• Max Torque (CNG): 98.5 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed Manual
• Fuel Type: Petrol & CNG
• Mileage (ARAI Certified): 24.43 km/l (Petrol), 34.05 km/kg (CNG)

Design Overview

The Wagon R keeps its signature "Tall Boy" design, which is a big reason for its popularity.

Exterior

The exterior of the Wagon R VXI CNG is all about practical appeal. It has a clean, functional design that prioritises cabin space and ease of driving in congested Indian cities. While not flashy, its upright stance and larger headlamps give it a recognisable road presence. The boxy shape also means maximum interior room, a trait deeply appreciated by Indian families.

Interior

Step inside, and you'll immediately notice the airy and spacious cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (usually black and beige/grey) adds a touch of brightness. The focus is on functionality, with well-placed controls and decent quality materials for its segment. The tall windows contribute to excellent visibility, making parking and navigating city traffic much easier. The VXI variant offers a good balance of features without being overly extravagant.

Key Features

The Wagon R VXI CNG offers a practical set of features for everyday use:

• 7-inch SmartPlay Studio Touchscreen Infotainment System
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Integrated steering-mounted controls (audio and calling)
• Remote Central Locking
• Front and Rear Power Windows
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors)
• Manual Air Conditioner with Heater
• Dual-tone Interior Theme
• Day/Night Rear View Mirror
• Gear Shift Indicator

Please note: Features like sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, and automatic climate control are typically not available in this segment or variant of the Wagon R.

Ground Clearance

• Ground Clearance: 165 mm

Boot Space

• Boot Space (Petrol): 341 litres
• Boot Space (CNG): Significantly reduced due to the CNG tank. Expect around 80-100 litres of usable space.

Dimensions

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

Powertrain Options

The Maruti Wagon R is available with two powertrain choices:

• 1.0-litre Petrol Engine: For buyers prioritising absolute affordability.
• 1.2-litre Petrol Engine: Offers better performance and is also available with factory-fitted CNG. The VXI CNG variant discussed here uses this 1.2-litre engine.
• Transmission: Both engines come with a 5-speed manual transmission, with the 1.2-litre also offering an AMT (Auto Gear Shift) option in petrol only. The VXI CNG variant is exclusively manual.

Safety Features

The Wagon R VXI CNG comes with essential safety features:

• Dual Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger)
• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Speed Alert System
• Seat Belt Reminder for Driver and Co-driver
• Child Proof Rear Door Locks

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a significant concern for many buyers, and it's important to be aware of how cars perform in crash tests. The Maruti Wagon R was tested by Global NCAP (under its older, less stringent protocols in 2019).

Rating Category	Global NCAP Rating (2019 Protocol)	Bharat NCAP Rating
Adult Occupant Protection	1 Star	Not Yet Rated
Child Occupant Protection	0 Stars	Not Yet Rated

It's important to note that the Global NCAP test for Wagon R was conducted a few years ago under earlier protocols. While it provides an indication, newer safety standards are evolving, and we hope to see improved ratings across all segments in the future with newer models and updated testing.

Rivals of Maruti Wagon R VXI CNG

In the highly competitive Indian market, the Wagon R VXI CNG faces strong contenders:

• Tata Tiago iCNG
• Hyundai Grand i10 Nios CNG
• Maruti Celerio CNG
• Maruti S-Presso CNG (as a more budget-friendly alternative)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros (Advantages)

• Exceptional Fuel Efficiency: The biggest draw of the Wagon R CNG is its outstanding mileage, making it incredibly light on your wallet for daily commutes. It's one of the most fuel-efficient cars in India.
• Spacious Cabin: The "Tall Boy" design translates into excellent headroom and ample legroom, making it comfortable for four adults, even on longer journeys.
• Maruti's Reliability & Service Network: Maruti Suzuki cars are known for their bulletproof reliability and the brand boasts the widest service network across India, ensuring easy and affordable maintenance.
• Low Running Costs: Beyond fuel efficiency, spare parts are readily available and affordable, leading to lower overall ownership costs.
• Great Resale Value: Maruti cars, especially popular models like the Wagon R, command strong resale values in the used car market.
• Easy to Drive: Its compact dimensions, good visibility, and light controls make it a breeze to drive and park in congested city traffic.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Safety Rating: The 1-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection is a significant concern for safety-conscious buyers.
• Basic Feature Set (VXI): While functional, the VXI CNG variant doesn't offer many premium features found in some rivals or higher variants, such as automatic climate control or more advanced infotainment options.
• Engine Performance in CNG Mode: While adequate for city driving, the 1.2L engine can feel a bit sluggish with five passengers and AC running, especially on highways or inclines in CNG mode.
• Reduced Boot Space: The CNG tank significantly eats into the boot space, limiting luggage carrying capacity, which can be an issue for family trips.
• Plain Styling: The "Tall Boy" design, while practical, isn't everyone's cup of tea and can feel a bit boxy compared to more modern, curvy designs.
• Build Quality: Compared to some competitors, the build quality might feel a little light.

Conclusion

So, should the Maruti Wagon R VXI CNG be your next car? If your top priorities are exceptional fuel efficiency, a spacious and practical cabin, low running costs, and the peace of mind that comes with Maruti's widespread service network and legendary reliability, then the Wagon R VXI CNG is undoubtedly a strong contender. It excels as a no-nonsense, economical family car for urban environments. However, if cutting-edge features, strong highway performance, or a top-tier safety rating are at the very top of your list, you might want to explore alternatives. As always, we recommend taking a detailed test drive to experience the car firsthand and see if it aligns perfectly with your driving needs and preferences. Happy car hunting!