Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

India’s Favourite Tall Boy with a Round and Roomy Body! 

It has been nearly 25 years since the Wagon R first launched in 1999, bringing with it the reliability that Maruti Suzuki was already known for with the 800, and a premium feel on a budget. A host of updates later, and the Wagon R remains one of the most popular B1 segment hatchbacks in India, selling over one lakh units in the first six months of 2023 alone. From its boxy shape that has surprisingly stood the test of time, tall roof, and roomier-than-roomy cabin, the Wagon R remains one of the best cars for urban commuting. But at over ₹8 lakh on-road, is it still worth your money or should you look for other options? Let’s find out. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Pros and Cons 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Exterior Design 

Over the years, the Wagon R has done the opposite of going on a diet and getting some curves, and has instead given its boxy exterior a more rounded look while still retaining the tall stance that makes its bodyline so unique. The creases on the bonnet and sides especially help with this, while the rear remains as flat as ever, ensuring the Wagon R is still one of the easiest cars to park when banking into a spot. The headlamps have also received a few makeovers over the years but are still unmistakably ‘Wagon R’, and go well with the new grille and its chrome elements. The C pillar is quite thick though, and the lack of a rear quarter glass does create quite a blind spot that drivers will have to be wary of.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Interiors 

The dual-tone interiors lend the already roomy cabin an airy vibe and the tall roofline only accentuates the feeling of being in a car that is much bigger than it looks from the outside. The plastics used are harder than you’d like but the quality, fit, and finish feels acceptable. With a wheelbase of 2,435 mm, the Wagon R ensures there is adequate legroom even in the rear seats, although the transmission tunnel does make for an awkward seating position for the middle passenger. There are bottle holders in all four doors, as well as a cup holder in the centre console, but one glaring miss is an armrest. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Comfort 

The Wagon R remains one of the most comfortable B1 segment hatchbacks you can buy. In the front, there is enough adjustability in the driver’s seat to find a comfortable seating position, and the gear lever placement is also something that feels natural. There is no automatic climate control on offer, and given the large size of the windows, the AC does end up struggling on warmer days. If you do end up getting the Wagon R, stick to the fabric seats on offer rather than going for the optional faux leather seats no matter how fun the options might seem. Your back will thank you for it on sunny days. The availability of adjustable headrests in the front and rear is welcome, and passengers will overall find this a comfortable place to be in for long periods of time. One thing to note is that the underthigh support can feel inadequate in the rear, but that is subjective and you may feel differently during a test drive. Ingress and egress is also one of the best, and this car will be great for senior citizens. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Performance and Handling

There is only one way to put this, so let’s get right to the point: The Wagon R is one of the best cars to drive around in the city. The 1.2 litre petrol engine is tractable, refined, and frugal. The suspension is set up to tackle any rough patches of tarmac you might encounter, while staying comfortable on smooth expressways. With 113 Nm of torque and just 850 kg to pull, the engine makes overtaking effortless as long as you’re in the right rev range. If you aren’t, the smooth manual gearbox will help you get there with ease. 

One negative, since you didn’t ask, is like most Maruti Suzuki engines these days, this one too is tuned to deliver its power at higher RPMs, and does feel lethargic when you initially get going. Handling is also effortless, and the steering is set up to be comfortable in the city, allowing you to navigate crowded streets and traffic jams with equal ease. Given the fuel economy of the petrol, we’d recommend staying away from the 1.0 litre CNG variant, which at 56 bhp and 82 Nm feels extremely underpowered. 

Key specifications 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Safety Features

The Wagon R is equipped with 2 airbags, ABS, EBP and ESP, but loses out on traction control. There are also no child seat anchor points available. The lightweight construction, as is the case with most Maruti Suzukis, means it scores a one star on the Global NCAP. 

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Technology and Infotainment

While there is no automatic climate control, the Wagon R in its more premium variants does get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on a seven inch touchscreen infotainment system that is connected to four speakers. You also get steering mounted controls with voice commands, bluetooth connectivity, Aux, and even iPod compatibility. The four speaker system does the job, but audiophiles will likely want to swap them out for something better.

Is the Wagon R for you?

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R remains one of the most practical, reliable and cost-effective hatchback you can buy today. There are plenty of variants to choose from, depending on your budget and requirements. It is also one of the roomiest hatchbacks out there, offering more room than even some of the more premium options out there. But what remains its best feature, is how easy it is to drive. You can take this car anywhere with your eyes closed, knowing it won’t let you down.