CARVERSAL

 As if to reclaim dominance in the high-stakes game of compact car sales, Maruti Suzuki rolled out a face-lifted version of the WagonR, directly taking on the Tata Punch.

The new Maruti WagonR, designed with a renewed look and starting at an aggressive price of Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom), is going to disrupt the market and give tough competition to Tata Punch, which has been emerging as a worthy competitor in the subcompact SUV segment.

A New Design to Grab the Attention

The outside view is completely new for the all-new Maruti WagonR. Gone are the earlier generations of the WagonR. Much more aggressive in the front grille, sleek LED headlamps, and a sculpted hood make it look quite new and fresh.

At the rear is a new LED taillight and an all-new bumper that makes the WagonR look all the more contemporary and attracts youngsters.

The side profile is similar to the WagonR but taller, with added character lines and new alloy wheel designs, which add more to its overall stance. This new look seems to be an attempt by Maruti Suzuki to attract a more diverse audience than the one the Tata Punch could have appealed to with its rugged and sporty design.

Interior Upgrades for Enhanced Comfort

Inside, the new WagonR has been packed with a whole lot of upgradations to make it even more appealing. The cabin has been given a premium feel by using higher-quality materials such as soft-touch surfaces and new upholstery options.

The infotainment system has also been redesigned for its larger touchscreen unit, incorporating the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features so tech-savvy buyers do not miss their smartphone's call.

Comfortable seats have been designed to keep the passengers cozy for long journeys. Maruti has also put emphasis on overall space and utility of WagonR, allowing ample leg room and headroom for front as well as rear passengers.

The boot space is marginally more than before. It is practically useful for the family and for storing extra luggage daily.

Engine Options and Performance

The new WagonR has brought the same dependable and fuel-friendly engine options that have been driving the vehicle, which is a favorite among Indian consumers under the hood. Both petrol and CNG variants of the car are available on the market, so there is something for every kind of buyer.

The 1.0-litre K-series petrol engine gives 67 bhp and 90 Nm of torque. The 1.2-liter gives 88 bhp and 113 Nm of torque. Both get a 5-speed manual and the option to get an AMT for the automatic.

The CNG variant, however, is quite in demand with the cost-conscious customer as it manages to provide an around 32 km/kg mileage, which is the highest in this class. The petrol variants, on the other hand offer around 22-24 km/l mileage range depending upon the engine and transmission.

Safety features include dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders for both front and rear passengers. These are the safety features in the segment standard range.

Apart from all these safety features, Maruti has provided a couple of new features like a rearview camera and hill-hold assist on the AMT variant for perfect safety and comfort.

Pricing and Competition

The most striking feature of the new Maruti WagonR is its aggressive pricing. Starting at just Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom), the WagonR undercuts the Tata Punch by a significant margin, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

It starts around Rs 5.5 lakh, ex-showroom, and has been appreciated for its rugged design and SUV-like stance, but the lower price points of WagonR and the after-sales service network of Maruti might give the edge to this.

Maruti Suzuki has also put forward several juicy financing options along with discounts that make the all-new WagonR even tastier for hopeful buyers. After all, such a new look with better attributes and competitive prices will surely fetch the WagonR back at the top rank of best sellers in India.