[Topolino]

Though the Wagon R has below average looks, but it is a very practical car. I have driven my friends new Wagon R for around 500 km and here are my few observations.
The positives of car are:
1. Spacious interior - has ample head, front and rear leg room. I am 6' tall and I didn't feel cramped either in front seat or back seat. I set driving seat for my size even then there was sufficient leg room for another 6 footer behind. Seats are also quite comfortable with adequate under thigh support.
2. Slick and short gear shifts, clutch is light and has short pedal range.
3. Easy to maneuver in city traffic with good all round visibility, easy to reverse even in tight spots. Safe and driveable in highways too, if speeds are kept below 90 kmph.
3. Fuel efficienct - returned an average of ~18 kmpl with AC ON on 80% highway and 20% city driving with 4 persons on board.

Though the 3 cylinder engine is bit noisy. but is rev friendly. I haven't observed any power drop or sluggishness in my entire drive, even on uphills car pulled well without any strain.

So if I have to choose between Wagon-R or Santro. I would have certainly gone for Wagon-R and same is my advice to you.

[pradkumar]

The ARAI certified mileage for i10 1.1 iRDE petrol is 19.69. It is given on the Hyundai India site.

Bootspace of both the new Wagon R and i10 is nothing great. Santro and Estillo score better on this parameter.

Pradeep

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

My bad, 19.81 kmpl is indeed the ARAI certified mileage for i10 1.2 kappa BS4.

I am not able to find the ARAI certified mileage for i10 1.1 irde BS4, but I'm sure it would be comparable to this. Could someone post the official figure please.



While the previous generation WagonR was a very practical car with its huge boot, the new WagonR has lost its USP.

Rohan

[u_chill]

If you plan to crunch a lot of miles, Spark LPG is the best bet in this segment. Way better than any of the other LPG options on offer, and lot of tiny but significant improvements on the well proven Matiz.

Between Wagon R and i10 IRDE, I would go for the Wagon R, much better engine, and most recently updated.

[nurni76]

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

While the previous generation WagonR was a very practical car with its huge boot, the new WagonR has lost its USP.

Rohan

If the boot size is the only measure of practicality, then yes I agree with you. However, the new Wagon R has much more Leg space both at the front and the rear. The 60:40 split seats offer good practicality when you need to stuff in extra. In addition there are more cubby holes and storage spaces (under the front passenger seat) offering great practicality.

Originally Posted by extreme_torque

How is it more practical than competing car, more specifically the Beat or the Santro? Although I havent driven the new Wagon-R, I found the tinny overall build to be even worse than the older Wagon-R. Santro is much better build and my cousin's bruised and battered 90k's run Santro is still relatively rattle free.

Have you checked out the new Wagon R? It is clearly much better built compared to the older one. The interiors offer more quality and space than Santro. The Santro may look more sturdy, but the Wagon Rs quality is clearly a couple of notches more due to its recent upgrade.

@Jayd: Since you have specifically asked between the santro and the Wagon R, I feel clearly the choice has to be WagonR. Better engine, better interior space and quality, more features and ofcourse a newer platform.

[rohan_iitr]

Originally Posted by u_chill

Between Wagon R and i10 IRDE, I would go for the Wagon R, much better engine, and most recently updated.

i10's irde engine has also been updated recently. The new BS4 engine is more powerful (more bhp) and is more fuel efficient.

Rohan

[JayD]

Originally Posted by DCEite

If you are looking at practicality - look no further than the new WagonR. Its clearly a generation ahead and of the Santro and feels a more grown up car.
Do also check out the Hyundai i10 and Chevrolet Beat/Spark.

Happy city motoring!

Yep, am more or less decided on the wagonR. Will take a TD tomorrow and decide.

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

i10 has ARAI certified mileage of 19.8 kmpl, which is best in class. Please don't go by hearsay.

Rohan

The i10 1.2 is out of my budget. I'm not too interested in the 1.1, as it costs the same as the wagonr, but has lesser equipment. (IIRC, the era is the range topping 1.1)

Originally Posted by supremeBaleno

@JayD, you own a big line-up of cars. Instead of buying another hatch, why don't you get one of them (SS80 or i20) to Chennai and use it during your time here ? Infact, you could even have your NHC here - Chennai is not that bad with traffic, if you know how to avoid rush-hour.

He he! That is the question that most ppl are asking me, but the thing is that the i20 is needed at home, as we have some functions coming up, and also, its the only diesel car we have, so its used for long trips extensively.

The NHC is what dad uses, and also, i'm new to my job, and don't wanst to create a scene driving a big saloon to work.

The SS80 is more like a museum piece to me. Its just a fun weekend car. I've spent too much time effort and money, to make it in concours condition, right down to the last badge. The last thing i want is some damn auto guy running me off the road, or a street urchin drawing all over it.!

Originally Posted by extreme_torque

How is it more practical than competing car, more specifically the Beat or the Santro? Although I havent driven the new Wagon-R, I found the tinny overall build to be even worse than the older Wagon-R. Santro is much better build and my cousin's bruised and battered 90k's run Santro is still relatively rattle free.

@Jayd: If Beat is out of the question than I would suggest either the Santro or i10 simply because they are better build cars than Maruti's. I would also suggest you to have a test drive of the Beat again and see if you like it. Apart from the low seating position, overall its a much much better car than the competition around. Its new gen so would be safer as well. We still have no safety data for the Wagon-R and I am afraid we wont have it ever.

Yes E_T, the santro has good build quality, which is one of the primary reasons why i'm still considering it. Some of my friends have santros which have crossed a lac and still run very well.

Lemme see how good the build of the new wagonr is. This month's autocar is all praise for the wagon. Hope its good.


The beat is certainly not in consideration. I was put off the minute i sat in it, and moreover, i want a sober, serious looking car this time.

[JayD]

Originally Posted by Topolino

Though the Wagon R has below average looks, but it is a very practical car. I have driven my friends new Wagon R for around 500 km and here are my few observations.
The positives of car are:
1. Spacious interior - has ample head, front and rear leg room. I am 6' tall and I didn't feel cramped either in front seat or back seat. I set driving seat for my size even then there was sufficient leg room for another 6 footer behind. Seats are also quite comfortable with adequate under thigh support.
2. Slick and short gear shifts, clutch is light and has short pedal range.
3. Easy to maneuver in city traffic with good all round visibility, easy to reverse even in tight spots. Safe and driveable in highways too, if speeds are kept below 90 kmph.
3. Fuel efficienct - returned an average of ~18 kmpl with AC ON on 80% highway and 20% city driving with 4 persons on board.

Though the 3 cylinder engine is bit noisy. but is rev friendly. I haven't observed any power drop or sluggishness in my entire drive, even on uphills car pulled well without any strain.

So if I have to choose between Wagon-R or Santro. I would have certainly gone for Wagon-R and same is my advice to you.

Thanks a ton for the detailed review topolino. Sounds good to me, especially the FE. I guess i can expect around 15 in the city then

Originally Posted by pradkumar

The ARAI certified mileage for i10 1.1 iRDE petrol is 19.69. It is given on the Hyundai India site.

Bootspace of both the new Wagon R and i10 is nothing great. Santro and Estillo score better on this parameter.

Pradeep

Bootspace is not too important to me. passenger comfort is. Anyways, the rear seats and the boot won't be used at the same time 99% of the time, i can always fold them then.

Originally Posted by u_chill

If you plan to crunch a lot of miles, Spark LPG is the best bet in this segment. Way better than any of the other LPG options on offer, and lot of tiny but significant improvements on the well proven Matiz.

Between Wagon R and i10 IRDE, I would go for the Wagon R, much better engine, and most recently updated.

The saprk LPG was considered, but other than the matiz part, the dealer themselves claimed that i'd get about 10-11 in the city. Not worth it then.

Originally Posted by nurni76

If the boot size is the only measure of practicality, then yes I agree with you. However, the new Wagon R has much more Leg space both at the front and the rear. The 60:40 split seats offer good practicality when you need to stuff in extra. In addition there are more cubby holes and storage spaces (under the front passenger seat) offering great practicality.



Have you checked out the new Wagon R? It is clearly much better built compared to the older one. The interiors offer more quality and space than Santro. The Santro may look more sturdy, but the Wagon Rs quality is clearly a couple of notches more due to its recent upgrade.

@Jayd: Since you have specifically asked between the santro and the Wagon R, I feel clearly the choice has to be WagonR. Better engine, better interior space and quality, more features and ofcourse a newer platform.

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

i10's irde engine has also been updated recently. The new BS4 engine is more powerful (more bhp) and is more fuel efficient.

Rohan

Will check out the wagonr tomorrow, and take a detailed TD. Also, since you guys recommend the i10 so strongly, i'll take another td of that too.

Will have to take a call soon.

[rohan_iitr]

Originally Posted by JayD

The i10 1.2 is out of my budget. I'm not too interested in the 1.1, as it costs the same as the wagonr, but has lesser equipment. (IIRC, the era is the range topping 1.1)

i10 1.1 comes in 3 variants - D-lite, Era and Magna (Top variant).

i10 1.2 comes in 3 variants - Magna, Sportz and Asta (Top variant).

Note that there is a 1.1 Magna as well as 1.2 Magna.

Magna's equipment list is more or less similar to Maruti's Vxi except for rear defogger, washer and wiper. IIRC, ABS is optional in all variants.

WagonR's equipment list is better than the i10 variant at similar price point. I suggest that you go for Vxi with ABS and airbags.

Rohan

[gemithomas]

Get the Wagon R. I assume its not a very long stay at Chennai. You'll get very good resale value too.

[GTO]

JayD,

I realise you've already checked it off your list, but I do think the Chevy Beat meets your requirements the best. Good build, nice interiors, excellent ride quality (much better than the Santro) and ample refinement. The VFM pricetag is a bonus.

If not, its either the new WagonR for you (Maruti, fuel efficient, good space, improved ride & handling, a safe buy) or the used market (plenty of Swifts available).

[JayD]

Was away with work for a week, so car hunting came to a pause, now back in form!

Originally Posted by rohan_iitr

i10 1.1 comes in 3 variants - D-lite, Era and Magna (Top variant).

i10 1.2 comes in 3 variants - Magna, Sportz and Asta (Top variant).

Note that there is a 1.1 Magna as well as 1.2 Magna.

Magna's equipment list is more or less similar to Maruti's Vxi except for rear defogger, washer and wiper. IIRC, ABS is optional in all variants.

WagonR's equipment list is better than the i10 variant at similar price point. I suggest that you go for Vxi with ABS and airbags.

Rohan

I'd love to go for the one with the ABS, but i think i'll have to setle for the VXi, thanks to the Vitamin M factor!

Originally Posted by gemithomas

Get the Wagon R. I assume its not a very long stay at Chennai. You'll get very good resale value too.

Ha ha! Good point there Gemi! That had crossed my mind several times too! One of the primary reasons why all GM vehicles were dropped off the list instantly!

Originally Posted by GTO

JayD,

I realise you've already checked it off your list, but I do think the Chevy Beat meets your requirements the best. Good build, nice interiors, excellent ride quality (much better than the Santro) and ample refinement. The VFM pricetag is a bonus.

If not, its either the new WagonR for you (Maruti, fuel efficient, good space, improved ride & handling, a safe buy) or the used market (plenty of Swifts available).

Thanks for dropping in here gto! The beat was something i wanted initially, but on closer look, i didn't quite like the ergonomics of the car. Also, the engine felt average to me, not too free revving, and resale could be a problem.


As of now, its the WagonR for me. Used oprions are also in consideration, provided i get a good car, like you did. The problem is that i don't have time currently to go car hunting, thanks to my job. My main choice in the used segment was a nice old shape zen MPFi, but finding one in good condition seems to be almost impossible.




Meanwhile, managed to do a TD of the WagonR. Will update this thread soon.

[fz_rider]

If you can stretch your budget to 4.5 L ,Ritz is a good option! Only thing it doesn't have a that price point ( Lxi variant) is the front power window! Ritz is a fantastic city car!

[Arkin evoisrevo]

Originally Posted by fz_rider

If you can stretch your budget to 4.5 L ,Ritz is a good option! Only thing it doesn't have a that price point ( Lxi variant) is the front power window! Ritz is a fantastic city car!

+1 to that, Mr.Reddy!

However, my vote goes for an i10 1.1 ABS.
BTW, are airbags optional on the magna1.1?

[Lightening-Fast]

Beat all the way mate. Your budget allows you to buy Chevy Beat. Then why not make a good choice. Since the launch of Beat, 1.2L market has completely shaken up. I have driven the car and it handles great. It has great looks and good value for money. I think Beat LT would be over your budget, but give Beat LS a close look.

[JayD]

Thanks a ton for the help guys! The purchase has been made! Will update the details soon. To put it briefly, it is something very different from what i had in mind!