Following price and mileage, the next thing that Indian consumers give priority to while buying cars is interior room. This is the primary reason why tallboy hatchbacks have always been a hit in our market. For a long time, two prime contenders were battling it out in this segment, the Hyundai Santro and the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. Despite receiving no major update since 2003, the Santro still had a very well-established demand owing to its practicality and ease of ownership. However, with its discontinuation in 2016, the Wagon R completely dominated sales with no competition and its somewhat frequent updates. But after a 2 year long hiatus, the Santro is returning with a vengeance later this month. So here, we compare both cars and find the definitive victor in our New Hyundai Santro vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R comparison.
Also read - How many types of CNG kits are there?
New Hyundai Santro vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Looks and Appearance
After being spotted testing on the road several times in camouflage, pictures showing the actual profile of the new 2018 Santro have been finally revealed. From the looks of it, the new car looks very contemporary and stylish. While traditionally, tallboy hatchbacks have had very boxy looks, the new Hyundai Santro is quite the opposite. It has an i10 inspired design, with flowing lines and creases running around the car making it look quite attractive. The wrap-around headlamps and the prominent front grille give it a very aesthetically pleasing appearance. We reckon consumers are surely going to be pleased with its looks once it hits the roads.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, unlike the new Santro, has been getting more updates in terms of appearance. We are currently on the third generation with the special “Stingray” now taking its place as the topmost variant. The Wagon R stays true to the original silhouette of the car with its straighter design lines. However, with the updates it’s been receiving, it very much looks like it belongs to the current timeline. The “Stingray” version (now Vxi+ variant) has a very unique front profile with its slim projector integrated headlamp cluster. While some may argue that the Wagon R is a tad too boxy in appearance, there are several people who also appreciate the simple design approach.
New Hyundai Santro vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Mileage and Engine Performance
The Hyundai Santro 2018 will be getting its power from an updated version of the engine used on the previous Santro. It will come equipped with a 1.1 litre 4-cylinder engine producing 68 bhp of peak power and 99 Nm of peak torque. The new Santro will come with an optional in-house developed AMT gearbox, christened “Smart Auto” by Hyundai. The car will also come with a factory-fitted CNG option as well. It is expected to have a mileage in the range of 19-21 kmpl. The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R comes equipped with a K-10 series 3-cylinder 1 litre engine. It produces a generous 67 bhp of peak power and 90 Nm of peak torque. The K-series engine is Maruti’s most performance-oriented hatchback engine which has been largely successful on their Alto series. However, being a 3-cylinder engine, it does have its disadvantages in front of the new Hyundai Santro’s 4-pot mill. The Wagon R does get an optional AMT transmission and a factory-fitted CNG kit just like the 2018 Hyundai Santro. The Wagon R has an ARAI rated mileage of 20.51 kmpl which is quite impressive.
Also Read: 3 Cylinder vs 4 Cylinder Engines
New Hyundai Santro vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Price
Pricing for the new Santro 2018 is expected to start at Rs. 4.3 lakhs and go all the way up to Rs.5.5 lakhs. No official word has been released by Hyundai regarding the pricing yet. However, we estimate it could be even lesser since Hyundai would certainly want to be as competitive as they can. The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is priced at Rs. 4.14 lakhs for its base variant. The top AMT-kitted Vxi+ variant goes up to Rs.5.35 lakhs (All prices ex-showroom).
New Hyundai Santro vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Features and Equipment
While the complete list of features on the new Santro 2018 is unclear, the non-camouflaged pictures reveal some details. The new Hyundai Santro is expected to be kitted with a fresh interior theme including a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It is expected to come equipped with GPS navigation, Android Auto and Apple Car Play integration as well. Also included will be a Mirror-Link voice recognition system and a reverse camera with parking sensors. As a segment first-feature, the new Santro model will also come with rear-AC vents which are omitted even on more premium hatchbacks.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R carries forward the same set of equipment as the version launched in 2013. Few of the highlights include an Eagle Wings Audio System with integrated USB, Dual Airbags, Projector Headlamps (Vxi+ only), an integrated spoiler and front and rear power windows. In light of the new Hyundai Santro launch, Maruti-Suzuki has launched a Limited Edition Wagon R. The Limited Edition Wagon R is priced slightly higher than the standard variant and packs in updated upholstery, rear parking sensors, a double din Pioneer music system with Bluetooth integration and a wooden-finished centre fascia.
New Hyundai Santro vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Dimensions
| Parameter | New Hyundai Santro | Maruti Suzuki Wagon R |
| Length | 3610 mm | 3599 mm |
| Width | 1555 mm | 1495 mm |
| Height | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2390 mm | 2400 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 160 mm | 165 mm |
| Boot Space | 240 litres | 180 litres |
New Hyundai Santro vs Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: Conclusion
The Maruti Wagon R is the oldest competitor in this segment and has achieved tremendous success in the past years. While the Santro was perhaps the only car capable of locking horns with it, it still couldn't outperform the Wagon R. However, considering the Hyundai Santro 2018, we certainly feel that it can. It’s a more contemporary looking car with a fresh design that is guaranteed to garner a lot of appeal. Even in the interiors, the new Santro 2018 packs in a lot more modern equipment compared to the Wagon R. The new Hyundai Santro also comes with a superior 4-cylinder engine which is any day better than the 3-cylinder mill on the Wagon R. What it all boils down to now is how Hyundai prices the car. But judging the information that is available, we certainly feel that the New Hyundai Santro is the definitively better car. Stay tuned to our
, for more updates on the new Hyundai Santro which is going to be launched on the 23
rd
of October.
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