The Wagon R is based on the Japanese way of designing cars. In Japan all small cars must pass strict regulations. Hence Maruti cars are not wide, so the only way to liberate space is by going up. Thus making the car look disproportionately tall, this brought about the tall design.

Though the car is roomy, the legroom is inadequate. The car has nice seats, but the seat support is less. The front seats are also constrained for width. The rear seats are split seat type. Although the Wagon R is cannot compete with the indica xeta in terms of space, it definitely offers more space than the Zen and the Alto. The boot space is also quite large and this car can carry a large amount of luggage.

The positioning of the wheels with respect to the chassis provides the Wagon R with an amazingly low turning radius. This car is a purely city car, meant for urban use. The HVAC is very good, but because of the sharply raked front windscreen and the large glass area, cooling could seem bit inadequate during harsh summers, felt most in the rear seat. The Wagon R is built with the grade sheet metal weighing it in at just 825Kgs. This has much influence on its overall dynamics and the fuel efficiency. However, the wagon R feels too fragile and anything, including some fast moving flies could cause a prominent dent.

This car is not very good at absorbing bumps, the problem is not very noticeable in new cars, but as the car clocks the miles; owners must bear with some niggling vibrations here and there that result in a reverberatory cabin. It comes with excellent interiors with so many thoughtfully placed cubby holes that you will love using. It comes with an engine you’ll not only love for its reliability and efficiency but also for the way it’s able to overtake all those lower minions.

All in all, this car imbibes in it all the maruti traits of performance, efficiency and longevity. It competes with the Indica Xeta and the Santro Xing. It scores over the xeta in terms of overall refinement and quality, but loses out when it comes to value for money. It scores over the santro when you consider the thought fullness of this car, but the santro scores in terms of overall packaging. Perhaps the Wagon R would look better with more curves.