The compact hatchback segment has seen two most iconic competitors return in their next-gen avatars. First came the Hyundai Santro at the end of 2018 with a starting price of Rs 3.9 lakh and now the new Maruti Wagon R, at a starting price of Rs 4.19 lakh (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). Both have been updated with a host of features but which one, among these, will claim the crown for being the most value for money offering? Let’s dive into the details.
We begin by comparing the measurements and mechanicals of the two hatchbacks:
Dimensions
The new WagonR is based on the Heartect platform and is bigger than the outgoing model while still retaining its tall boy design. It is 45mm longer, 115mm taller and offers more than 100 litres of boot space compared to the Santro. However, the Santro is still 25mm wider by design.
Engine
Maruti is now offering the Wagon R with a choice of two petrol engines with the larger 1.2-litre unit now being an option for those seeking more performance in this segment. Both cars offer an automatic transmission (AMT) as well. In terms of claimed fuel efficiency (mileage), both engines of the Wagon R are rated higher than the Santro’s.
Variants and Prices
Maruti Wagon R 1.0 LXi (O) vs Hyundai Santro Era
Common Features: Driver’s side airbag, ABS with EBD, body coloured bumpers, dual-tone interiors, driver’s seatbelt warning, front power windows, manual AC, power outlet.
What Wagon R offers over Santro: Rear parking sensors, tilt-adjustable steering, central locking, roof antenna, front passenger airbag, co-driver seatbelt reminder, front seatbelt pre-tensioner and force limiters.
What Santro offers over Wagon R: Rear AC vents
Verdict: The WagonR is an easy pick here for the added safety features on offer as compared to the closely priced Santro.
Maruti Wagon R 1.0 VXi (O) vs Hyundai Santro Magna
Common Features (over previous variants): Power windows, central locking, body colour door handles and ORVMs, day/night IRVM.
What Wagon R offers over Santro: Rear parking sensors, tilt-adjustable steering, roof antenna, co-driver seatbelt reminder, electrically adjustable ORVMs, auto door lock, smartplay dock with 2-speaker audio system, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, steering mounted audio controls, 60:40 split rear seat, keyless entry and rear parcel tray.
What Santro offers over Wagon R: Rear AC vents.
Verdict: Given the extra safety and convenience features on offer, the Wagon R easily justifies the premium it commands over the Santro.
Maruti Wagon R 1.0 VXi AGS (O) vs Hyundai Santro Magna AMT
Common Features (over previous variants): Steering-mounted audio controls, antenna, Bluetooth and USB connectivity for 2-DIN audio system.
What Wagon R offers over Santro: Rear parking sensors, tilt-adjustable steering, front passenger airbag, co-driver seat belt reminder, front seat belt pre-tensioner and force limiters, electrically adjustable ORVMs, auto door lock, keyless entry and 60:40 split rear seat.
What Santro offers over Wagon R: Rear AC vents with eco coating.
Verdict: Even though both are priced at par, the WagonR with the extra features is our pick over the Santro.
Maruti Wagon R VXi 1.2 (O) vs Hyundai Santro Sportz
Common Features (over previous variants): Steering-mounted audio controls, antenna, electrically adjustable ORVMs, Bluetooth and USB connectivity for audio system and keyless entry.
What Wagon R offers over Santro: Rear parking sensors, tilt-adjustable steering, front passenger airbag, co-driver seatbelt reminder, auto door lock, 60:40 split rear seat, front seatbelt pre-tensioner and force limiters.
What Santro offers over Wagon R: Rear AC vents with eco coating, front fog lamps, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear speakers, steering-mounted controls with voice recognition, turn indicators on ORVMs and rear defogger.
Verdict: Buying a compact hatchback for personal use? The Santro should be your pick as it offers more comfort and convenience features at this price point. However, the WagonR should be the choice for those who travel with family or someone in the passenger seat more often for the additional safety features on offer.
Maruti Wagon R 1.2 ZXi vs Hyundai Santro Asta
Common Features (over previous variants): Steering-mounted audio and telephony controls, antenna, electrically adjustable ORVMs, Bluetooth connectivity, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors with rear camera, dual front airbags, auto door lock, front seatbelt pre-tensioner and force limiters, rear washer and wiper, turn indicators on ORVMs, front fog lamps, rear defogger.
What Wagon R offers over Santro: Tilt-adjustable steering, 60:40 split rear seat and co-driver seat belt reminder.
What Santro offers over Wagon R: Rear AC vents with eco coating.
Verdict: In their top-spec, the Wagon R and the Santro are quite closely matched in terms of safety, infotainment and comfort features. However, the price difference of Rs 24,000 for the Santro is quite a premium just for rear AC vents, especially when the WagonR also has some features to offer above the Santro.
Source: cardekho.com
