2010 New WagonR Road Test Review: New heights of boredom
I have a list of stuff that bores me to death and as I get wiser, so does the list. Let me help my cause with an example. During fifth grade, the list prominently read homework. In tenth however, it was my girlfriend. See what I mean?
Fast forwarding to now, test cricket bores me to death. It’s a bunch of guys holed up in a dressing room for five days forced to play a vapid game made worse by the fact that, more often than not, it’s going to draw. What good is a draw? How do we know which team is better? I want to know, clearly, which team got its arse kicked. I don’t want statistics, I want results. I don’t want a draw, I want glorious in a defeat or a rub-your-nose-in-it victory cry.
Playing on without a purpose defeats the game. Sorry, but soccer, tennis (largely conceding its place) and lately the shortest form of cricket is more my style. Slam, bam, thank you man. I like motorsport because you simply cannot have a draw unless the clocks gave up.
Over the years then, my list has seen plenty of additions and a few deletions but has largely remained unchanged for the past few years. Until Saturday.
It was a lovely day. Bright and sunny characterised by the familiar smell of summer. It seemed like nothing can ruin it, not even driving a Wagon R. Sure, the car is as ugly as a Chinese Pug or a Griffon Bruxellois but like we know, these dogs can be quite charming and the old Wagon R was that – charming in a very simpleton and Pug-ish way.
Women are aesthetically inclined most often but not so much when it comes to cars. As long as it gets them from their doorstep to the nearest shoe store, and doesn’t look preposterous, they couldn’t give a rat’s arse about how it looks or drives. So you’d think the Wagon R would score well because it’s easy to park, has ample shoe box space (which is what they drew the design-inspiration from) and sips through a straw, right? Wrong.
Women loathe the Wagon R. They hate the way it looks like a packing box and my girlfriend often wonders if the cars come with ‘fragile’ and ‘this side up’ as bumper stickers. My sister on hearing that I drove the new Wagon R asked “why?”
Speaks volumes about how it looks. And honestly, I agree. It’s just so drab and boring and tall…oh my god it’s tall. It’s so tall that it might not be allowed near airports without a warning beamer. Yes a lot has been nipped and tucked to make it look gorgeous but frankly they aren’t fooling anyone with the ‘blue-eyed boy’ tagline sourced from the ‘pseudo’ blue tinted parking lights. Bigger rear lights flank the hideous chrome strip which has been added in a desperate attempt to add some oomph into this car but sadly, the botox doesn’t seem to work. It just looks garish, just like in the Dzire.
Ingress and egress is rather easy thanks to the car’s height. This also means ample shoulder, head and afro-haircut room. The interior is clean cut and it follows the famous Keep It Simple, Stupid (KISS) strategy. The dash is simple and well styled and is ‘Japanese-organized’ and praise doesn’t come better. The grey-dark-grey-silver fascia is impressive and the quality is top-notch. The quality comes second only to what I have seen on the VW Polo. The car’s party piece, though, are the in-dash cup-holders. Very clever. The gear lever is great to look at but the oval shape might not be grip-friendly.
There is space inside for four to sit comfortably. The boot is rather small and I doubt it could fit anything bigger than ONE basketball. The split-folding rear seats are a good touch. The driving position is good and the tilt steering will help shorter drivers.
Under one of the smallest hoods in the business rests the car’s BS IV compliant, 1-litre 3-cylinder K-series engine spewing out 68 deadly horses at 6,200 rpm and some mean 90 torques at an awesome 3,500 rpm. Sorry, I was trying to keep my self awake. The power and torque are just too garrulous. The handling is alright and the high C of G does wonder to body roll, it adds some more. Ugh! the performance is so boring I’d rather read a Mills and Boon or better yet, rub Cayenne pepper on my eyes, before bedtime.
It takes a while to get to 100 kph and a few months to get to its ‘top whack’. The price tag says the box will set you back by 4.20 lakh. Why bother? Just save up or work harder to upgrade. You deserve that extra flair. Mileage? The car probably would give you around 16 – 17 kmpl in city and slightly more on the highways, sure that’s a steal but at what cost?
So, we’ve established it got show like a clot and go that would give you cancer. If you have been driving the old Wagon R this might float your boat. This car is like those male ‘cheerleaders’ we saw at the last IPL, fills up space and keeps the traditionalists happy but we would be better off without them.
There we have it, the latest addition to my list and Numero Uno at that. This car is an Avant Garde bore.
Verdict: Buy it if you like to watch paint dry or if you are over 75.
2010 New Maruti Suzuki WagonR India Photos
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- WagonR Car Speedo
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- Alarm Button
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- New WagonR Logo
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- Wagon R Car Dashboard
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- Wagon R Cup Holder
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- WagonR Front
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- New WagonR Car Engine
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- New Wagon R Rear Space
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- Wagon R Fuel Tank Button
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- New Wagon R Dashboard
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- New Wagon R Car Interior
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- New Wagon R
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- Maruti Wagon R Boot
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- Maruti Wagon R Steering
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- Maruti Suzuki WagonR Rear
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- New Maruti Suzuki WagonR
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- Maruti Suzuki WagonR Rear
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- WagonR Car Rear Seats
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- Wagon R Cup Holder
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- Wagon R Car Seats
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- Wagon R Car Headlights
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Comments
41 Responses to “2010 New WagonR Road Test Review: New heights of boredom”
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Showcase Yourself here !
Methinks the 2010 New Maruti Suzuki WagonR was not designed to comply with the rigorous examination of your very keen eye. By the way, my apologies but India lost to the West Indies in their 20/20 (a lot more amusing than the traditioanal five day affair)encounter here in Barbados.
Your site bores to death. It seems a madman is running this site. Full of lies.
Honest, Brilliant, Clarksonesque.
Cheers,
Jay
Hi there, You may probably be right about the details but you know where God is, right? And about India, sad but true, sh!t happens.
Cheers,
Shourya
Thanks mate !
Hi there, What exactly bores you to death? we await your keen insights, may be we can help you live.
Cheers,
Shourya
Great Review Shourya !!
Keep it up.
Sudhir
Thanks Sudhir, will do !
It takes effort to even consider this review anything but drivel from an immature teenager, a guy who got bored of his girlfriend in his 10th, and reads mills and boons !(must be gay). He seems to like the word “Arse” and seems to be able to understand women ( wonder how when he says he is “wham bam thank you mam ” kinda guy).Cayenne pepper- Indian kicked out of the US or one who is working there and acting like a wannabe desi, running a website to make some money!
hey there, You seem to have completely missed the point. Anyway, your comment either says you own a Wagon R ( in which case you have no taste) or you plan on buying this car (which means you prefer staying that way). I suggest you read the article again to know where the analogy is coming from before you behave like a yob.
Drive Safe!
- Shourya
plz stop this bullshit!!
which part is bullshit ? the rubbish car or the the fact that you own one of these ‘beauties’?
You know what is boring?This long useless review of yours.
I have personally test driven this car and i am really impressed.I agree the previous models of wagonr are quite bland,but then it is a family car.It is based on the simple fact that for a given set of dimensions,a rectangular structure encloses the maximum space.
Now I understand that you have set up this ‘blog’ because everybody nowadays has one and /or you are way too depressed in your life..Either ways,there are much better ways of letting go of your frustration.Seeking professional help for example is a good option
and if you think i wrote all this because i own one of these,then no;Planning to buy one of these,Yes of course.I always needed a comfortable small car for city use,and I think i have found one.Now in case you think i Do not have taste,let me also tell you that i own an accord 2008
Hey there Rajaram, Calm down man, go ahead and buy one, doesn’t change the fact that this car is a clot. AND, more importantly, I would like to focus on the point where you said you have taste because you own a Honda Accord? What you are trying to say here isn’t in very good taste, mate. A big car, doesn’t necessarily translate to good taste
If you always thought so, you have earned the Wagon R 
I’m not trying to get on your nerves here, just pointing out the obvious flaw in your thought. Good luck with the new car.
Cheers,
Shourya
P.S.> Why don’t you hang on to that lump of cash for a bit? there are a few exciting cars coming up that might suit your need. Just my two cents again
hmm..you got me wrong buddy.I never meant big car==good taste.
Now please don’t tell me that the accord is also a piece of crap.
anyway, what i am trying to tell you here is you are being way too harsh on the car in this review.
the airport beam and the basket ball were totally ridiculous
..and i was a bit harsh in the previous comments.
Nothing personal
hey what are upto”ages to reach top whack”-ur review sucks..i have done 155 in my 2009 wagon r……put it front of any cars……it gives a tough race…..design depends on individuals….
Good job Stevie Wonder. I suggest you don’t try and hit 155 next time, it’s not a smart thing to do when you are driving a wall.
It has come to our notice that few guys are putting ” Useless Comments ” and just trying to spam the blog. Few of the comments are coming from fake email ID’s.
I would request those guys to stop this & write sensible words here otherwise your comment will be trashed. So, no point doing that. We would like to see a healthy discussion and are open to any +ve criticism.
Our aim here is to help each one of you take an informed and better decision in your Car / Bike hunting process !!
Thanks,
Admin
I want to buy a new model WAGON R Vxi.,
Please give me the details of cost and other features, if i want to take on loan or finanace what is the interest?
Well even though i own a 2009 Wagon R, and love the car for a reason, i agree to Shourya on his views.
First let me tell you that ther’s just one reason that i like the WR, for its headroom, everything else i hate.
When i bought the car last July, i sat inside Alto, Estillo and A-Star before deciding on going for WR, even though A-Star was the best among the four in terms of look, engine and on road performence.
As the new WR has been launched within 10 month’s of my purchase, i feel like a fool and cursing myself for not going for A-Star or Ritz.
Yes, apart from high headroom the Wagon R has nothing of value if you love driving cars and enjoy high speed and cuves.
Basically the car is ok for city driving within speed limit of say 50 – 60 and four souls.
However its a big bore as Shourya puts it for car lovers who like to hit the road.
I would not recommend the Wagon R to my friends but to old uncles and untys only, but maybe even they won’t buy it.
Maruti sucks.(People buy their cars for one reason only, they are cheap)
Welcome the new players, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, VW.
The vehicle is very excellent in its class. The performance is very good. Its a only vehicle in its class with a 1.0 litre engine and with a power output of 68 ps.
With the new K10B engine, it has got a better fuel economy with an 3 cylinder engine compared to the previous 4 cylinder one.
With the new features and comforts the vehicle is unique in itself, but the only change and disssatisfying factor is the new changed exterior shape. the vehicle looking from front is fine, but the exteriors starting from the rear two doors and the top are not that much appealing as compared to the previous version. It would actually have been better if the vehicle would have been modified by technical aspects(new engine) and interior comforts keeping the exteriors same as the previous version.
The review is completely immature and by a freak, who is not able to ascertain what really cars are…..
The product if launched by a compnay takes into considerations the market trends, customer tastes, competition
I would suggest that the reviewer should first atleast own a car, then write about them..
Hi Sumit, After all the “…market trends, customer tastes, competition” that the company takes into account for launching a new product, don’t you wonder why there are so many failed products? The ‘new’ Wagon R is boring. Period.
Shourya, the car has a waiting period of 1 month, despite its boring looks. You cannot question the value for money proposition for this package.
Hi Sumit, The waiting period can be for many reason, however, I do agree that the car has its fair share of buyers. Unfortunately, that’s the reason Maruti continues slotting their good engines in aesthetically challenged bodies. Maruti has failed to add even a little bit of character to the car.
Cheers,
Shourya
Shourya, Wagon R has the cult status in Japanese Market. And Japanese market is the world’s second larget car market, where latest trends and latest technologies are in place,,,i guess this concept is taken from there.
And at any given point of time Japanase technology are far superior to Chinese, Korean technologies…. See the engine life, fuel economy, maintenance…
Okay shape is subjective and are as per individual tastes… and considering the Indian market scenario today, every car has particular niche, and people do identity themselves with the cars they own….
Nissan, Ford, Hyundai, GM are trying there best not to increase car sales, but to eat into Maruti share, which has still not happened..
Eg: Swift, Dzire, Wagon R, Ritz, Alto…
Can VW persuade indian buyer to buy overpriced Polo, with servicability issues due to infrastructure, similar examples for Fabia and Jazz, great products, great character, but incorrect positioning, indian customer knows what value of car he is buying, and this is the testimnony of good selling products in India.
I jaust want to know which car has better performance amnong the two Waganor or Zen estilleo
Pls help me understand which car is better the new Zen estillo or the new waganor the blue eyed boy
Hi Hayash,
Apologies for the delayed reply. The New Wagon R has the edge. The Zen Estilo is an abomination.
Cheers,
Shourya
Hi Shourya
I do believe that you have made the right point ,maruti does’nt seem to bother much about their buyers .They are pretty sure whatever be the product that they launch ‘ll have customers ,and thus they ‘ve over priced their vehicles .I believe WR ‘ll only be a better option ,if maruti cuts down its price atleast by a 30 to 50k.
The review is rubbish. An exaggerated account of a die-hard pessimist’s forgotten, but cherished nightmare he is in love with so desperately. Go, take a break. A bored, vexing man only spreads yawns for nothing. The car is really good to own and drive. More so, it is safe and masculine.
This review is one of the funniest car reviews I ever came accross…
It is sad to see people who seem to understand little about engines, platforms, auto market, auto strategies are writing reviews these days…
I am feeling bad because , I wasted my 10 mins in reading this page…and if so, I thought of leaving a reply…
Sourya..First..thanks for the snaps…you have taken some good snaps of the car , and it really helps people who cannot visit a Maruti India showroom to test drive the car themselved…..
Second….Wagon r is not a performance car..you dont do drift,skid,rally and racing with a 5.6″ feet tall,850kg..car. If you want trill, try civic, accord V6, ford fiesta, punto 1.4, palio 1.6…chevy cruze..maruti swift petrol…and all these cars will give you the drive feel..you looking for…in case you know how to drive one of these.
Let wagon r be for the family men and office goers in India. If you hate the car…that is fine, just dont try to justify your hatred in a public forum.
I personally own a Getz 1.3 and 2004 Accord..and I still drive my friends 2006 Wagon R….I will always praise this fantanstic city car with amazing mileage and low – rev pulling power.
Every car has a target audience….wagon r , swift and grand vitara have different customer base though all of them come from maruti..try to understand how the dynamics of auto market works…it will help you in writing better reviews in future.
Wagon r is just a city car,..in japan it runs on a 660cc engine for 4 passenger with max speed <=100kmph…In india maruti makes wagon r for middle class service class…
We should appreciate MILs effort to bring so much on table at this price….it has got a class leading city driving engine…amazing mileage..
If you are one of those guys who love hitting the freeway every week…pls consider some other car…
All the best to you for non auto reviews…but honestly your auto journalism skills are pathetic,
Thanks
Aniruddha
Hi Anirudha,
Thanks for the back-handed compliments.
Car’s that don’t make you feel good about owning and driving them don’t catch my fancy. I don’t care what size they come in. This is like any other car with a box for inspiration and a mule for an engine. Non too brilliant, not for me at least. There are much better players in the market, aimed at the same segment, that people are better off with.
Maruti-Suzuki is basing their marketing plans on the ‘chalta hain’ attitude of a few Indian buyers. So far, so good. If people are not shown what they are missing, they would never miss it.
I have nothing against MIL, I love their K-series packages. I love the SX4′s gladiator-esque-ness and the Ritz’s punch.
Good luck with your friend’s Wagon R.
Cheers and Drive Safe,
Shourya
Common Shaurya….instead of understanding, please dont defend your statements….hopefully sometime in future, you will grow up as a mature auto analyst…till then..best of luck…
Don’t buy car from feardeal (MARUTI Also) they will cheat you after booking.. they will delay Ur purchasing and don’t stay on their own commitment. severe point is that after complaining lot of times to maruti through mail and customer calls they also don’t response on your concern…i am one of them their victims. I booked my car there I still waiting for Ritz car from more than one month (its waiting was 5-6 day @time of booking) now car price increase. at the time of booking they was going me attractive offers now they are taking back to their step to commitment.. but after all of this they are still not sure about availability of car. I complained lot of time to maruti but they are also not responding well. in last I planed to refund back and going to buy Nissan Micra. I will thank to maruti they played game to me and that help my side I overwhelmingly waited for that.. nissan come to market now I think that best for me. thanks you maruti for giving customer well response. I think that is first step on the way to hell… your all going to be finised. becouse lot of world class company are coming to india company… now maruti pack your bag.. your kingdom is going to be ruins in india you enjoyed and earned well and now be prepare to be on street buy some Katora or Plate to bagging.
Wagon R is still one of the best selling cars in India. And the waiting period is quite long.
What does this mean ????
well there are some interesting reviews…I guess some ppl get paid for criticizing, wagon r has an average wating period of 2 months…. it is popular and solves its purpose… of course we dont expect to see it racing around tracks or in rallies…. its a family car so be it…. knock off big guns u dont belong here yet.
I booked the new wagon R vxi model(Glistering Grey) on 14th July with a waiting period of 2.5 months.Before booking I did a lot of research with all the cars in this segment and found this one best suited for me.
Man this review was awe-full !!!!
I dont think u have even taken a test drive of this car.Proof is that you have posted the pics of the car in the showroom.
“It takes a while to get to 100 kph and a few months to get to its ‘top whack”—utter nonsense,its at par with the competition.
i regret wasting my precious time reading this crap
Hi Reddy,
In effect, you have already bought a Wagon R or really like the car..which is possible, if you are Ray Charles. And if you haven’t, a little ‘waste’ of your time might go a long way in you not driving a ‘blue eyed’ box. I suggest you value your money more and not fall for every old trick in the book just because it’s a maruti.
Cheers,
Shourya