Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R sales cross 10 lakh units

Maruti Suzuki has sold 10 lakh units of its small car; Wagon-R within 12 years of its presence in Indian market creating a new milestone.

The Wagon-R is the fourth model in the company’s product portfolio to cross the 10 lakh sales milestone, the first three being, the M800, Omni and Alto. Related: Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R road test

“It is a very proud moment for us and it gives more happiness because this milestone has been achieved in the domestic market,” Shahank Srivastava, Chief General Manager (Marketing), Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) was quoted as saying by the PTI.

He added that with the launch of the new Wagon-R, sales have grown for the model. Maruti Suzuki sells around 15,000 units of the Wagon-R every month month in India. The company invested Rs. 290 crore for manufacturing the new Wagon-R which was launched in April 2010 but has no plans of exporting the model.

MSI sells the 998-cc (K-Series, 1 litre) Wagon-R car in petrol, CNG and LPG variants with prices ranging from Rs. 3.36 lakh to Rs. 4.24 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Maruti Wagon-R is a tall boy model that was introduced in India in 1999. The latest version dubbed the ‘blue-eyed boy’ was launched in April 2010. The new Wagon-R is powered by a 1 litre, 3-cylinder, K-series engine that produces 67 bhp of power at 6,200 rpm and makes 90Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.

On a CarToq road test, the Wagon-R returned an impressive mileage of 18 km/litre in highways and 15.5 km/litre in city.

What has made the Wagon-R attract 10 lakh buyers in India? Have a quick look at the car’s exterior, interior, performance and features.

The ‘blue-eyed’ boy is just a marketing gimmick as the car features blue inserts above the large swept back headlamps. The front bumpers sport a bolder grille dominated by Suzuki’s large ‘S’ monogram at the centre.

A chrome lining above the grille adds to the car’s aesthetics. The side profiles remain boxy just like in previous generation models. The car’s rear has large tail lamps that are stacked up vertically.

The chrome strip with the car’s nametag enhances the look of the boot lid. The all-new Wagon-R has grown up and will appeal to many buyers, thanks to its mature design. Also read: I’m a Wagon R owner: What should be my next car?

The interiors of the Wagon-R have wider seats and the dashboard is made of better quality plastics. A LCD fuel meter, all-new speedometer console and tachometer constitute the instrument panel. The tri-spoke steering wheel with fake aluminium inserts gives the car an upmarket feel.

The Wagon-R’s doors open wide easing ingress and egress for passengers. The boot space is 180 litres and can be extended by using the rear seat’s 60-40 split. Also read: Ford Figo vs Maruti Wagon R – petrol small cars compared

The K-series engine that does duty in the Wagon R is essentially a 3-cylinder motor. Yet, the refinement and performance of the engine is impressive.

The ride quality and handling are good, but the tall boy model’s towering height dents the car’s stability while cornering or driving at high speeds.

Wagon-R locks horn with Chevrolet Beat, Hyundai Santro, Hyundai i10, Maruti A-Star and Maruti Estilo. Buyers who need a practical city car in a budget of Rs. 3- 4 lakh will find the Wagon-R, a tempting buy.