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When I bought my car, I did a comparison of the available choices. Many friends have been asking me my views on the Hyundai Santro Vs. Maruti Suzuki Wagon-R since these are the most sought after. Both are very popular hatchbacks sold in India. Here are some of my thoughts.
Hyundai being the underdogs is always the first to offer better features such as MPFI engine and ABS. They also tend to be more aggressive and Maruti dealers have the take it or leave it attitude.
Maruti has a bigger service network and the cost of spares it cheaper.
Both cars are tall boy model and have high seating. This add to driving/seating comfort and makes it easy for people to get in and get out.
Here is the comparison.
Santro Pros:
- Better Looks (as compared to Wagon-R).
- More comfortable to Drive.
- Better Service.
- Better Pickup.
- Provision for 4 speakers, Wagon-R has provision for only 2.
- Perceived to be more expensive.
- Air conditioning more effective hence cooling is better.
- Ability to adjust the side view mirrors from inside.
- Seat belts for 5 passengers, Wagon-R has only 4. Santro is also approved for 5 people and Wagon-R has got approval for only 4 passengers. Not that anyone ever checks but still.
Wagon-R Pros:
- Better resale value.
- Cheaper cost of spares.
- Bigger service network than Hyundai.
- Slightly more fuel efficient. Although now Santro has new eRLX engine which is suppose to have improved mileage.
- Better Engine and electronic power steering.
- Cheaper.
- Option for Airbags (only available in the top of the line model).
- Slightly more leg space and better comfort for tall people.
- The seats can be dropped completed to create a bed or even a double bed. Useful while traveling and someone can sleep.
I also suggest that irrespective of which car you decide to buy, don’t compromise on safety. Pay that extra for ABS and Airbags (only in Wagon-R).
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hi guys, if i go for wagon r,should i go for lpg version? is it more costly than non lpg?what if i go for lxi now and if i feel necessary later can i get it fitted? will that affect cost or efficeincy more?
actually i just managed somehow to write this comment because my command over english is like lpg version itself. i saw some guye are just dhakka parade ie.even worse.
Korean toys always last less than Japanese ones. World Over Japanese cars are giving a tough fight to US majors. What will you do with your XO when it won’t run and ask for needless money for repairs? More of your time will also get taxed. We still see Maruti 800s which were purchased in 1985s and 1990s. So that’s proof of Japanese technology at work. And at least there should be one car in the family which does not asks for more and that is the Maruti Suzuki.
Yup I saw the similar scene in my city too.The new Wagon R duo dveleop some problem in heavy traffic and after that Road jam happened for some time and poor family is feeling harrassed at that moment.Hmmmm I think thats why Maruti peoples giving Wagon R Duo option only in 2 models of Wagon R becausr they themselves not sure what they have developed.Their higher models of Wagon R don’t have LPG opotion.
Hi Guys.
Can any one tell me about Wagon R AT ? or which is better Santro AT or Wagon R At ?
My Budget 4.5 L, Safety and driving ease main concern.
Intend to fit it with CNG hence Milage not much problem.
Thanks a lot
Santro AT have four gear automatic whereas Wagon R automatic comes with 3Gears Automatic.Hence speedwise and average wise that 1 extra gear of Santo counts.Both Santro and Wagon R are good cars safety wise.If still confused read reviews on AT from Indian driver and others.
I agree Japanese are good at toys and gadgets but not in luxury cars; Europe is the best car manufacturer of the world. And 90% of Japanese cars in US are owned by Asians who are budget aware, want to save money in US. When I compared the interiors and comfort Santro uses most Korean stuff. Maruti uses only the toy (engine) from Japan. And about the 1985s ans 1990s Hyundai is not in India by that time, and I could see 2000 Satros running around in city.
I dont want to spend 4.5L for new car and 1) sit in new car with family and AC on and we sweat; 2) listening dhak dhak (Japanese) engine sound in city driving; 3) low cost plastic around me which makes noise; These are all charesteristics of Maruti’s economy cars, which I bought 6 yrs back and still my parents use it. I spent lot for maintenance on my Maruti whenever I went for long trips on typical Indian roads. Thanks to large netwrok of Maruti service to serve such frequent problems with thier cars.
So no compromises this time, Santro XO is my choice.
-Phanendra
Hi Phanendra,
I think u r biased with Santro looks or may be a non technical person.
After a lot of study i saw that technology used in WagonR is more advanced than Santro e.g
(1) WagonR’s engine is more compact and small but produces the same power as Santro.
(2) Wagon R engine is having 4 cylinder 16 valves, which is 12 in Santro. More valves are always good for engines life and also Exhaust is good.
(3) Wagon R have Electronic Power Steering but Santro have old hydrolic PS. At higher speeds PS automatically disables itself in WagonR for better control over the vehicle.
(4) Wagon R is equipped with 32 bit on board microprocessor, since 32 bit processor are having more speed than 16 bit therefore it’s MPFI section is very efficient.
(5) Also many parts of the vehicle is microprocessor controlled. Vehicle can automatically diagonasis itself if some fault occurs in some parts.
Other than that i found more boot and leg space in WagonR than Snatro.
Regards
pnb_2k
Phanendra,
Everyone likes there own car,so pls dont fight like a baby in this forum and shout at the top of your voice to prove Santro is better than Wagon R.This forum has been formed to share your experiences and if you have any knowledge about the cars to share with the ones who has less of idea.Hope on behalf of Prakash I have made my thoughts clear to you.
Congrats of your New Car and thanks for your understanding
Rajiban
Hi
I read many replies here , the initial ones. Prakash has maintained this one looks like.
I really need help to decide between second hand Santro/Wagon R and Zen. I was planning for true value Zen or Wagon R, but those still do not come cheap and then I was suggested to see even santro as WANGON R will not have resale value after say 3 years.
Can some of you suggest me good dealers and authetic AUTOMIBILE person who can check a second hand car for it’s quality of parts etc.
And which car should I go for?
thanks
regards
In succession to earlier query, how safe is it to fit in CNG or LPG cylinder in a car to get better economic performance?
What is the difefrence in Santro AT and Santro XO?
I m planning to buy a car. I have sorted out WagonR, Zen and Santro. My measures are comfort and fuel efficiency. Which car do you suggest?
Hi Friends…I m planning to get a car for my parents for christmas..
Can anyone tel me the price for Santro XL & XO.I m planning to take it on loan basis..So please let me knw wht wil be the down payment in Thane or Vasai area and wht can be minimum EMI. Shld i go for ICICO or HDFC or any other bank.
Please also let me knw the price with all discount and other charges.
I m purchasing a car first time, so also let me knw if the dealer can provide any free aceessories during purschasing a car in month of november or December..
Thanks & regards
Donald
Hi All,
Im in a dilemma whether to buy Wagon R or Santro Xing XO. I just enquired the price of Santro XO in Bangalore, its about 4.27 L. But i was not clear if this price includes accessories, insurance etc. please guide me.
Hi, Guys,
Purchase car of any model or make but never on the cost of saftey and comfort as beauty is felt by the person seeing your car on road whereas saftey and comfort is necessarily required to you.
Each car has some advantage and disadvantages.
So dont worry.
MSM NOIDA
Hi,
I am visiting US right now and i am planning to buy a new car stereo with speakers from US.
Will this work fine in my Santro in India?
Do i need to check for anything special while buying a car stereo in US?
Thanks
hey sachin
practically speaking
don’t buy stuff from the US coz warranty is a big issue and plus in my recent visit to the US i found the really nice Steros to be damn expensive
say the pioneer is the best suited( experienced it 5th year now)for indian climate conditions and also in terms of sound quality and evrything else and plus u can always go in for the gray mkt one
especially places such as lajpat nagar or karol bagh etc
so i would suggest buying electronic gadgets from t he US is worthless
also the fact that when u return the custom guys might catch hold of you.
Hi All,
I came to know that Santro is coming up with CNG version in 2007..by word of mouth from my friends. Is it worth the wait?
Hi,
I have received a quote for Wagon R Duo in Mumbai at 4.31 lacs on road price and Alto Lxi quote for Rs. 3.31 lacs on road price. Few accessories included in both. Wait period for Duo is atleast 2 months and Alto is immediate.
I have studied the space and fuel consumption for both the cars. Though Alto is petrol its costing 1 lac extra and in terms of space both cars have the same except Duo being a tall boy car and advantage of being LPG. (paying 1 lac extra for that). I have decide between both in this week itself.
Can you folks help me out in deciding the best car? My need is fuel efficient, and hassel free as I will driving around 50 kms daily.
Cheers
Ashish
i am kanika from Delhi and i have already booked a santro XL. I wanted to buy the Xo but in the end the 4 power windows deterred me!! Afer all the accidents happening on the roads – especially Delhi and NCR when people were burnt alive/ asphyxiated due to power windows sticking.
Are such accidents common else where in the world and othe parts of India also or what?
Also have noticed it i snot any specific company whose cars are failing but many of teh reknowned ones.
is this concern there with any other person also? i would sure like to know.
Hi Prakash,
I recently moved to chennai from b’lore and I own a beautiful bright silver Santro which I am extremely proud of. I have driven most cars and think it cant get better than a santro ina city like ours. I reach anywhere on my car as quickly as I could on a bike with more comfort. For my comments on Wagon R…I would say one really needs to take a second look when it comes to looks….if your car cant look good then its might as well not talk about it… Now on the other part I am trying to locate a service centre for my Hyundai in the web and looks like almost impossible to find in chennai. The official hyndai website though says ” Sorry cant find any records when I try in the south tamil Nadu chennai…I am surprised….dont we have any service centre at all????
Thanks
B
hi, sachin
U may go for satro inspite of wagon r b’coz, wagon r can’t handle more than 2 spk…n a subwoffer(not at all).
Had a little bit of experience with wagon R that i bought 3 months back. Its the latest shape VXI (2006). I found that the service centres dont have the upgraded equipment to service the new wagon R. The new wagon R’s ECU (Electronic circuit) could not be recoginized on SUZUKI Tech 2 device which they use to find out the the statistics and to know if all the sensors are correct. It gave the message wrong ECU selected.
When i enquired about this with the head of the service station, he admitted that they dont have the upgraded software for their equipment.
Although there’s no problem in my car but atleast i should have facts to prove this.
One more problem was that someone took away the cover (one that covers the nut bolts on the door) of my electronically adjustable door mirror and the spare is not available anywhere.
Otherwise it is a wonderful car and i simply love to drive it. The average is excellent, i’m getting 14-15 kmpl already.
Brijesh,
That shouldh’t be a problem as Hyndai is based out of Chennai! call them up if the site isn’t working.
Regards
Prakash
The problem of power windows not opening up in an emergency is a concern and there has been incidents in Bombay too. During the heavy rains last year July, a few people died cause their windows had got jammed and got stopped due to water getting into to the electical system. A solution to keep a small hammer in the car..and ofcourse not to panic.. remember you always have the doors and the boot door to get out!
Hi
Can any one please tell me if it is safe to fit LPG kit in a Hyundai Accent car? If yes, what will be fuel saving on this?
Thanks.
Hi Prakash,
Have one week to decide b/w new WagonR(VXi) and Santro (XL). I need a fuel efficient car…….Can you suggest one as soon as possible. Heard that Santro gives less mileage compared to WagonR. Is that true. i liked the looks of santro. Plz suggest me 🙁
Hi Purchased ne wagon R . feeling great about it. I think santor is a waste of time and money.
–Pankaj
Just bought Santro AT without even looking at the Wagon AX, it was no-brainer to go with Santro AT for these reasons ;
1. For stop-and-go traffic as in bengaluru/mumbai, AT is a clear choice not even over Wagon AX but include manual. The only reason why people are going to manual is the mileage, which if one does the math correctly they gain not more than 1 or 2 km per liter at the cost of ;
One hand in the gear all the time, moving from 1st and 2nd gear, the other hand on the steering wheel, left leg on the clutch (almost all the time), right leg switching between break and accelerator, all these are used all the time in the stop-and-go traffic. One can differentiate the driving experience between honda activa and a geared bike/scooter.
2. The Wagon AX is pricy by Rs.1L, might as well go with city CVT, but B segment is Ideal for indian roads and traffic condition.
3. Santro is 4 speed with Over Drive, reading thru this blog many don’t know about this and the way AT’s work and how one can get the best mileage out of it. Many with Manual know how to save a liter of gas by down shifting from 2 to 4 or use 2nd gear to move from a stop and go traffic, down side the clutch and the transmission wears sooner.
Coming to getting best out of AT’s mileage, following the below ;
1. Move the gear to ‘N’ when stopped at traffic light.
2. Turn off the AC when stopped with air being circulated within the cabin,
this allows the best use of AC and intake of power from engine, engine
will last longer, this is true even for the stick. Turn on the AC on the
fly after you have opened all the windows to let the hot air out, I
usually turn on when it is falling on 3rd gear.
3. Accelerate slowly when taking off, this is a big saver as the most fuel is consumed in the upper gears. The AT’s fall to the lower gears faster than manual and at times better responsive than an average stick driver.
you can smoke all maruti ‘B’ segment variants with the AT.
I’m already getting 10+kmpl in first hunderd km.
As regards choice of Santro, could’nt be better in terms of handling, responsive, from and rear legroom, 3 adults can sit comfortably in the rear seat, sufficient luggage space, hatchback makes it even more spacious as against sedans. I think the AX has more luggage space, but other things like ;
3 speed over 4 speed,
1L more, not attractive at all even if AX gives 2-3 km more
Box design over aerodynamic, the AX is more likely to flip over in sharp turn at high speeds.
Is’nt that a no-brainer!
All the best, safe driving, wear seat belts no matter how fast you are driving it saves than an air bag can ….
Hi Prakash,
I am planning to buy a car which can be used in city. I have a budget of Rs. 3.5 to 4.5 lakhs. I want to purchase a petrol car. My monthly travel is around 1000 km. I was thinking of buying either Santro or Swift. Now as the new Maruti Zen has been launched, I am not very clear which car i shall purchase.
Kindly guide.
Thanks,
Vishwas
Dear Raj very good pointer you give about Santro AT.Thesr are very useful for the maintance of car and also the fuel efficiency.
I come from mountainous country, bhutan and i am planning to buy a family Indian brand car. I have been reading and exploring every possible reviews ,websites etc. Yeah I have narrowed my chooise to Maruti WagonR- VXI and santro xing but could really decide between two. My concern with the vehice are
-it should have power, good pickup etc as i will be driving in hilly areas
-good milage and less problem
-will be travelling in muddy and rough roads
-well built body that does’t sound within a month of driving
please advice me.
Thanks in advance
not a single comment for my concern and request from these many car owner. He….hiii
Karma leki, Both option that you have shortlisted won’t help you in hilly region, the wagon is worst as it can easily flip over. Both have small wheels, 13″, you need bigger wheels to run thru those terrains. The best in this segment is Toyota Innova, it is truely value for money, give its track record on reliability, aero dynamic design and fuel efficency. Other options are jeep, tata’s trucks.
If you are looking for B segment car you may probably wait for some more time, more new cars are coming.
I purchased Tata Indica Xeta GLX (topend model) 1396 CC on 3rd Nov’06 from Concorde Motors. I noticed the very high abnormal noise inside the cabin (if u close all windows its going to be nightmare) and brought to the notice of dealer immediately on the next day and then onwards started my worst times with the dealer as I left the car for repair of the abnormal noise atleast 10 times and since they are not highly qualified technically, they have messed up the whole issue by changing wheel bearing, rotating tyres, replacing tyres, underbody adjustments, window beedings settings, hub play adjustments, etc. and confirmed that it is due to the tyres running noise which is normal
but
i was not convinced and on my insistence finally after nearly 2 months, Concorde Motors took the help of TATA Motors service people, attended and concluded that there is no problem in the car as it is generating operational noise inside the cabin which is due to the design of the car.
I opine my views that after driving many cars in 1000 cc segments, this car is good in all respects but MAJORLY FAILS in curtailing the abnormal noise generating inside the cabin which disturbs the peace of mind, causes irritation, kids/oldies gets tired, etc.
Moreover during the entire repairing process, Concorde Motors have spoiled the Steering wheel adjustment which is now pulling the car to one side and also caused HUGE PLAY in the steering wheel which is risky to drive especially while taking turns (now needs to give more turns to my steering). BECAUSE OF REPEATED FAILURES IN SETTING STEERING WHEEL PROBLEM, I WENT TO THIRD PARTY WHEEL ALIGNMENT SHOP FOR SOLUTION BUT FAILED TO GET AS THE PROBLEM IN STEERING PLAY IS NOT DUE TO WHEEL NONALIGNMENT. HOWEVER, PULLING PROBLEM GOT RESOLVED BY THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT SHOP.
AS APART, REAR SEAT ALIGNMENT PROBLEM ALSO EXISTS WHICH DOES NOT BALANCE THE HEIGHT OF SPLIT SEATS AND ALSO FOUND HUGH GAP BETWEEN SPLIT SEATS WHICH HAS BEEN ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES BY CONCORDE AND THEY EVEN TOOK THE PHOTO OF THE REAR SEAT AND SENT TO TATA MOTORS FOR ADVISE WHICH IS NOT RESOLVED TILL DATE AND THEY ARE RECKLESS TO THE CUSTOMER REQUEST/FEEDBACK.
FINALLY TO SAY, CONCORDE MOTORS HAVE DITCHED ME FROM ALL CORNERS AND CAUSED LOTS OF DISSATISFACTION TO ME INSPITE OF INVESTED NEARLY 4 LACS.
I AM REALLY IN CONFUSION ABOUT THIS CAR DUE TO THE POOR HANDLING BY THE CONCERNED EXECUTIVES/AUTHORITIES FROM CONCORDE MOTORS & TATA MOTORS WHICH MADE ME TO FEEL THAT I HAVE EITHER PURCHASED DEFECTIVE CAR / REPAIRED CAR.
SURELY I WILL NOT RECOMMEND THIS CAR WHICH HAS GIVEN ME NIGHTMARE EXPERIENCES.
I am planning to buy a santro.Pls tell me which model should i buy,XO or XL?What is the use of a body coloured bumper?
My thanks to those who initiated this blog. Well, since each of us have our own unique set of priorities and restrictions, the right car for me might be the worst car for you. Nevertheless, blogs like these enable us access to view points of a wide range of users thus enabling us to easily decide which car best suits our needs. Hats off to blogs like these, and those responsible for initiating these.
I, am writing in this blog after a long gap.Read NAGARAJ’s comments on XETA.My sympathies are with you friend.TATA’s are a truck maker and will always be a market leader in that.So your decision to invest 4 lacs on a Tata Car was first wrong.
Whenever someone thinks of buying a Bike, we first think of Hero Honda then comes Bajaj (it was a scooter maker previously and after lot of trial and error they finally managed to come up with Pulsar)…Similiarly if anyone thinks of buying a car,the first name that comes to mind is MARUTI and then Hyundai…(Similar case with Hyundai after lot of trials with Santro (XP,XS etc etc…finally settled with XO & XL)….So my suggestion is first think of leader in that particular segment then take a decision on the same.
Cheers!
i am planning to buy a wagnor Lxi model can u give me the pro’s and con’s regarding this one
Body colour bumpers look good, until they get scrached, because every bumper”s actual colour is black ans thereafter it get painted.when it get scratched the bumber looks very ugly.Body colour bumpers not practical at all.
I had written about Wagon R’s superiority over Santro , I just did few changes to my car and look at the spec now
0-60 5.61 sec, Top speed – 155 kms/hr, Fuel efficiency in City with AC 13.5 with out AC 14.5 Kms
There Is no high end roughness in the engine, car stars asking drive more after reaching 60 (4 Valves makes lot of difference from here when compared Santro or Polio)
But be careful about rollover it’s there in both WagonR and Santro.
For me most important thing is Fuel efficiency,Ride and Handling,internal space, Quality of build(santro’s platform is not as good as Wagon R)
and engine response at high revs.
Only Wagon R fulfilled all these aspects, It’s great city car too.
Regarding the changes what I did is
Went Mobil 1 5W-50 engine Oil, Esso 75w-85 Gearbox Oil with Bhadrals gear box additive,and Iridium spark plugs .
I have smooth/crispy ride with feel of 64 horses in high revs.
I now believe in what four valves can do it’s essential which most of the cars by Hyundai/GM/Ford doesn’t want to sell in India for cost reasons.
Look at skoda they have five valves it beat Corolla/Civic in the road test.
I can say car made in India is superior to American/Korean cars.
Wagon R has surpassed as the second best selling car after alto pushed santro third place.
Swift has managed to push Getz to endangered list , So will Zen Estilo do the Santro.
Wish happy new year.
Bye.
Raghu
I’m planning to buy the New WagonR Vxi model.(Silver or Ocean blue). I would like to know from owners or WagonR and Santro as to whether which one gives more clear road visibility. I’ve learnt driving on a Santro and i had to bend forward to see tight corners and dogs on road to the left of the car from inside. Is it the same in WagonR?? Please clarify.
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hi..
i’m planning for Wagan R Duo over Santro XO.But im little confused. My drive in mainly in city and mileage is a concern for me. So, i had planned for Wagan R Duo(Gas), but some engineer had told me that the car performance is not good in gas and that in long run it will create a problem. Please suggest me what should i do…
Well,our driver was a die-hard fan of WAGON-R,he had been driving the R for a minimum of 3yrs.But after driving our car,which is SAntro Xing XO(ERlx),his mind and love has shifted to Santro!!
I have driven Wagon R LXi,and saw after 120km/hr,the dashboard vibrates;you will feel the heat and the pressure the car gets at that speed.On the same road,(National Highway 2)I have driven our Santro,and at 154Km/hr,with your window glass closed,you wont feel the car running at that speed;its that smooth.Add to it,its not my opinion,even my friends have seen and admitted it.
The steering is much smoother than WR,and so is the brake.
And looks?One can’t possibley compare WR with a Santro.WR looks like a box,and they copy Santro.All those crystalline lights were taken from Santro,which was released by the later 5yrs back(WR is now releasing it!)
The most horrible part is the Front License plate is not at the center,does it look good?
And we shouldn’t compare a foriegn car with an Indian car collaborated with Suzuki.
You should be wait for more reviews on Wagon R Duo then decide.
Hey guys,
I had made my mind on buying a Santro but i went for the Zen estillo VXi the virgin blue colour, trust me its a wonderful car, smooth steering, very small turning radius (which is a boon in today’s day for parking)and the mileage is pretty good at 15-17 in city run. Its got an efficient ac. good leg space, well also depends on how long your legs are ..lol… The only problem i would say occurs with all the tall boy models (santro, wagonR, zen estillo) is the dead zone especially on the left hand side when you are turning or are on a crossing. Its high time car manufacturers fix this problem.
sir,
on march 2nd week i purchased pre-owned santro zing LE 2003 model, car just running around less than 30,000 KMS. i need ur maintainance tips, now this car is giving me a excellent performance and it’s suitable(aged persons and ladies)and for long journey.
thku
kumar andrews
Hi Prakash,
I was considering buying small car Santro Xing XL or WagonR LXi. I like Xing for looks. Both are nearly priced equal except that Xing XL would have front power windows extra.
A frient of mine advised me to checkout Indica Xeta GLG model which has comparable features with little quite space in the rear seat. My usage would be less 5000 kms/year maximum. My seating need is 4 adults and 2 kids. The price of Indica GLG less by 50000 and Indica GLS is less by 75000 compared to Xing or WagonR. Claimed average of Indica Xeta is 12 with AC in city conditions.
Please advise which one to purchase.
This is response to Ranbir’s Comment on WagonR.
Both these cars can reach to Mac speed of ~145 and now where close to 154 what you mentioned.
I have a wWagon R since last 1.5 years , yes I had little sound but it was from engine not from dash board.
When it comes to cooling Wangon R beats Santro , I have driven my car from Bangalore to Goa and back car never felt over heat.
I suspect your driver hasn’t changed the liquid col lent in the car for years.
regarding technology 3 valve is a failed technology, all the upmarket cars have more number of valves per cylinder makes the car ride lot smoother than 3 valve.
LML had three valve technology they failed miserably.
We often fall for glamor over Substance, poor build quality and large/inefficient engine
which produces less power than Wagon R is ignored by just face lift Hyundai did to Santro.
Santro is only lifeline for Hyundai now all other cars have flopped in sales Getz will be seen in museum in two years from now elantra is already in museum.
-Raghu