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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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I am planning to buy a Car and decided to buy WagonR DUO.
I think after reading to all these comments on small carz i can say that for people who are going to use a car for atleast 5 Years WagonR DUO Would be the be the better option. Becasue Service, Milage and maintanance for WagonR is always better.
Just 15 days back purhcased a new Wagon-R Duo model BS-III.
Received a Cash discount of Rs. 8251/- on Ex-showroom price.
Facing a problem-
while I am facing a problem with my new Car. There is noise in Dicky Shocker (at time when I used to open the back dicky door there is a great noise from dicky shocker). I have also get it checked from local Maruti Dealer but the Technician told me that the same noise problem is with all the Wagon-R vehicles.
With LPG tank fully fill (22 Ltrs.) I have received a mileage of about 255 Kms within the purchase of 10 days of vehicle.
Hi,
I have purchased Santro Xing XK(Non-Ac). I would like to fit other AC with less cost.
Where i Can purchase? If it is possible, then whether it is match to Santro Xing?
It should be Branded company AC with warranty.
Pls Clear my doubts.
My search and homework for a new car in the mid-segment started in the month of Feb 2007 and went on upto 45 days. Cars that were in consideration in the first 15 days of comparision: Wagon R, Santro, Zen Estillo, Swift, Getz and Alto. It was not tough to short list the whole search into just 2 cars out of 7 in the list. Thats wagon r and santro zing.
I owned a toyota corolla in the mid east in 2003 (same model that is on indian roads now) and our company car was an Audi A6. My in law owns a skoda octavio in which i travelled around 1200 kms in one stretch. Therefore comfort, drive pleasure, engine noise, body noise, AC, Day and Night drive difference, Maintenance, Mileage, Availability of spares, resale value etc were all put together in the searching process for the new car. Surprisingly I had to choose a car that was not to my liking (atleast body shape wise) as a result of the true comparisons with real-time owners and regular users of all the cars of the 7 list menu. Thats WAGON R LXI. Took the delivery end of March. My search was purely without any prejudice on any particular brand or make, but was with an open heart with sincere comments and tips from real owners.
Wagon R Lxi has everything what I wanted. Comfort, Drive Pleasure, Engine power, Clear view of the road, Plenty of leg and head space, Well designed interior with space for any little things or gadgets you own. Front view of the wagon r gives you a SUV look with the new wide grills and shaped head lights. 3 Spoke steering, Rear seat head rest (same as in luxury cars Benz and BMW. Folding the rear seat to the front you can carry a 270 ltr refrigerator inside. Child lock for rear doors is a blessing. If you want a safer feeling on the road at high speeds, change your tyres from 145/70 (standard) to 155/70 or 165/80. I didnt feel like spenting money for security system till now, the driver door lock acts as a central lock. Abour the mileage, long drive comforts etc, I will post more by end of April.
i am thankful to all these people who shared their vast experience which gave me a clear direction to me.please tell which car is less accident prone in maruti WR and Santro Xing
Hi guys
Iown both wagon r lxi and santro and ask me santro much much superior as compared to the latter as its technology is more advanced
Hi guys
i have recently purchase a brand new santro and i wish to maintain the same.please give some tips to me to increase the mileage?
Dear All, Noticed the question is beeing asked again and agin. If should Santro or Wagon-R. I have drive so many automatic cars, like: Toyota, ford, Kia, other, anyway but Question here is that which is the best SENTRO OR WAGON-R?
BELEVE ME WAGON-R IS THE BEST ONE I FOUND THROUGHT.
MAVI
Hi Shaju…
Congratulation for your new baby-SUV
🙂
I have also a WR-LXI (FAB-07).
wats your on road milage with All time AC on??
mine till now is ~ 15 Kpl..
Regards
Ricky
Hi Prakash Ji,
Thanks for providing a good platform comparison b/w santro and wagon r.I am planning to buy either of the above mentioned cars.I have heard that wagon r becomes shaky at & above the speed of 120 km/hr.How far is this fact true? Please do reply.
hi,
WAGON-R is the best small car in india my car milege is 18+ on highway with ac and 14+in local with ac and ac is better then santro i drive it max. 150 km.p/h i go with my family rohtak to vaishnow devi but i dont feel tireness we enjoy our journey.And it looks like small Pajero. and santro looks like MOUSE.
and (TATA INDICA is NOT A CAR ITS A POOR & OLD TRACTOR)his sound is tractor tractor tractor tractor tractor
Prashant,
I don’t think Wagon-R has a problem if the speed is more than 120, you can read the posts on the blog. I have used a Santro above 120 and never had a problem.
But how often does one need to do such high speeds? Specially when neither the roads nor the tyres are not ready to for this.
AC in Santro fitted from outside work ok.Price around 13000 rs.
Hi
Iam in Mumbai and iam planning to buy wagonR after reading about the performance it delivers. I have a dilemma if some body can help me i’ll be thankful:
1) Should I go for LXI or VXI ?
LXI cost-396000 after a discount of 17000/-
VXi cost 427000 after a discount of 17000/-
is it worth shelling 30000/- for power windows, keyless entry, defogger the main upgradations?
2) should i go for LPG or petrol? I want to know the mileage and performance comparison and cost of LPG. Also please bear in mind that LPG rates are 50% subsidised and can go up any time espesially in vehicle segment if not so in cooking.
3)should i go for swift lxi? cost 442000( afer dis of 17000)
4) is the discount of 17000 okay or i can get more?
5) should i have an immobiliser also and what is it?
6) is teflon coating worth? anti-rust coating on the floor of car i believe is worth.
Hi, I’m planning to buy a santro xing XL metallic. The dealer’s listed price in chandigarh is 354753. In this price the dealer is providing me Free insurance, MP3 player, Remote central locking and other Accessories. I was about to purchase it, but at the same time my neighbour purchased same model from another dealer. He told me that he has got 40000/- discount (after bargaining) on his car with same set of free accessories + insurance. Now I’m in confusion what to do. I don’t know if he is telling truth or not. Is there this much amount of bargaining possible? Should I go for the deal that my dealer is providing considering that my neighbour is telling lies?
I would like to hear your comments
Regards
Kamal
thnaks prakash ji for running this great site. thousands of people aspiring for a new car and in delimma which to choose are well guided by u. keep giving more and more inputs thanks arun
Hi!
I am thinking of taking a small car..
Confused between Indica Xeta & Wagon R(petrol)regarding the mileage & the Resale price i’ll get after 3 years..
Plz help.
hi
as far as comparison is possible , i guess wagon-r stands much higher .
besides technical supiriority it hhas lodz of things for women as well.
i. woman , specially mothers find it easier to ride as they just have to slid, while in santro you have to go inside and sit , understand the seat hieght is perfect .
2. the fron driving view is much better in wagon r , say you see bonut and can measure anything with as low margin as possible , say for people of short height prefer this .
3. despite registered as 4 seater , it can carry 2 extra passengers if urgengy .
i have both and like wagon r more
Can some one tell me whats the exact Iridium spark plug that can be USED on Wagon R???
Whether NGK Spark plug DCPR7EIX works????
Hi!
I would like to know if any of you Santro owners have fitted an LPG Kit and how do you rate its performance?
Anyone having the factoryfitted lpg model of wagon-R?
CAn i know when the the new model of santro with LPG is going 2 be launched in the market?
Can i know how these cars perform?
Hi
Iam looking to buy hatch back car model and am little confused between santo xing v/s xeta indica. Experts in this forum pls let me know which is a good model. xeta indica also looks good and since it is a new model am little apprehensive.
rgds
ganesh
I need some very genuine advice urgently on my car. I have a santro xing feb 2006 model with mumbai registration. i have recently moved to hyderabad for good. and here due change of state i’ll have to re-reigster my car here. i dunno how much it will cost me(any guessess??) and how difficult or easy is it to do so….as i hate running behind our cheap and cunning govt officials.
second option i have is to sell it at mumbai, for which i am already getting offers in the range of 250000 – 300000. could you plese let me know how much can i get if i sell my car? its a santro xing XO fully loaded with mp3+customised high-end speaker fixtures. and it has just touched 20k kms. and gives me a good average.
thanks for all your help and advice.
sunny
hi to all
i am varun from hyderabad city .i am pretty confused i and deciding to take a wagon R duo .But sum one recently suggested that wagon R dua wil give trouble in the long run and already sum customers r complaining of sum problems only after 1 year of purchase. so please can anyone sugest me who had already that car like shud i go for it or not .i want a fuel and cost efficient car thats y i was going for that plz suggest me correctly as i am buying a car after 10 yrs after driving maruti 800 for 10 yrs.so waiting for the response from mr prakash ji also
thanks in advance for ur advice
varun
hi
Am a mumbite , travel below 50km per day. now using a maruti 800 car. Am planning to go for a better car. i hv seen Zen estilo LXi, WagnoR Duo Lxi. Would request feedback on foll.
1. Is wagnoR duo Lxi is better than Estilo Lxi
2. Lpg Fuel spoils life span of engine sooner?
3. whcih has got more resale value?
4. Do Lpg car gives trouble in heavy mum city
traffic?
5. Maruti dealers are not keen in selling
wagnoR Duo Car. is there any issue?
6. do LPG car give trouble in heavy rainh
kindly send yr feedbacks for me proceed.
thanking you in anticipation.
b rgds
iyer_khushi at yahoo.com
Hi Friends,
Am planning to buy a CAR with more leg space & comfortable. After reading the reviews am bit confused on whether to go for WagonR or Santro.Please guide me on this.
My budget is around 4.5lacs & am going for loan
Also which are the models that come with ABS in boths let me know.
I would also like to know some besta bargaining tips.
Kindly Help me in making a good decision …
Thanks in advance
Madhu
Hi,
Reply to iyer_khushi at yahoo.com
Have Test driven the Santro Xing XL, Wagon R petrol and Zen Estilo in Mumbai
Zen Estilo good in driving, but I felt as if It was a M 800 car(currently I own one 1999 Model ). Plus when u drive at times you feel there is something missing between you and the bonnet. Old Zen much better. Though the specs of estilo is the same as Wagon R and its a bit cheaper.But lacks driving pleasure (I felt so!)
Santro XL, good car to drive, gear very smooth compared to Estilo or Wagon R. Seating also good,plus hyundi gives lots of discount ! XL model get power windows in front.(wagon R LXI – no power windows) Heard Hyundi are good sellers, but after sales / service is not so good, plus parts are supposed to be expensive later. I mean 5 years down the line, santro production stops (as of now only santro is doing business for Hyundi !!).. parts not there.. then what ??
Wagon R petrol(test drivin 4-5 times !!)
Good car to drive, looks i am not so concerned, looks a bit of SUV type and Nice/OK.Featurs are lots !! Braking very good and EPS (electronic Power Steering) very good. Peppy car to drive.Getting in an out of the car is easy, even for the eldery (unlike in santro – will have to bend a bit). It was a pleasure driving Wagon R.
Maruti sales/service cheaper, can re sale after 5 years, engine good and A/C also powerfull, fuel efficent. Has got good height while driving (guess better than santro)
I have test driven also the Wagon R DUO,switched to petrol as the petrol version of Wagon R was out for another test drive. Same as above. Few changes in console.
One thing i noticed that maruti did not ask me or pushed me for a LPG / DUO version. Just the petrol version.
Could be also my budget was a bit tight just for an LXI !
LPG in future could cause an issue. Depends how much you travel everyday. More than 50 Kms+ then you can opt for LPG. My traveling is mostly in city and max to 20-25 kms !!
WAGON R LXI – I BOUGHT -PASSION RED !!
Wagon R – Test drive from Spectra motors (borivali)
Santro – Test drive from Shreenat (Andheri)
Hi people,
Does anyone have any experience of doing an external fitment of an LPG kit on a Santro Xing XL eRLX.
If so, please provide me with details of engine performance and mileage on LPG etc.
Also, is it advisable to do an extrernal LPG kit fitment on the Santro eRLX.
Thanks.
Hi,
I am planning to buy Santro XL.
Advaith B’lore is making the following final offer –
On Road – 4.06 lakhs
Insurance Free – 10,000 worth
Hyundai Music System Free – 5,000 worth
Teflon polish (not Teflon coating)
Mud flaps, Perfume, Doll
Is this a good deal? Can we get a better deal than this?
This is my first car and I don’t want to get a raw deal due to my inexperience. So, any help is highly appreciated.
Thanks much!
Go for a Santro!! I’ve bought a WagonR Vxi and am extremely dissatisfied. As far as fuel efficiency is concerned – this vehicle drinks fuel. I am already three servicings old and am still getting in the range of 11-12 Km to the litre in the city. As for spares being cheaper, I got one of my rear lights smashed into. Guess what it is plastic and not covered under warranty. It cost me 900 bucks. Then someone chose to crash into my rear bumper and make a small dent. I wanted it rectified. Seems this is plastic once again. It needs to be completely replaced at a cost of 4200 bucks. Who said spares are cheap ??? Within one year, I’ve had the side door changed – due to manufacturing defects and the entire Steering assembly changed (thankfully it was under warranty). Go for a Santro any day!!!
I bought a Santro Xing erlx about 2 months back.
I am cleaning the car everyday by using a soft wet cloth. I noticed that there are scratch marks all over because of cleaning like this. Why is this happening? Whats the best way to clean? Does this mean that my car was not teflon coated? The dealer said he would do it but whats the proof that he has? How do i verify this?
Does anyone have any maintenance tips that you can give me?
Thanks in advance for your response.
hey prakash !!
i want to buy a second hand wagon r or santro as i’ve just learnt driving. plz suggest which one to go for ?? will an old santro come cheap as hyundai had changed its shape in 2003 ??
are both these cars fitted with anti-roll bars and side impact beams ??
Hi Mohit,
Second hand Santros are usually cheaper than Wagon-Rs.Yes older model of Santro should be cheaper.
I think most new cars have side impact beams, but you may want to double check.
Ever since I bought my Santro Zing utomatic last year I have had a recurring problem with the temperature gauge showing that the car is overheating. This happens from time to time particularly when the A/C is on. The dealer after many visits now says it is a coolant valve. Is this a complaint that anybody else has faced in the new car? Any ideas?
I have a question about Santro. I am planning to buy a Santro XK (Non AC Model). Is it safe to get an AC installed in the car? How much the AC would cost?
How the car’s performance will be affected? Is there any risk on getting an AC from outside? How would be the milleage of the car?
Please respond as I am a no-vice to cars, and am very new to all these.
Please suggest…..
So finnaly Santro has come up with CNG versiion, which is nothing but the same ERLX engine on that they gey get u CNG fitted , Sunrise is given me qoute of 48,000 on Papers and the warranty stay as it is of the CAR Nimbus is giving me qoute of 60,000 in and around Noida , so pls provide feedback and also what the vendors are offering in other cities.
i m driving santro from last 3 yrs .its too comfortable i cant tell u.recently i fitted lpg cylinder in my car it working really good. giving me a mileage of 1 rs kilometer .300 rs ka clinder 280 se 300 ki mileage.sone pe suhaga. santro is best .santro is best.santro is best
maruti suzuki wagonr is nice car b’coz its look is nice,power stiaring is fine,its fule tank.car space. everithing of wagonr its fine………….
I had test driven Wagon R, Zen estilo, spark and Santro and foll is the feedback :
Wagon R – good pickup, gear shift is imprecise and also looks old fashioned.
Zen estilo – Shakes a lot while on rough roads, cornering is not good, view is also not very impressive
Santro – Smooth to drive, gearshift is easy and pickup is great. also it handles bumps and disturbances of road surface wihout any vibrations.
Spark – gearing is smooth, horn is awkward to operate – you have to press a diaphragm like circle to activate horn instead of the usual steering/spoke mounted one, speedometer is placed in the middle again a deviation.
I feel if you want a good driving experience and comfort alongwith good looks then go for Santro. If you want economy and low total cost of ownership then go for Wagon r/Zen Estilo.
I finally went for the Santro Xing XL after 3-4 months of close evaluation.
Cheers to the Santro ! – The Sunshine car
I think reading this discussion leads to more confusion than solution What ever car u own u find it more better ( No other option )it is totally opposite to the phrase ” other’s wife seems good always”
So better not to waste the time & go by your own choise,purchase capacity,need & likings
I am owning a santro frm the past 3 years now, its a no trouble vehicle, just a times I feel its a tad slow in response to your accelaration, but for city driving its the best, you can just zip zap and zoom.
On highway I have got a max mil of 18Kmpl
seatings are pretty good, however due to the position of the A B C, which are quite close to the dash board, you will feel some pain in your legs if you drive for long or are struck in a jam.
Overall a pretty good vehicle to own
I have booked a WagonR LXi. The reasons which made me to go for WagonR is :
1. Electronic Power Steering.
2. Better Service Network of Maruti.
3. Maruti is in India from 1984 onwards.
4. Cheaper Spare parts.
5. It has a good hieght compared to Santro.
6. My mother is having Osteo Arthritis, where she was able to sit in the backseat of WagonR without much effort than in a Santro.
7. Nice interiors and more utilities like it has a tray beneath steering and dashboard.
8. Lesser Gear changes in City riding.
9. Eventhough WagonR is a 4 seater vehicle, 5 people can comfortably travel.
10. it has an MPFI 16 Valve 1061 CC Engine.
Do anybody have any updates about new santro xing CNG. I am concerned about its performance, mileage, pickup etc.
Recently we have taken Maruthi Suzuki Wagon-R I need the information regarding service centers in Andhra pradesh specially in Hyderabad and Nizamabad.plz send the reply to aboue E-mail Id. Thnak u sir,
Hi,
I am from Pune. Wanted to go for Santro XO. On Road price is 4.25 lacs. Sanjay Hyundai is offering me free insurance with 3 rd year warranty. Corporate discount : 4000
freebies : mudflaps , mats.
Is it worth going for this deal ? I was expecting some more cash discounts. Please advice.
Santro Xing XO is really a worthy one to go foe. Sharp and quick engine responses, perfect handling, crisp gear shifts, and not the lest, the superb fast A/C – All these features are above its competitors; including the recent Spark.
I have a santro bought some 2 years back and I have hardly driven it. Just 12K kms in 2 years. The driving is pleasure.. but the problem is I had to replace clutch plates when the car has just run 3000 kms. They said I might have habit of putting my leg on clutch .. but I showed the service station my driving habits and they had no clue how it happened. Again now after 12000 kms I have to replace clutch plates (expense of around 5000 Rupees).. am not happy at all with this car
can anybody give a spares price list for Wagon-R and A Santro?
Raj and indian_driver,
How’s your Santro AT doing.. Any more tips.. What about early/constant wearing out of brakes being an automatic transmission engine
I have a black Santro Xing-XL.It has encountered lot of small scratches while cleaning the car.Can anyone suggest the best way to remove those scratches ?You can mail me to vasu1971ATyahoo.com