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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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If you want to get a music system, I would suggest that you get it now. If within the warranty period, you get a music system fitted from elsewhere which results in some other problem with the electronics, your warranty may be void.
About the coating, underbody rust proof coating is good to have specially if you live in a place where the climate is humid.
For that the authorised service centers in Mumbai quoted Rs. 3000, where as the mechanic quoted Rs. 1500! I don’t know how much the quality differs but I would prefer the cheaper option.
Thank you Prakash for your reply. But most people around here get music systems done outside. I haven’t seen any dealers fitting a music system to the car unless it comes with the car. Here most dealers suggest a particular accesssory shop as they get some kind of comission from them. This was what I heard from finance personnel from ICICI bank.Here we have a bunch of car accessory shops all over competing equally with one another. Among the music systems I think Pioneer mp3 player stand out. As I see much demand for them. Prakash could you suggest a good music system with speakers and their specifications. Thanks again
Satish the prices for Santro XO Model here in trivandrum was 4.23L with insurance and basic accessories, has come down to 3.99L with the same offer now. What I’ve heard is that there are chances that the dealers might just pass 50% of this to the customer later maybe next month and if the sales tax or anything goes up prices might go up a bit.
Suman,
I haven’t seen the Pioneer so can’t comment. Sound Quality should be your top priority, listen to the quality of sound before you decide which one to buy.
Prakash
Hi Prakash,
I had the ICICI bank finance cancelled as thir intrest rate was 10.31% and they claimed it was diminshing while it was fixed. I got a call from State Bank of Travancore who offered me intrest rate 8.75% and which is fixed with no verifcation or any collateral and stuff like that. I think its best to go for loans to nationalised banks as they hav started cutting down on their policies. What would you say Prakash? Would like to hear your comments.
Suman,
I am not a finance expert. The best way to compare is to check the EMI per lakh.
Regards
Prakash
Guyz,
GM was suppose to introduce a small car in Feb 2006 . Did it happen?. Does anybody have some details on that?
I am planing to buy my first car. Should I go for ALTO and later to wagon R?Does ALTO have a good resale value?
Regards
Senthil.
have heard maruti is goin to launch a new Wagon R model with improved shape. Does anyone has an idea about the new shape????
Also, am planning to buy my first car, and am cofused between wagon R and swift. The problem is not the budget as far as buying is concerned. But i need to know which one would be heavier on my pocket in the long run, that is, after buying the car. On average i would be driving about 30 kms a day. I have got very bad reviews so far on the mileage of swift.
Can some one please help me…..soooon????
I am really confused.
Hi Everybody
I own both Sentro Zing AND Wagon R.
Just Sentro is far better than Wagon R..
It will keep you safe in all accidents like own kid. Things are much better in sentro then in wagon R
Senthil, the small car GM had in mind was the Daewoo Matiz (Daewoo has been taken over by GM) which was supposed to be launched earlier. But right now they have kept it on hold for another 4 months. If you are willing to wait, then you would get the car soon..
Alto’s resale value has come down, especially since everyone retains a compact car for 3-5 years at the most.. It’s the same with other cars also. In fact if you are a first timer, I suggest you go in for a second hand car. At the current prices they are well worth it..
Suman, with loans, it’s always better to go in for a diminishing loan when you intend to foreclose it much earlier. For ex., if you want to to go in for a fixed loan, and the loan amount is around 1 lakh for a period of 3 years, you would be paying the “interest” initially. There is no difference if you go in for a full term. However when you intend to foreclose the loan, then you would have to pay more than the one lakh you have taken (if within the first 6 months) You might end up paying upto 1 lakh or 90000 besides the payments you have already made. (at 8 %) However with diminishing loans, the payment you make are for both the interest and the principal. So the foreclosure amount would be slightly lesser (for the same six month period).
Manish, regarding the claims made about a Santro giving 20 kmph, I again reiterate that no Indian car for that matter has so far given that much mileage. This is regardless of the “Speed” fuel you use. I just verified that the mileage improvement by Santro is in .3 km for the newer version. I fail to see how that could affect the highway mileage (eRLX Euro 3).
True. The highway mileage is always much higher. The Santro at any given point gives you around 13 in city conditions and 16-17 max on highway conditions. But 19-22 is still wanting by any Indian car. (With or without AC) You can visit any Santro dealer for the actual figures. And it is the same for the Wagon R or any other car.
This is regardless of the fuel you use (whether groundnut oil as in Shakthiman trucks (in scarcity or during a war) or 87-88 octane “speed†petrol). Note that the Speed petrol has some additives that only improve the engine life by removing antirust oxidants. It does not improve the mileage but maintains it to when it was originally new. The difference between the speed and normal petrol is marginal even when you run above 300000 kms. (There might be a difference of 1-2 kmph) The Speed and other gasoline products with a higher octane rating only clean the engine by way of some oil additives used. They do not improve the mileage, but only “try” and clean the engine. And the mileage is best with a cleaner engine. That’s the logic behind Speed or other high octane fuels. That’s about it. In fact it is recommended to use high octane fuels during city driving not during highway driving. It tends to seize the engine. There are numerous instances when it has been noticed that using high octane fuels , especially when going over long distances tends to seize the engine. (Due to the heat and running conditions of the engine) However for city driving it is optimal and cleans the dirt and grime from the engine regularly. Again, you can verify the facts with any mechanic or your nearest dealer.
And I repeat, the Santro gives around 16-17 (without AC) on highway conditions not 19-22 with AC as you claim…. Overall you would receive what the comany claims 13 to 14.
Regarding the claims you have made it is very likely that at the time of delivery of your car, you would already have 7 litres of fuel inside. 2 litres from the factory and 5 from the dealer. This is provided by the factory and all dealers regardless of the make and type of car. Assuming that you have filled in 70 litres and clocked 1228 kms (as stated) then the total fuel in the car is around 77 lts, ie., a mileage of 15.95 overall. Now that is a true figure of a Santro’s mileage. (It could be with AC on half the time also)
I have purchased a SWIFT yesterday. My problem is how to know the manufacturing year of the car. I am doubtful that the car i have got is manufactured in year 2005. Is there any way to judge or know the manufacturing year from the car. The registration book will ofcourse say Year 2006 when i have registered.
Hi All,
This is for all Santro owners that there is a fuel additive that increases your mileage “Bardahl Special Injector Klene”. You can get it from Hyundai or a Maruti dealer.
BARDAHL Auto Additives
Special Injector Klene
Approved by Hyundai
Provides quick and superior cleaning action to injectors, carburetors, and the induction system.
Benefits:
Easier starting, smoother idling, immediate throttle response
Cleans and unclogs the fuel injector and dissolves injector deposits
Optimizes fuel economy and engine performance
Improves drivability
Protects against rust and corrosion
Directions
Pour contents of one bottle (100ml) into the petrol tank. Bardahl Special Injector Klene stats working while the vehicle is driven. Does not harm catalytic converters. Repeat treatment after 1200 – 1400 kms. Ideal for both MPFI and Carburetor system vehicles.
You can also buy a 250ml bottle which lasts upto appx. 2500 kms or you can buy an 150 ml which lasts upto 1500 kms. You need to simply put the bottle contents into the fuel tank. For a good mixture its advisable that your fuel tank is atleast 50% full.
But please do have a word with your technician.
I paid a visit to the Santro dealer in ahmedabad, and was really disappointed with the paper work they talked about if i wanted to purchase on loan. We stay in a rented accomodation so they want a guarantor which is pretty wierd.
I also had to bargain a lot as far as the price is concerned. Now i feel that I should wait till april for the best deals. though I would like to visit the maruti dealer tomorrow as so many people have talked about the Wagon R, i am quiet impressed. Will keep you posted about the developments tommorrow
Cheers!!
Padrevaters, I reiterate that my Santro Xing eRLX – XL variant, purchased in Dec 2005, gives a mileage of 19 to 20 kmpl on highway when driven at a speed of 60-70 kmph, with AC switched on intermittently as & when required. I also talked with a few colleagues who own the same car. Their cars also give more or less the same mileage.
I never claimed that I get this mileage because of “Speed” petrol. My only intention in specifying the brand I used was to counter your argument that “regardless of the type of rocket fuel used …..”. Also, contrary to your belief, “Speed” is not high octane petrol. It is only 87-88 octane, which is the minimum octane rating required as per Euro-II norms. In fact, I now use Reliance petrol with the same octane rating & I still get the same mileage.
You are right about Hyundai dealers informing that Santro gives 16-17 kmpl on highways. My dealer, too, told me the same. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I got a better than expected mileage.
Suman, I am looking to buy a car in TVM, but cant decide between Santro and WagonR. You mentioned that the prices can go down in April, is it true? Then I could hold on till then. Can you estimate how much it might go down ? Also will a Santro dealer take in a Maruti 800 Std as a trade in for a Santro.
Thanks!
Hi Philip,
It’s a probability the prices might go down. I don’t know if a Hyundai dealer will take a Maruti 800 for a trade but the same can happen if you go to a Maruti dealer. Both Wagon R and Santro have their advantages and disadvantages. Since your a Maruti user you will want a car with mileage and a good service network. On the other hand I haven’t seen a Santro break down so far. Wagon R is good but then the choice is yours. The prices have already down buy Rs. 24000. It wont go down further. Chances are the dealers might pass just the half of this to customers.And if there is an increase in the Sales tax or something it will have effect on the price. Hope this helps
Philip check this link out http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Hyundai_Santro_Xing-60163-1.html.
It’s a review of a ex-maruti 800 owner who owns a santro now.
Padrevaters, I just wanted to clarify abt octane rating for petrol.
From 1st April 2005, fuel in 11 major cities have been brought under BS-III norms, whereas the rest of the country has been brought under BS-II norms. Minimum octane rating for BS-III petrol is 91 RON, whereas for BS-II, it is 87 RON.
Since I live in Jamnagar, where BS-II norms for fuel are in force, the minimum octane rating for petrol is 87 RON.
Here is my dilemma. I have an old Santro Deluxe from 1999. I bought it second hand from a friend nearly two years back. It was already loaded when I purchased it — AC/heater, power steering, front and rear power windows (rear – retro fitted), defogger, rear wiper, alloy wheels, radial tyres, Kenwood cassette stereo.
Now I am looking to buy a new car – a Wagon R Vxi or a Santro. Is the Wagon R easier to drive than the Santro? What about fuel economy? Can three people sit at the back of a Wagon R? What is your opinion – overall? I have no qualms about switching to Maruti — but I need to be convinced that it is worth the switch.
Am still confused after reading these blogs wether to buy a Santo or Wagon R.
Had took my mom out last weekend and she liked the Santro more appealing. Also spoke few of my friends who own a Santro and they are very satisfied with the performance. Also one of my friend told me that he touched a whopping speed of 150 on the Mumbai Pune Express Highway and the car runs smooth and does not wobble too. Another friend owns a Wagon R and he too is impressed with it’s performance.
These are things which I am looking out for in my car:
– Am looking at a car which is big like a Santro or Wagon R (Tall Boy Design)
– Good Looks
– Weekend car for picinics (As my usage will be only weekends)
– Good Mileage
Please advise
Norman Gonsalves
Reading this blog, it looks like I am going to end up with Santro, not WagonR. I went to this ABT dealer in Guindy, Chennai. Without any negotiation, I was offered a price of 3.86 (on road) for Santro XL with the following free options which the dealer mentioned would be worth about 15,000.
Mp3 player with 2 speakers, Remote locking, Reverse horn(find this very annoying), floor mat, dicky mat and mud flaps.
In the current market, how much should I really approximately pay for this car?
Any advise is appreciated. Thanks
Hey Suman,
I appreciate you replying and the link. I am trying to help my parents make an informed decision abt buying a new car while I am not around and theres only so much that I can do. They have a used M800 that they want to pawn off before they get a new one. Do you know a good site where I could look up used car prices. They do have couple of offers from the Maruti dealers and a Private party but I am not sure if the price is right. They are offering 75K trade in for a 1997 M800 STD with 50K Kms and sell them a new WagonR for 3.83lkhs. I have asked my parents to get a quote from the Santro dealer based on the information you provided here for your santro. Lets see what happens. Thanks again.
Hi- I have just learnt driving. And after reviewing the contents of the blogs, thought it would be better to purchase a second hand car and “work my way” to a new one rather than purchase new car. Can anyone suggest a good option including mileage plus considering that Mumbai was flooded by rains (26th July)… Appreciate your replies.
Regards,
Prashant
Wagon-R only accomodate 3 kids in rear seat not 3 adults.
Hi Guys
Doing really a great job!. I’m planning to buy a santro erlx without A/c. B’coz I’m short on budget, So Is it possible to install the A/C later, If it’s possible then can you tell me the price & also is there any performance difference in pre-intalled A/c or post-installed A/c.
Plz do reply.
Hi Philip you can contact Mr. Aswini Kumar from Hilton Hyundai Mob 9847433660 and check it out with them. They dont give any free offers but they will give you a quote including the tax and insurance. And one more thing if you go for a loan take it from a nationalised bank its safe as they are transparent and they have no hidden costs. Sorry I didn’t reply sooner as I was on my week off yesterday.
Hi All,
I heard that view mirrors of wagon R are bad ( not concave) and
wheels are smaller than santro.
Can I Replace the wheels of Wagon R with those Santro size ?
one of the Santro Technician told that Wagon R is not Aerodyanmical
It would wobble,not stable and wheels would in air sometimes at higher speeds and wagon have more chances of turtle
Please help me in this regard so that I could decide on the buy
Thanks
Prabhu
Hey Suman,
Thanks for the info. I will pass on the number to my parents unless they already went for a quote.
Hi Rajiv one thing I can assure you that you will have a good mileage as you don’t have an A/C right now… :). I don’t know however how effective it will be when you get the A/C fit later. A factory fit A/C is always better. That’s my opinion.
Pls., send me the details of the mileage
I have booked Santro Xing XO today in Hyundai Talwar, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. He is offering free insurance (13,481) and other freebies (Full Mats, Mudflaps, seat covers, Teflon Coating, Remote Locking and Sun Film). I am taking ‘Charming Grey’ color metallic car and it comes to 3.68 lacs and life tax of 33,120. On road, I am getting my Santro for 4,02,102. Do you think it’s a fair deal?
– ramana
Do not buy automatics. With an automatic gear box, the mileage of any car would reduce drastically. The WagonR automatic is priced at around 5,60k.
Besides being more expensive then the geared brothers, the automatic gearbox is not a perfect match for these cars. The mileage is very less- 10kmpl-12 for city.
On a highway you would receive around 15. It’s not worth the effort. In India it is more useful for handicapped people. Seeing the popularity of automatics in the US and UK, it is (probably filed with them -just joking) a wise option abroad, but not here.
Doing really a great job!. I’m planning to buy a santro erlx without A/c. B’coz I’m short on budget, So Is it possible to install the A/C later, If it’s possible then can you tell me the price & also is there any performance difference in pre-intalled A/c or post-installed A/c.
All cars are best. Look into your pocket wchich suits you much.
Hi gvramana. I think your dealer has included the insurance and life tax in the quote. The Accessories might be free. It’s a good deal and you can go for it. Life tax comes to 20K. Insurance and Road tax are included. The Accessories are the only freebies you are getting. Check out what the offers.
hi everyone, dont decide santro simply on the style, check out the service expenses, iam having wagon R and my cousin was having santro, for wagon R they r charging only 3200 for 40000km service, but for santro they r charging 6300. service consist of engine & gear oil replacement + engine decarbonize and wheel alignment+balancing… dont go for huyndai products….
Need a clarification regarding financing. I have taken a loan from ICICI for my new Wagon R. Dealer says the first Advance EMI has to be paid to the dealer and the dealer will hand it over to ICICI. Is this how it works? Shouldn’t I be giving it directly to the bank. Can anyone tell me why the dealer is taking it? As per Dealer it is the process !!
AC is around 13k-15k for santro when fitted from outside.Its performance is not bad and u can save around 25k-30k at least by choosing santro non ac model. In our city non ac model is 2.88 lakh ex showroom+ Ac from outside 13,000 =3.01 lakhs. And AC model is 3.31 lakh ex showroom. I have AC XK model. I also want to buy Non Ac MODEL BUT their is long waiting list for that car.
AC fitted by outside party is definitely cheaper but any problems with it will be a pain in the rear end for a long while. Installation has to be done professionally. I am surprised that there is 80K price tag for a factory installed AC. Seems a bit on the high side.
@Arun, Does WagonR and Santro have the same service schedule – i mean do they want the same things done at 40000Km but one cost double the other? Please clarify, i would like to know. Thanks
Hi Friends,
Thanksa lot for the posts in this forum and with the extensive help of this, I have decided to buy Santro over Wagon R.
I would like to know what is the current best offer for Santro XL and XO variants in bangalore.
Trident has offered me XL@3.94 and XO@4.22 both On-Road, with an additional discount of 12k worth accessories including
1) MP3 player and speakers
2) keyless Entry
3) Seat Covers
4) Mud flaps
5) teflon Coating
Is it worth going for XO?
Also, is this the best offer that we avail now in Bangalore? Is there anyone, who have availed better offers so that I can bargain further on this offer?
Thanks in advance
Rajesh Menon
Hi Friends,
I would also like to know if anyone has got a better offer than as mentioned by Rajesh Menon. Advaith and Trident are offering the XL model at more or less the same price . Did anyone get free insurance?
Thanks and regards.
Hi Rajesh Menon/cb,
I would like to speak to you asap on buying an XO/XL model in Bangalore(Advaith/Trident). We have a good deal/offer already spoken with one of the dealer. Please write to me at doclegend@gmail.com immediately with your contact telephone numbers so that we can discuss this in detail for a win-win for all. Waiting for ur message,
Regards,
Andy
Hi,
I have read most of the comments posted by members on both the cards.
Looks like Santro has an edge over Wagon-R.
However, in santro too..there are various sub models. Would like to know
the following things:
1. Best AC model in Santro
2. On road price in Mumbai/Thane
3. Things to bargains from Dealers
4. Best Dealers in terms of service, price etc. in Mumbai/Thane region
Thanks in anticipation for all your help.
Cheers
Ashish
Hi Guys,
What is the final decision after a long chain of comparison.
Santro or Wagon R. !!!!
Hi,
My driving needs are basically within city, (around 30 km a day) with an occasional vacation.
But owing to city traffic, i am looking for a more ergonomic car, which has the gear, pedals and steering at optimum position, so that it causes less fatige during city manouvering.
After reading much about Wagon-R and Santro Zing erlx, for my driving needs, i conclude that for both are equal on running cost etc.
Can somebody differentiate them on ergonomics, which is one area we are not focussing at all.
Rgds,
Vibhu
Hi,
Iam going in for Santro XO. The dealer gives me accessories like mp3 player, mud flap, other stuffs. but he doesn’t give me free insurance or
other cash discounts? should I go for it?
Hey Guys,
Iam planning buy Santro Xing ERLX from Advaith/Trident Bangalore with in a week.If anybody is interested for the same, feel free to get in touch with me as we can push for a best deal.
Contact # 9886702600
Thanks
Sibi
What fuel efficiency (m./liter) can one expect from a new Santro Xing AT.
Is it a good buy as far as automatics are concerned?
Reply appreciated
Dear Mr. Rajesh Menon,
Go for XO since the iteriors are classy with new handrest cum power window swithces. Even the rear window switches are asthetically placed.ith delux floor console, you will have the feeling of driving the luxury sedan.
I bought the XO with leather seats of matching body color, real earth and it looks so envious. I got it on road for Rs. 4.04 L with fully loaded accessories. Leather seats extra(Rs.12500/-).
As far mileage it is now giving me around 11.5 to 12 kms per L with AC on and is just 10 days old. After three services it is expected to touch 14 Kms per L.
With XO you will havae pleasure driving new car unlike XL,which has old hand rest and power swithces.
Mritunjaya