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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!
Can somebody post details of latest (May) deals on Santro XL?
1. On road price in hyderabad or bangalore.
2. Discounts / Freebies etc
Thanks
Well !!!! there is lots of stuff available for pros & cons of both vehicle (Santro & Wagon R) can some one throw some light on safety features
comparison which is also imp ( pls exclude air bag feature as it is available in top model only )
The blind spot for Wagon-R is a major major issue. Once after I had dropped my wife off at the station early morning, I was exiting the station where it was pretty dark but I had to make a slow right turn. I almost hit the policeman standing in the middle of the road at the intersection, IE the exit from the station to the road. The front bars completely covered that area and the head lights do not go much to the sides. Remember, this was under 5KPH, very slow but I saw a hand hit the mirror and stopped instead of running him over. The same can be said on reversing. If some idiot is standing at just the behind the rear bars, you cant see them. I had someone hit the car because I reversed and almost hit him. Of course I looked before getting into the car if anyone was there and also with all 3 mirrors before reversing and have sound/light alarm to warn others on reversing. Idiots are everywhere. They really really need to redesign the bars and make it thinner since such thick bars are great for safety but not very good for visibility as it will completely hide a person near by. The small tires are bad for pot holes. Regular size 14 tires are much better for bad roads but seems all small cars use smaller auto type tires. I used to drive a honda accura before and the wargon-r seems okay to me so it must be pretty good. The accura has a pretty zippy high performance engine that is very good in pickup and handles like a dream during turns. I would never try turns that fast with the wagonr. But why is milage so low with an engine and car half the size? I used to get 50KPH/gallon with the accura and I get less with wagonr, the high performance tires for the accura look like 4 wargonr tires would fit in it.
Oh ah hmmmm… Okay after reading some more comments I finally figured out why my Honda Accra would give the same mileage as the much smaller wagronr even though I drive only occasionally, but very aggressively with the Accra. After I purchased the car I used Teflon engine coating (you put it with the oil after the 2000 kilo’s and drain it in the next oil change). You know this works because I once had an oil change before a long trip, where they forgot to put in any oil after draining the old and I drove 1000 kilo’s after which the engine started over heating and the engine oil warning lights came on. I thought the oil was low because I had it just changed and had to add in 4 quarts before it filled up. Full capacity is less than 5.
The petrol used makes a huge difference. Even among different vendors. So I always used Shell or BP (British petroleum). In high performance cars you notice it right away. Once I had gasohol put in because no other pumps around and I thought something was very wrong with the car. Mileage dropped and I thought 1 of the pistons had stopped working. Even using real petrol from different vendors make a difference. I used to also use high octane performance gas (92+ octane) YES it does make a HUGE difference in power, performance and mileage 10% at least. The difference is on a long trip having to visit the loo every 400 kilo’s or 500 plus with the high octane fuel.
Petrol Engines last at least 250,000 kilo’s. I had 200,000 in 10 years with my Accra and I never had engine trouble in 15 years. I gave it away in the end because selling it seemed like selling family. It still acted and looked new and I drove it like a go cart.
Hi all,
I have gone enough through this forum completely and go more confused to conclude for the BEST BUY.
I understand santro looks more like a car than Wr but, Can anyone please suggest me the more economical purchase in terms of mileage, utility, space and safety within the two (Wagonr or Santro erlx).
Thanx in advance
Subham….they only gave me a 20,000 cash discount…apart from that four mats, dicky mats …thats it…No Music System …Generally Maruti never gives any discount ? Becoz they believe that there vehicals doesnt need any promos to sell…they r the market leadersin small cars so all there vehicals sells like Hot Cake…So Subham…u have to press them for whatever u want…they will not give u anything for free…what have they promised you?
Hi,
I booked the santro XL Metallic Last week at Trident. On road Price 394976.
I approached both Advaith and Trident. But when you go for loan better go trident.Because their EMI is low comparaed to Advaith people.
Waiting for Delivary.
Hi Mahi,
One of my friend booked a Santro XL from Advaith this saturday.His on road price price was 4.00 lacs.How come your on -road price is less . And how can you say Trident’s EMI is less than Advaith. EMI depends on Banks not on the dealers….I am confused ? Can you be a lil clear on this.
Better go for Santro XL. Maruti Wagon R is 4 seater. But Santro is 5 seater. Comfortable for family. My vote is Santro Xing XL and top most models
hi
rick, I finally got my Santro XL…
thanx a lot to all of u for ur inputs and views..
driving santro is gr8
manouverability is gr8
in short “i’m lovin it” 😉
take care
Mr. Uttam do’t be confused.Go for Santro.
Looks matters most specially in Cars.
There is fight between me n my wife on whether to go for Santro erlx XO or indica xeta.Keeping in mind the pros n cons as well as driving experience, can anyone suggest which one to go for?
Dear Mr. Prakash Advani,
I purchased Santro XO about 50 days ago and have done about 1600 kms. The average is Hyderabad city is around 12 kms with full AC. Some additives manufacturers have advised me to add some additives along with fuel once is few months to increase the mileage.
what is teflon coating of engine. How useful these are? will you pl. adivse me on these.
If you approve of fuel additives which brand are best and how much more mileage one can get.
With regards.
Hi
I am planning to take Santro (ERLX) XL Model.
Contacted Talwar hyundai ,hyderabad dealer.
That guy quoted Rs 394570 – onroad price
Discounts
Free insurance(13000)
Corporate discount of Rs 3000 .
He didn’t mention about any freebies like teflon coating,mud flaps and the amount of discount from bank if we take loan.
If any one bought car by taking loan can you please tell me which bank offers low interest per lakh.Tenure i am looking for is 5years.
Appreciate if you can provide help for above.
WAGONR FEELS A BIT LACKING IN WIDTH . BUT DRIVING COFORT OF WAGONR IS BETTER THAN SANTRO . SANTRO HAS BETTER LOOKS AND THEIR LOWER MODELS KX & KS ARE VERY COMPETITIVELY PRICED….
Hi all,
I am a student n want to buy a used santro in hyderabad. Can any 1 plz let me know where can i have a best deal?? i am looking for a model between 2000 and 2003. I will really appretiate if i also get to know the addresses of dealers who can be trusted.
Thanks.
I plan to purchase a new one. I test drove both Santro GL as well as Tata Indica Zeta DLS. I found Indica more spacious and with good interiors than Santro. Zeta being a new vehicle, can you suggest me which one is good in performance?
Since it is not a Indica vs santro or Indica vs Wagon r forum,but for me u should go for Indica xeta if u are ready to compromise on mileage.Indica xeta is a 1400 cc engine and more powerful than santro and wagon r.It’s price is very much less than santro and wagon r.Spare Parts are very cheap.Its more Spacious.Its Interiors are dashing.Its mileage is below 12ms/litre in city and 14 kms/litre on highway.
Suchi
I have booked Santro ERLX XL from Kun United in Hyderabad.
Onroad price for Metallic version in Rs 394737 less Insurance (Rs 13071)
Free accessories:
Remote Central Locking
Seat covers
Sun film
Teflon coating
Mattings, Mud flaps, Dicky mat
I also checked with Lakshmi and Talwars and Found Kun’s deal the best.
Hi Suchi,
If you want to buy ur car on Loan…then go for SBI,the Loan amount is 2064 per lac…but you need a gurantor for SBI… CITIBANK comes second with 2084 per lac ,ICICI should give u 2154 per lac and HDFC – 2136. So if you get CITIBANK,they r the best but they will finance only 90% of the Invoice price of ur car…If you go for ICICI they will give u 95 % or even 100% loan on road price.
mritunjaya,
The Teflon coating is for the body of the car,it keeps the shine on the car and avoids any scratch on the body.It is no where used to the paint the engine of the car. this is for ur info pls.
Sudip / Kannan ,
This is not the right form to talk about Indica Xeta, but i would advice you guys to look out for the engine first which is the HEART of any vehicals before buying.LOOKS DOESNOT MATTER MUCH, IF YOUR CAR STARTS GIVING PROBLEM THE LOOK OF THE CAR WONT SOLVE UR PROBLEM.I have heard that Xeta is not a good car, there is a problem with the gear box.Do your research thoroughly and then take a decision.Would recommend to choose between Wagon R or Santro.
Hi,
I found out from KUN hyundai,hyderabad and TALWAR hyundai
KUN and TALWAR gave me same quotation for the vehicle.
Onroad price for Metallic version in Rs 394737 less Insurance (Rs 13071) and corporate discount of 4000 Rs
Free accessories:
Remote Central Locking
Seat covers–(is not provided ) by Talwar/KUN hyundai
Sun film—(Not Provided) by TALWAR/KUN HYUNDIA
Teflon coating
Mattings, Mud flaps, Dicky mat
They are saying that ICICI,HDFC offer 90%of loan on Ex-Showroom Price and only SBI offers 85% on ON ROAD Price(without guaranteer as my net income is greater than 30,000. May I know Rate of interest for all these mentioned banks.(for SBI i was told 2122 per lakh..is it correct)
What do you guys suggest?. what else can be bargained from Dealer?. i found out from two dealers and they both said same offers and accessories.
They said that other than the above free accessories they can’t give any kind of discounts?.
Please suggest as iam planning to book the vehicle by this saturday.
Dear Prakash,
I baught santro eRLX XO model two months ago. I also have driven earlier version Zip plus. I find that Zip plus engine noise very low compared to eRLX. The company says that it is because of the positioning of engine is different ineRLX. There is a constant rotating sound underneath the foot pedal control which is more at low speed. This has started after I got the clutch loosened a bit for easy operations.
Pl. let me know if this is so with all eRLX versions.
I have driven santro eRLX XO on Hyderabad- Mumbai road at speed of 130-140 kms/hour ( with AC), whenever road conditions were good and less traffic. The car is highly stable at these speeds. On steep down road it even touched 150 kms per hour without any vibration. Whoever said it is unstable at 90 plus speed is not correct. At Higher speed AC performance is best.
Yes that is right that santro is not unstable at 90 + but the engine sounds increase drasticly aftrer 90
Hi all,
I am a student n want to buy a used santro in hyderabad. Can any 1 plz let me know where can i have a best deal?? i am looking for a model between 2000 and 2003. I will really appretiate if i also get to know the addresses of dealers who can be trusted.
Thanks.
Hi Folks,
This is for every one who wants to compare santro and Wagon R
I tested both the cars my self
I felt santro’s performence with out AC on is good, but it fails to impress once the AC is on.
This is not the case with Wagon R with AC on ou can touch cruise at speeds of 130-135 Kms/hr
Santro doesnt go beyond 110 Kms/hr.
You dont just pay the money for engine alone , you pay for sunpension and handling.
Wagon R was clear winner in this front as it has better back suspension , and with ABS it provides better lane stabolity than Santro.
People complain about gear box and engine harshness at high revs,
Yes I agree to it but the problem is not in the Wagon R but with Maruthi it self
MUL provides cheap quality engine oil and gear box oil but Hyndai is better in this aspect.
r
But you can alway buy Mobil 5-50W or Penzzoil 5-50W for engine and Mobil or valvoline APIGL-4 gade Gear box oil with Bhadral gear box addtive fixes the issue.
My car is damm smooth and engine is not noicey at high revs, Please dont belive so called auto experts these people doesnt know about the quality of the oil to used.
Minral oil’s doesnt provide smooth performence but also wear’s out the engine part.
I have M800 run only on mobil 5-50W synthetic oil , man it rocs even at close 2 lac Kms, it’s smooth and engine is freash as new one.
Santro may be good car but it’s only a three valve car , It boosts it self of being a five seater but who want’s to go in five seater car ? better buy a SUV instead.
With reacent price reduction and Free insurence Santro is no longer cheaper than Wagon R.
premia ooks are breth taking , I am not coviced ny the looks of Santro some thing like makeup to a Mickey mouse.
Santro is not fast as Wagon R with AC on , this because of having only three valves.
I would like to go for Santro xing, XO model. Will the prices come down during the monsoon? Is it worth waiting? Im expecting more offers during monsoon period. Or should I go ahead and buy now?
I fully agree with Mr. Raghunath’s opinion on santro and wagonR. I personally feel that Santro is an over projected vehicle though it is much premitive to WagonR in different aspects like hydraulic steering mechanism (which is a dated technology), lesser No. of valves per cylinder, ordinary type odo/trip meter etc.
Some how I donot like its ‘look’ also, which appears to be ‘Korean Frog’.
In order to evaluate between WagonR and Santro, I can suggest a simple ‘acid test’. Switch on the air conditioner and drive both the vehicles at top speed(Santro may not go above 110-120 KM on level road, where as you can easily touch 130-140KM in a WagonR). Now observe the engine noise. Santro engine will be crying or roaring for help while WagonR engine will be silky smooth. Try this. You can easily identify the quality difference between Japanese and Korean Technologies. However, one aspect you have to admit. The inner finishing provided in a Santro is more impressive than that of WagonR. However, this is less significant in comparison with many other major factors.
I have driven the Santro upto 140 Kmph with AC and there was no problem. Also Santro’s AC is extremely powerful, I use it everyday and works well.
Hi everyone,
I have been driving Wagon R for the past three and a half years and I haven’t spent a penny on the repair of this car belive me guys it’s the best you can get in this catogery. Most of my friends who had bought Santro just for looks are experiencing frequent trips to garage and their cars crying for help. Santro is cheap on technology, whereas the japnese competitor gives you a hassle free ride and engine life, also the ride is much more superior and crispy in a wagon R
Wagon R is a good car with many things BUT it is still a ladies car.Santro e-rlx ‘s mileage is better than Wagon R.I travel 516 kms Amritsar-Chandigarh-Amritsar Today and with 30 litres of Petrol and still my car have 5+ litres left in the tank.You people figure out Avg. Its 19+.
I recently booked Santro XL Metallic for the following prices. On Road is 3.9L with freebies.
1. Nippon Audio System with 4 speakers
2. Body Color Bumpers
3. All mats
4. Remote Locking
5. Reverse Horn
6. Teflon Coating..
Let me know if anybody has better deal than this.. am based out of chennai.
Hi!
I am convinced by all the feed back (that I have got) that Santro eRLX is a better pick than Wagon R!!!
Hey SantroXing users plzz guide me, cuz I want 2 buy a Santro XingeRLX but not yet decided as to what model of it is good for a user like me . I wud use it mostly on city roads amidst that heavy traffic n comfort is the 1st priority for me !
-c varun.
Varun…my suggestion is go for Wagon R….it is very comfortable to drive on city roads amidst that heavy traffic….turning radius is small…better road grip and above all it is tall…which gives u good view of the road.
I disagree with Ajaj…Mr Ajay….what r the parameters for a car to be so called LADIES…..pls define….then can you call Scorpio or TATA Sumo to be a Ladies car….because in the advertisement it is shown a Girl driving both the cars….pls substantiate your points with proper example before posting in the Blog.Thankyou
Dear Varun,
Buy santro eRLX either XL or XO both are value for your money. Santro’s driving position is much better than Wagon R as it gives better road view without blind spots for night turn. Avoid dark sunfilm for better driving clarity in the night ( I have not put any film at all). I get ( XO model)around 12 kms per litre on full AC in Hyderabad. After second service it may increase by another Km.
Gears shifting, which you use frequently in city is very smooth compared to Wagon R and makes driving effortless. AC ofcourse is powerful.
Let me share my experience…. our family owns both Wagonr and Santro xing. I have driven both santro and wagonr. In general both are good vehicles. Based on my experience I have listed pros and cons of both the vehicle. You decide which is better car.
Pros of Wagonr:
1. Electronic power steering
2. Excellent space management (better than santro)
3. Fuel efficiency (better than santro)
4. Service
5. shocks are better than santro
6. cost of maintenance is cheaper
Cons of Wagonr:
1. Rear seat is smaller than santro
2. Gear shift is not as smooth as in santro
3. Shape. Yes Santro’s shape is bit better.
Pros of Santro Xing:
1. Shape
2. Rear seat (better than wagonr)
3. Gear shift (better than wagonr)
Cons of Santro xing:
1. Fuel efficiency
2. cost of maintenence is more
3. space management is poor. (leg, boot space)
4. driving comfort is not as good as in Wagonr
5. Shocks are not as good as in Wagonr
Advertisements and real thing are not the same at all.Tata sumo is not at all a family car.It is a Taxi.In reality how many of you people see ladies driving TATA SUMO very rare.I agree that wagon r is easy to drive in city because of its sides are compact.But you can’t accomodate 3 person in rear seats.They will be suffocated on long journey in wagon r.Ladies always prefers cars which are easy to drive and need less driving skills.In japan wagon r is used like a mini SUV.Japenese peoples are small.We are talking here about cars and wagon r is more like a milk van.It is look like omni.Santro e-rlx mileage is equals or better than wagon r.Previously before e-rlx the wagon r is just better by half a km/litre.Santro is euro 3 and wagon r is bharat 3.Wagon r’s space accomodate more luggage than people.
Samdesh..
Yesterday, I was looking at WagonR VXi (Metallic) with ABS and Airbags, the cost of it ex-showroom is Rs. 405667 in hyderabad while Santro Euro III – XO – ABS (Metallic) is Rs. 383981.
Which of Santro and WagonR models are you comparing? Also please tell me the difference in mileage and the frequency of maintenance that need to done on Santro which will make the cost of maintenance higher?
Has anybody travelled with 5 people in WagonR and did they feel comfortable? That seems to be main issue for me as we tend to travel full house as far as possible.. Also,
I am about 5′ 2” in height.. so considering rear visiblity etc into consideration ..pls let me know which one will be better while reversing etc.. or do you suggest me to go for Alto Lxi or so?
Is Airbags feature not there in Santro..I am pretty new to driving..it will be my first car.
Prakash , pls let me know your ideas too..
Satish,
We have wagonR primea and xing XO. Here is the milage I am getting.
wagonr:
on Highway: 18 with AC on partially
in city: 13 with AC on partially
Santro xing:
on Highway: 16 with AC on partially
in city: 11 with AC on partially
As regard to Maintenance, frequency of visits to service station which makes Santro more costly.
as regard to 3 people sitting in the rear seat, Yes I agree with you. santro is more confortable than wagonr.
Dear Samdesh,
Pl. test the mileage either with full AC or without. Partial testing is vague as tolerance to heat change from person to person. One may restart AC after five minutes where as other may start after two minutes. Therefore it does not always give a correct mileage. I get around 12.0 to 12.5 Km with Reliance fuel on Santro eRLX- XO in city with full AC in Hyderabad.
Try with full/or without AC.
With best regards.
Hey Mrityuanjay
how much dou you get witout AC ..pls comment I have XL RLX hope the milege would be same in my car too
hi everybody…recently i bought .WAGON R LXI..ITS A AUWSOME CAR….BETTER CONTROL ….BETTER STABILITY IN DRIVING.& OBVIOUSLY BETTER IN MILLEGE THAN SANTRO ………..ROOM SPACE IS SO GOOD .ONE FEELS COMFORTABLE EVEN AFTER 5 HRS OF CONTINOUS DRIVING.PREVIOUSLY I OWNED A WAGON LX VERSION.WANTED 2 CHANGE 4 POWER STEARING..ASKED MANY PEOPLE 4 WHAT 2 BUY …….EVEN THOSE WHO ONWED A SANTRO 4 LAST 2 YEAR SAID ONLY 1 NAME WAGON R LXI OR VXI
Dear Rick,
I never tried without AC I have been using AC all the time. May be in winter I may not use and may get mileage figures. However I presume I should be getting around 14 kms without AC in city. XL or XO should get the same mileage as both have power stearing. I was told that down the XL models, without Power stearing, give a better mileage of +0.5 to 1 km per litre extra althoug I have no authentic data on this.
Pl let me know how much mileage are you getting with &/or without AC.
Hi,
Maruti is supposed to launch WagonR LPG model this month. Anyone has any idea about the specs, prices etc?
My Santro not have power stearing. I give you authentic fact about my car’s mileage. Total fuel consumption = 85 litres. Travelled Distance= 1466 kms. Road Conditions= Highway 700+city500+rural 250+[sometimes no road][maximum gear is 3 on bad rural roads].Average 1466/85 =17.24 km/litre. For Better Fuel economy I usually drive under 90 km/h and use AC on 2nd point.If you handle your speed carefully and proper gear shifting this car can give you 19-20 kn/litre in winter season.And power stearing can cost upto 2 km/litre.Santro and Wagon r are small cars and not meant for racing.Unnecessary acceleration is not good for ur car and fuel economy.
Hey Mritunjaya ,
I get around 14 -15 without AC
Ajay using AC on second point doest make any diffrence …if the AC is on its ON ,thats just fan speed setting wont make much diffrence on milege wat u can do is use AC after 3 gear onwards if u want better fuel economy
Thanks & Regards
Rick
hi!
i am realy confused abt whether to buy a santro or a wagonR.
i found that that rear seats are smaller in WagonR than santro…….
is this the only advantage of santro?moreover which one is more suited as a family car.