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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).
Related articles:
Tata Nano: 1 Lakh Rupees ($2500) Car
Maruti Suzuki Swift Vs. Hyundai Getz
MARUTI WAGON R DUO is infact given guarantee and the performance is just fabulous. I am sure we’ll reach a point where cars like DUO will get more popular!!
Hi all,
Same question: Wagor Vxi/Wagonr LXI/Wagonor LXI DUO
One review i read on net of DUO said the DUO thign works seemlessely and engine works great in both modes..But that is exactly 1 review i have found so far.. Also Vxi has broader tyres than LXi, is this still correct ?
Hi All….
Remember guys!!! Never judge a car performance as soon as its launched in the market.. So better wait for atleat 6 months to decide upon the same.. kk tc
Maruti wagon r duo’s performance has been satisfactory on road. Some people may want to wait and watch but i am convinced about the performance
Hi Prakash,
I’m still confused bet’n Santro XL, WagonR LXi(Petrol) and Indica XETA.
My budget is 3.6L to 3.7L. My requirement is that the car should be spacious to carry luggage, can accomodate 4-5 persons comfortably, good milage and good power, low cost of maintenance.
I will be driving 20-22 Km per day on weekdays and weekends about 50 Km per day.
I’m not looking for resale value but car should not give me trouble in long run.
Pl advice which car will be suitable for me ?
Thanx
hi all…
discussion till now has been quite insightful. Can any one help me find the comparison between total cost of ownership of Santro and Wagon R. I want to know what shall be the cost of maintenance, parts, accessories and running between these two cars if i have them for 3 years, 5 years and run same number of kilometers. I checked at many auto portals but could not find this info, http://www.carwale.com gives very comprehensive comparison but could not answer this query. …cheers!!
Hi,
I am little bit confused either i should go for WagnoR LXI or WagnoR Duo LXI.. as no reviews are available …if any one own this car than please tell me about the engine performance…and milege…
Pl advice me which is better..?
Jignesh Patel
jignesh_481@yahoo.com
Hey Santro folks ,
I own Santro XL , can somebody tell me if I m going on 80 – 90 km/h
( or maybe higher)
and i take a sudden sharp turn , would Santro surrvive or it would do summersault.! coz big flat cars like Honda’s City & even Esteem & Gets would survive that turn ……being Santro a tall car ….. wat d u think wld happen ….has anybody experienced such turns …pls revert
Thanks & Regards
Rick
🙂
Dear Rick,
I have taken curves at about 80-95 kms safely in Santro on National highways. I am sure no car will survive U turn at that speed. What do you mean by sharp turn. The high way turns are safe to take even at 100 + kms /hr. speed.
In any case pl. do not try such things even for curiosity. It is safe to keep foot on break pedal while negotiating sharp turns,because you can still control the car in case if you feel pushed to the door or other side at turns at high speed.
Regards.
Hi All,
I’m still confused bet’n Santro XL, WagonR LXi(Petrol) and Indica XETA.
My budget is 3.6L to 3.7L. My requirement is that the car should be spacious to carry luggage, can accomodate 4-5 persons comfortably, good milage and good power, low cost of maintenance.
I will be driving 20-22 Km per day on weekdays and weekends(sat & sun) about 30 Km per day.
I’m not looking for resale value but car should not give me trouble in long run.
Pl advice which car will be suitable for me ?
Thanx
Hi guys,
I am just about to buy a new Wagon R with ABS and airbag variant. The loan is from HDFC and they are not giving any discounts whatsoever. Also, the dealer is giving just free life insurance plus normal accessories such as mats only. Are there any nice dealers with good offers in Bangalore?
Also, need to know one thing. At the time of booking the dealer told me that the delievery time will be 2-3 weeks and thats what he wrote on the receipt when i gave them advance. Now even after 4 weeks , he is telling it will take a week more…. can something be done about this…can this issue be raised and help taken from any consumer forum…need your advice and opinions
rgds
I am told the ECM on my Hyundai Santro has gone kaput (engine runs very rough and dies at speeds above 25kph). The cost of a new one is about Rs25,000. Can you verify this and also comment on if it is advisable t use a refurbished/repaired one for say 50% of the price. Also, do new ECM’s have any free replacement warranty?? Thanks for your help
hi folks ,
alot is being said about santro being a korean car and wagon R being japanese i ould remind people of the time when japanese products were being looked down , anyway santro is the ultimate car in this category , i own a santro xo eRLX it gives me 16kpl with AC in city and 20 on highways good luck and happy SANTROING to santro owners
Hai,
I am planning to buy santro Xing XO model with ABS.The dealer has made an offer for 4,29,000 onroad price with all accesories like
MP3 player,Car cover,seat covers,mats,remote lock and few other things.
IS this a reasonable deal…
Hyundai is in the top 3 internationally in terms of quality. The only brands that are ahead of it are Porsche and Lexus. Suzuki is nowhere near. WagonR is a flimsy vehicle and the looks are far from contemporary. Just because it has a Japanese engine, it does not make sense to buy that car especially when Hyundi gives better value for money, comfort and looks in its Santro!!
Ricky Says:
September 18th, 2006 at 7:02 am
Hi guys,
I am just about to buy a new Wagon R with ABS and airbag variant. The loan is from HDFC and they are not giving any discounts whatsoever. Also, the dealer is giving just free life insurance plus normal accessories such as mats only. Are there any nice dealers with good offers in Bangalore?
Also, need to know one thing. At the time of booking the dealer told me that the delievery time will be 2-3 weeks and thats what he wrote on the receipt when i gave them advance. Now even after 4 weeks , he is telling it will take a week more…. can something be done about this…can this issue be raised and help taken from any consumer forum…need your advice and opinions
rgds
HI GUYS, CAN SOMEONE HELP TO ANSWER MY QUERIES !!!!!!!!!!! THANKS IN ADVANCE
Hi ,
I am trying to decide whether to buy a Santro /Swift or a Wagon R.
My focus is affordability. I really need the car with the best mileage and city driving.
Does a petrol car give better mileage than a diesel car and which one is low on maintenance?
The other thing I cannot compromise on is comfort..
I have a back problem and I really need comfortable seating.
Please help.
Regards
Annette
Indian Driver, Kumar,
and other Guys who bought the AT version. Could you please tell me the price you paid for AT. We family is based in Coimbatore and I spoke to the Chandra Hyundai. They said they will waive the insurance(15K) but the on road price of car is 464,500(per hyundai website).
The accessories quoted are
Music system Pioneer model:2870 Rs. 8500
Rear spoiler: Rs.6800
Mudflap,rubber,bootmap: 1000
teflon dupoint: 2800
Sun film: 1800
Do you think it is reasonable price or are we being overcharged? Any input from any one else (who bought any santro manual as well) regarding the accessory pricing.
Thanks a lot in advance for any tips.
Hari
Sorry guys, I have been away for a long time cause I have been enjoying my Santro AT! Hari, I think you are being overcharged. I paid a total of 4,25000 for my Santro AT which inlcuded the processing fees for my loan, RTO registration charges, AC, body colour bumpers, spoiler, side moulding, window sun protector, teflon coating, antirust coating and tubeless tires. The dealer gave me floor mats, dicky mats, mud flaps, Garware sun control film, free life insurance, car air freshner, car cover, remote control security system, and reverse horn. I spent another 15,000 to pay the RTO for a special number and 12,000 for washable leather covers and an Sony Xplod music system with 4 speakers – 2 in front and 2 oval speakers fitted in a tray in the back. You should look at some other dealer.
Meanwhile the vehicle is running smoothly. I keep the AC on most of the time and I am getting an average of 7kmpl. I calculated this as I have put petrol of Rs 2500 till now after the dealer gave me around 4-5 litres free and the vehicle has completed 350 kms until now. The first servicing is due in November or 1200 kms whichever is earlier and should go to 9-10kmpl after that.
Hi friends!
Anyone looking for LIFE/Motor Insurance in Delhi may contact AK GUPTA 9891577263 for outstanding service. You can also check our website – http://www.ashimkgupta.tk
I am also planning to buy a car viz. SANTRO
I want comfort.
Hi,
I booked a santro xing xo for 4.06 on road with below items
the dealer has given the discount of insurance amount, my company cash discount of 4000/-, registration with number plate worth 2000/-
Music system Pioneer model:4 speakers,sunfilm,teflon coating,car cover, remote control Locing system,reverse horn,floor mats, dicky mats, mud flaps…
Is the price okay with all these accessories…
I am planning for a spoiler… do i need any other basic accessories
Cheers,
Neelima
Hari,
I paid 4.56 L on road for the Santro AT in AP – this includes about Rs. 38,000 as Life Tax which is mandatory in this state – can’t be paid annually. I think TN also follows the policy of mandatory life tax – u need to check on this.
I got free insurance, 4K cash discount, remote central locking, Teflon coating, sun film, a sony xplod music system with 4 speakers, seat covers, mats as free-bees.
I am planning to buy Santro XL. On road price is 3.85 with accesories(Pioneer music system, remote locking, seat cover, teflon and anti rust coating, mats, mud flaps and sunfilm). Let me know if there is ne other better deal.
Planning to buy EURO III Santro AT Metallic in Hyderabad. Lakshmi Motors is offering for 4.5 lakhs on road which includes insurance, registration, MP3 player and the regular pads and stuff. Can you proud owners of Santro AT disclose the dealer name, on-road price and including any free options offered.
Hi Ranganath,
Can you tell me from which dealer you got this quotation…?
Prakash,
I am from Pune, Maharashtra. receintly I booked Santro XO. The last offer I received from dealer is 4.09. In which he has included, free car insurance, corporate insurance and floor mats. for every other accessory I need to pay from my pockets. After gowing through the information on this page, the offer is not honest. Can you help me in getting right offer.
Please reply.
Hi,
Very useful reviews. We are planning to bu an automatic transmission car. Not sure which one to choose, WagonR AX or Santro Xing AT ????
Could somebody please give us some input on this? Which one is better. As I understand, Santro ATis 4 speed and WagonR AX id 3 speed. Does this matter too much?
Thanks,
Waiting for some good reviews…
Hey guys!!! Just two weeks back i got Santro ErlX XL . Purposly i went to testt milage on high way and driven for 200Km one way. Do you belive me or not It gave me 22km/l with intermetent AC usage. But as per dealer we can not expect milage till 1st or 2nd service gets over. but This milage performance is Very very excelent . In the city area it is giving me 13-14 kM with AC.
other than milage power stearing ,and breaking system, and clutch foot rest,finishing of dash board, leg space in driver seat fine.
Pingback: Software Reviews
Hi,
I want to buy SANTRO XL. Can u tell me the good price for me.
i want to buy a santro-XL pls tell me the best buy price and the dealer offering the best price in hyderabad.
MARUTI WAGON R DUO’s peformance has been very satisfactory so far. I bought it for my father. He says that transition between LPG and petrol model is just seemless. He says, it’s quite smooth.
Overall he is quite content, we are yet to measure the mileage details though.
Dear Prakash,
I seek an advice from you regarding buying a car.
My budget was originally 2 – 2.5 Lac
I understand that with this budget I can only get a 800. I already own a Maruti 800. So I DO NOT want to buy another 800.
So I stretched by budget to 3 Lac, although a little painfully.
My requirements are as follows:
1. The car should have ample space
2. Preferably a new car
3. A dependable car that can give satisfaction
4. I wish the car to be responsive
Now I have to pick from the following options. Kindly advise which option should I take:
1. TATA Indica XETA (the petrol version of Indica) which is pegged at 3.04 (Ex-showroom Delhi). This car has power steering as well as AC. The car has good interiors and a 1400cc engine and has plenty of space. It is a robust built car with good steel.
2. Maruti Alto – though it gives peace of find being a Maruti product it does not have much space. Its only 800 cc which gives a feel of Maruti 800.
3. The second-hand Wagon R or Santro
I understand that if put in another 50k I can buy a new Wagon R but I have already stretched to 3 Lacs from 2 – 2.5 Lacs which means I am unable to stretch further.
The Indica XETA appeals to me but the problem is that I have not seen more than 1-2 Indica XETAs on the road ever since I test drove it. All the Indicas on road are Diesel.
Kindly advise as to what is your opinion about the Indica XETA and what option should I choose amongst the above given options and why should I choose this option.
I would really appreciate a prompt reply.
Thanks
Harsh
Hey Guys,
I would really appreciate if you advise me on my above dilemma. I want to buy a car ASAP but I am extremely confused. So please help me out. I am sure Prakash has an answer to my above query. But you guys also suggest your opinion.
hey buddies plz reply on my email ID ASAP
I am not able to decide whether i should go for a upper end model for Santro or Duo Wagon R LXI
please give me your valuable reviews on them considering all the factors for a middle class family car
hi..
i am still confused whether to go for santro xing erlx or the new maruti wagon R..
i require a small comfortable car and drive just arnd 100 km a week
CAN U SUGGEST ME ONE??
Hi,
My query is the same as Legeo Varghese. After doing a good amount of research I have shortlisted Santro and Wagon R Duo.
Which car one should go for keeping in mind fuel consumption, performance, space, price & securtiy.
If Prakash Advani or anyone can suggest it will be of great help.
Thanks
Ashish
Dear Mr. Harsh,
Your budget is around or below 3 lacs.So I am you i will go for alto. Because it have more spce than Maruti 800 and its ground clearance is better than Zen.Its trustworthy, better mileage than Indica Xeta,Better AC. Maruti 800cc= 35 bhp & Alto 800=45 bhp. 10 bhp differnce is very much.I own Santro and I am very happy with it.If YOU HAVE MORE BUDGET GO FOR SANTRO.Otherwise go for Alto.
Hi
I own Santro Zing XP. I am using this car from past 3 years and I am glad to say that I have not faced any problem at all as on today.
I can say with confidence that Santro is the stable, trouble free car and the best car in this segment compared to others.
Once I had driven this vehicle at a top speed of 160 km/h comfortably on pune-mumbai express highway but I did’nt experience any kind of shakings.
Santro gives a mileage of 11 to 11.5 Km/Litre(with A/C) in the City Limits and 13-14 Km/Litre(with A/C) on highways.
When I booked my santro in 2003 I never explored much about cars and I purchased Santro just because the looks were great but now I am realising that my choice was correct!!!!!!
If anybody is in a dilemma of buying Wagon R or Santro , go for Santro
All the best
Srinivasa
Hi Friends,
It was very difficult to choose between Santro and WagonR, but i found WagonR more value for money hatchback.
I booked the WagonR (LXi petrol) about 1 week ago of Dusshera and got the car in Dusshera.
i liked the new wagonR looks. It is like mini SUV, with roofrails it looks superub. When ever u enter into car it give u a feel of lot of space than Santro. It is having more boot space then Santro also rear seat is cmpletely foldable.
After a lot of study i saw that technology used in WagonR is more advanced than Santro e.g
(1) WagonR 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.
(3) Wagon R have Electronic Power Steering but Santro have old hydrolic PS.
(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. Also many parts of the vehicle is microprocessor controlled.
Other than that i found more boot and leg space in WagonR than Snatro.
I found it’s drive extremely smooth. Pickup is too good.
Also during Dusshera i got a total discount of abt Rs 37000 in Pune(with Financed vehicle).
So effectively i found that the new WagonR is abt Rs 30000 cheaper than Santro.
I hope that i cleared the doubt of many friends who r thinking between WagonR and Santro.
Of course if u want to go for look Santro is more good looking car, but if u go technologically WagonR is far ahead of Santro.
Think and Decide…
Regards
pnb_2k
Hi guys!
I am planning on getting a santro for my parents! I have no clue about the payment options available! I would like a brand new car with all the accesories like Leather Seating, Speakers etc.
Please advise me on this!
Thanks!
Divya.
Smitha, regarding your query on the AT. I am no expert but this is my interpretation of the automotive mechanics. The difference between a 3-speed and 4-speed would be fuel efficiency with the 4-speed being more fuel efficient, which presumably would be very important when you consider running cost over the long term. In an AT the gear shifts automatically to the higher one as one steps on the accelarator and the speed increases. With fewer speeds (effectively lesser number of gear ratios) you are more likely to be on the lower gear where fuel consumption is higher. A CVT (Continuous variable transmission) would be even more fuel efficient and could match up with manual transmission vehicles. The Honda City/Civic’s I think have CVT’s.
Regards
i have fitted lpg kit for my getz. it is giving very less milage pl suggest.
also i am surprised to see why hundai does not properly push getz?
some times i feel i have purchased an outdated vehicle.
pl. comment
Dear Srinivas,
Hyndai Getz is a very good car, but I think it is overpriced.Secondly Swift givin it very hard run because Swift is better option in this level thats why Getz sale is not up to the mark. Get your LPG kit checked, secondly if you want to get more average fron your car(1) use less AC (2) never accelrate unneccessary(3)Drive your car below 80.(4) Shift your gears according to the speed ( given in the manual), Drive mostly in 5th gear if you driving over 50-60 kmph.
WAGON R DUO is giving excellent mileage. We are yet to do our first servicing. Under severe traffic conditions in Hyderabad we got somewhere around 15 km/litre of LPG ( Price of LPG = HALF OF Petrol).
So, the cost of running it is equivalant to may be a badly maintained “YAMAHA RX 100”.
Trust me guys, the shiftover from LPG to Petrol and Vice versa is a breeze!!
Donot get lured by big cars, we need fuel efficient cars else they find a permanant place in your show case..
Hi Indian driver.
I share your views about AT and Indian mindset [block – to be precise]
Can you say some thing more about the maintenance and availability of used [second hand] Santro AT s ?
LPG has delivers less enrgy than the same quantity of Petrol milage is going to be 30% less than petrol, cost os alomost half of petrol .
Power train is going be less and Torque too will be 20% less.
Over all you will save around 30% less on the fuel than petrol.
I think I answerd your question.
Hi Murari,
Happy to know that WagonR DUO is performing well in mileage front. I brought the new WagonR LXi petrol a few days ago. I’m thinking of putting LPG kit after a year. Can u pl suggest me that if i fit the LPG kit (MARUTI certified kit from MARUTI Dealer) will i get the good average and performance ?
Thanx
pradipto
Hi,
This is for your openion please
WaganoR LXi LPG Vs WaganoR LXi Petrol (fit CNG from out side) –
Cost in both the cases will be almost same. keeping this in mind that CNG as on today is much cheaper (approx 30%) .Which option is better.
Regards,
All,
After a month long research I have bought Santro Xing XO and I am the proud owner of my Santro. I feel Santro is more value for money as compared to the (Dabba-BOX) Wagon R. Hyundai Santro claims 12KMPL while WagonR 14KMPL. And looks, safety and luxury WagonR is no where near Santro. I damn care about resale value.
The deal I got is: Santro Xing XO + Teflon Coat + Anti Rust Coat + Mats + Mud Flaps + Sony XPlod CD Player, XPlod Speakers + Insurance + Registration = 4 Lacs @ KUN HYUNDAI, Anna Nagar, Chennai . I feel this is good deal. And KUN is GREAT in customer relationship.
Thanks,
Phanendra
hello prakash, i have booked a santro xl very recently but after reading your blog i think i should give it a second thought. if comfort is my only considerationthan which should be my choice?a santro or a wagon r?