We are comparing the upcoming Maruti Suzuki WagonR’s 1.2L version with the recently launched new Hyundai Santro
Maruti Suzuki is going to launch the much awaited new generation of Wagon R on January 23 with Swift’s 1.2L & existing 1.0L engines. The new model is going to be completely different from the current version as the company has given a new design theme for the hatchback with a modern interior layout.
The upcoming new Wagon R is going to compete against the Hyundai Santro along with Tata Tiago with a myriad of exterior and interior changes as well as a brand new powertrain addition to the lineup. In this article, we are comparing the Wagon R 1.2 version with the new Santro:
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.2 vs Hyundai Santro 1.1 Engine Comparison
Maruti Suzuki will introduce the new WagonR hatchback with 1.2 L K-Series, which is already doing duty on so many other models including Swift, Baleno & Dzire. The 1.2 L K-Series engine produces 82 hp of power at 6,000 rpm and 113 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. This engine is mated to both 5-speed manual and 5-Speed AMT gearbox. The introduction of the powerful engine will improve the performance of the hatchback.
The Santro, on the other hand, is powered by a new 1.1 L petrol engine with 68 hp of power at 5,500 rpm and 99 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine is mated to 5-speed manual gearbox and the Santro is the first model from Hyundai to come with an AMT gearbox, which has become one of the best in the segment.
In terms of displacement, the engine on Wagon R is bigger and it produces more power and torque output than the Santro. The power also comes slightly earlier but the maximum torque output of Wagon R comes at 3,500 rpm while Santro at 4,500 rpm. Both these engines will be tuned for city driving conditions.
| Model | Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | Hyundai Santro |
| Engine | 1.2 L | 1.1 L |
| Power | 82 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 68 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 113 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | 99 Nm @ 4,500 rpm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual and AMT | 5-speed manual and AMT |
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R vs Hyundai Santro Mileage Comparison
According to ARAI, the Santro returns 20.3 kmpl with manual and AMT gearbox. We can expect the Wagon R to return slightly higher efficiency. The current generation Wagon R with 1.0 L engine return 20.5 kmpl and the 1.2L engine might be tuned to deliver higher efficiency also.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R vs Hyundai Santro Design Comparison
The Wagon R retained the tall boy design theme from the current model with new headlamps and a redesigned grille. The company has also given an updated bumper while the windows along with the rear view mirror are also new. The tail lamps are completely new with a revised bumper and the company has increased dimensions also.
The Santro design took some inspirations from the Grand i10 and the company has given tall boy theme as the front gets signature grille of Hyundai with swept back headlamps while fog lamps are placed higher on the body. The side design is simple and the hatchback doesn’t get alloy wheels. The tail lamps are also new with a revised bumper.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R vs Hyundai Santro Interior Comparison
Maruti Suzuki will offer a modern design theme for the interior of Wagon R. The hatchback comes with the revised instrument cluster, which offers lots more information and the centre console will get touchscreen infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The quality of materials is expected to be much better than the current model. The Wagon R will come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and other safety features.
The Santro gets new three-spoke steering with instrument cluster while the centre console gets a big touchscreen infotainment system and the company has given a circular design for the AC vents. The hatchback comes with lots of features like a reverse camera with parking sensors, rear AC vents, dual airbags, ABS, EBD and more.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R vs Hyundai Santro Comparison Verdict
In terms of power and performance, the Wagon R 1.2 looks better than Santro in the paper and we can expect both models to return almost similar fuel efficiency. The gearbox options for both models include manual and AMT gearbox options but Wagon-R’s AMT will be smoothest of the segment as we tested the same AMT unit in Ignis, Swift & Dzire. We can expect the Wagon R pricing to undercut the Santro as well. All in all, it will be down to the customer preference, and we can tell the final verdict once we put both these models to a proper road test.