The new Santro eRLX vs The Wagon R Vxi. Review on Hyundai Santro Xing eRLX

Its only natural that one would test drive these cars before finally selecting the right option based on both, findings and family aspirations. This review is not meant to put down any car but just might influence the thought process, that may help make that decision a bit easier.

Let me start with the corporate advantages of both cars. Both Hyundai and Maruti have a well established after sales, everywhere in the country and just about any mechanic with a bit of exprience can fix minor troubles in a jiffy in both these cars.

Even the second hand market is good for these models and will only get better as more and more people aspire to buy 4 wheelers instead of 4. Both cars come with an extended warranty and if u bargain well could cost much the same especially in these festive times and year ending.

For a head on comparison lets start with the exteriors. The tall boy design common to both definitely makes for a more comfortable seating especially for people blessed with longer legs. But practically the Santro design is anyday more dashing and aerodynamic in comparison to the squared looks of the Wagon R. The Wagon R looks a bit of a midget with small 13'' tyres on a tall boy design.But if u r not into this for the looks then lets go inside, shall we?

The interiors are plush in both cars given the cost restrictions. Although the quality of plastic and cloth used in the Santro is much better (especially arm rest and steering wheel) than the Wagon R. The Santro lacks in terms of cubby holes for storing mobile, keys etc, where the Wagon R wins hands down, although the overall dashboard design is more appealing in the Santro and so is the indicator cluster.

Talk about legroom and u would find both to be reasonably equal although the wagon R has an edge here and the back split seats also recline to give u more room, unlike in the Santro.

The boot of the Santro too appears smaller than the Wagon R but the Santro is equipped with a tray on which u could rest bags and even ur subwoofer and speakers.

One major difference between the two would be the lack of power windows in any of the models of the Wagon R. For that price one would definitely expect a fully loaded, AC, Power Steering, power windows et al.

Under the hood, the Wagon R boasts of a more fuel efficient engine approx ONE kmpl more than the Santro,with A/C, in city conditions. But the Santro engine is much more responsive, promising a more zippy squeeze and head starts in city traffic.

Overall driving experience is gripping in terms of comfort and speed in a Santro, while a Wagon R feels more free to drive with more indoor room and thats what makes it risky as you dont feel a control over the car over 60kmph and the braking system could do with some improvement as well.

All in all on a scale of 10, I would rate the Santro a 8.9 in terms of value for money and the Wagon R a close 7.9.

Let me know your views on this article and if this reveiw indeed has helped you make your decision.