Sep 07, 2009 05:00 AM
13538 Views
This is an UPDATE-Review of the Maruti Wagon R DUO that I had purchased on 06/08/2008. Its been more than a year now and she has already run 16, 000kms. And I would like to share my experience as a Wagon R owner. Scroll down to the bottom to find a link to the original review.
Here are some observations after a 16, 000 kms run.
1) MORNING START-UPS:No problems till date. NOT even ONCE. I usually set it to LPG mode before starting. It starts good on Petrol mode as well. No issues at all. The MPFI engine revs up at the 1st key turn, runs at considerable RPM for a few seconds and then calms down to normal RPM. Cant mention the exact RPM values since the DUO does not have a Tachometer.
2) GEAR SHIFTS:This is a general observation. During the first run of the day, that is, right in the morning, the gears feel too smooth. I can shift through gears very smoothly. after a few kilometres the shift lever starts feeling a bit stiff and the gear shifts are no longer smooth. You will feel some degree of hardness/resistance while shifting.
3) ACCELERATION:Acceleration has improved. It has become more responsive and crisp. The idling RPM at which the engine is set to, is perfect. Even when you stop during an uphill climb, and then at the next moment you have to pull her up to move forward before the slope drags her backwards (if you know what I mean), at such situations just release the clutch to the correct level and the DUO holds still without applying brakes.Quite impressive for a 1061cc engine running on LPG with a full load of 5 people (grown ups).
4) BRAKES:Brakes are sufficient. But I would say there is a little room for improvement. They lack the “Bite” that assures me of the capability of the vehicle to stop under any circumstances. It ‘ll make me feel safer. But they are good as they are.
5) FUEL EFFICIENCY:Fuel efficiency has been quite consistent. City drive gives me between 13.8kmpl to 15kmpl. Not much difference between Petrol and LPG. But LPG feels smoother, though less powerful. In an attempt to get the best mileage, I drove very calmly, shifting gears at the right time, no half clutch, no unnecessary revving, used the accelerator only when needed. Tried to cruise at a constant speed. No unnecessary braking or sudden acceleration, stayed below 65kmph.. but to my surprise I still got the same mileage. Then the next day when I drove her, I wasn’t too soft on her. I used the accelerator generously and also sped upto 110kmph at two different instances. AND STILL.. I got almost the same mileage. And I tried this about 3 to 5 times in a span of 2 months. Quite strange. But if that’s the case, I might as well rev her up and enjoy a strong ride.
6) TYRES: I am not happy with these tyres. Theyhave to be broader. Definitely. Maruti Alto has got tyres with a better profile. To my knowledge, they are 145/80 R12 as compared to Wagon R’s 145/70 on a R13 (that was in Aug 2008) I am not sure what they are giving out today. But at that time the Wagon R Vxi (Petrol only) variant had better (thicker) tyres than the DUO Lxi. There was no Vxi option for a DUO that time. All I mean to say is that the tyres should not be too thin and they should feel like radials. I will be upgrading them to better ones as soon as the tread wears off.
7) STEERING/HANDLING:The EPS (Electronic power steering) works beautifully through city traffic and sharp turns. One of the most impressive features of the Wagon R. Nothing much to say about that. Its still good.. after a year. Even at speeds above 120kmph everything feels quite under control (though I would have preferred stronger radials at such speeds). Maximum speed I have tried it 130kmph. It felt as if she wants to go faster and I am sure she can.
8) LIGHTS:Initially I felt that the lights (headlamps) are quite good and would be more than sufficient. But gradually as I began making more highway trips and it used to get dark by the time I came back, I started feeling the need to have some better light. Who doesn’t want better visibility at night, right..? So I changed the stock headlights 60/55W to H4-100/90W Phillips along with a cut-out. It costed me Rs.600/- for the cut out and Rs.280/- for 2 H4 bulbs. The difference is surely noticeable. I also had to replace the front right turn signal lamp once.
9) SUSPENSION:It is quite good. It absorbs most of the bumps quite effectively. No complains about it, however, it would have been better if thicker tyres were used.
10) A/C and Heater:Cools/Warms quite fast. Nothing exceptional I would really appreciate some A/C vents near the back seats as well. Maybe I am asking too much, but that is something that all small car owners would really love to see.
NOTE: I had my Wagon R DUO serviced regularly without any delays. I did not use any modifications except for the cutout and new head lamps. I am planning to fit in a K&N Air Filter and will be using synthetic Engine oil from now on.
*I am very much satisfied with the overall performance of the Wagon R DUO. You can read the original review at:
https://mouthshut.com/review/Maruti_Suzuki_Wagon_R-158792-1.html
*Suggestions and Comments are welcome..!!
