Dec 27, 2008 06:40 PM
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I would not mention any detailed technical specifications out here, since most of you will be already aware of the same. I just want to share my experience as a Wagon R DUO owner. I was after something that offered a rare combination of power, mileage and good looks. Hyundai Santro and Maruti WagonR DUO were the preferred choices. Santro has always been my favourite.
Dont know why, but it has always been so. Whereas I considered WagonR to be an under-engineered car. Maybe due to the reactions I got from owners of the older version of Wagon R (not DUO). However, couple of "Test drives", reviews at mouthshut, and recommendations from some of my (technically sound) friends, helped me change my opinion. Finally, in the first week of August 2008, I bought the Maruti WagonR Duo.
WHY I CHOSE THE MARUTI WAGONR DUO:
Firstly, Maruti has been around for a long time now. Maruti owners know, a Maruti Product is quite reliable..in terms of product quality, after sales service, maintenance and resale value.
LOOKS: I found her quite decent in looks. Specially the orange **swept back headlamps, new Tail lamp Design, Roof rails that add a sporty look, and a high mounted tail lamp. All these combined together make the WagonR look much attractive than its older version. The upholstry used is quite decent. The instrument cluster is "readable" and not at all confusing. The instrument cluster in the DUO version however, lacks the presence of a tachometer. Not that it makes much of a difference to the vehicle itself, but its presence would have definitely added a pinch of attitude while driving her(atleast for me). Anywayz, most important of all, she doesnt look wierd from any angle.
- POWER: She is quite powerful in the city and on highways as well. Its 16 valve 1061cc engine delivers enough power that can conveniently carry 5 fully grown people at a very decent speed. In these 4 months, NOT EVEN ONCE have I noticed that she is unable to carry heavy loads. Shifting into the right gear at the right time will deliver a flow of uninterrupted power. Its only when all 5 seats are occupied and then if u switch on the A/C, u will feel a slight drop in power..a slightly draggy feel. But the engine is absolutely noiseless. Trust me. U will enjoy the ride on LPG. However on Petrol, the engine does rev up a bit and its noticeable. **Pickup is good in both modes.
DUAL FUEL OPTION:** You can driver her in 3 diff modes.
The dual fuel option helps me drive her on LPG as long as I am in Pune and also in many other cities. LPG stations are coming up in almost all the major cities. LPG costs have dropped down to as low as Rs.30/- per ltr(approx) which make it evn cheaper to drive her. With LPG I get a mileage of 13kmpl to 14kmpl and on Petrol somewhere arond 15kmpl - 16kmpl. On long drives with good road/traffic conditions, the maximum mileage I got out of her on LPG mode was 18kmpl and with Petrol 19.5kmpl.** The LPG fitment in the WagonR Duo is certified by the Department of Explosives (DOE) as well as the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). This robust tank is strong enough to resist the impact of a collision. Backed by genuine Maruti Suzuki technology, the fitments is covered by a complete vehicle warranty. separate tanks for LPG (22.5 litres) and Petrol (35 litres). Pretty good, isnt it..?
OVERALL EXPERIENCE: Engine starts at the first try every morning. No startup problems till now. The WagonR DUO can reach a speed of 100 kmph(and more) without much efforts even when running on LPG mode. She is easy to manouver through zig zag steep climbs, usually referred to as "ghat" in Marathi. An efficient Power steering is one of the best features. I also liked the suspension, which maintains the road to tyre contact and gives a perfect balance at any speed. The headlights are also very powerful offering clear sight for a pretty long distance, which makes driving at night a bit more comfortable. The Car is spacious. Lots of room for the back seaters as well. Back seats are foldable for more storage space. Lots of pockets, hooks and holders and storage places to keep magazines, bottles and personal stuff. Central door locking system wipes off the possibility of any door being left open(provided the windows also are closed) Dashboard does NOT make a rattling sound while driving over bad roads. A/C is quite powerful.
Note: Not even a single breakdown till date.
*AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT:
*- Brakes could have been more powerful.
Two tyre punctures in 4 months. We cannot actually blame anybody for that.
Gear shifts not that smooth. I would give 6/10 for gearbox.
Ignition system does not memorise the previous fuel mode used. I have to set it to LPG mode manually, everytime I switch the ignition back on.
The LPG tank has taken up the stepney's place and the stepney has been mounted above it, therefore reducing the boot space.
power windows had to be fitted separately.
No Vxi version in DUO.
All in all, its a perfect family car. I got what I paid for. She is a real value for money. No doubt about that. I hope this review helps you in making a good choice. Will come up with a new review and a new experience (hopefully a positive one), in a few months. Till then, wish you all the best. Thanks.
