Maruti Suzuki is making a bold move by launching the Wagon R Stingray in the Indian market. The company has already dispatched the vehicle to its dealers and the launch will take place on the 21st of August in Delhi, with a Mumbai launch happening on the 22nd. The Stingray is not really a new model but the existing Wagon R with cosmetic changes to lure buyers who give heavy emphasis to styling and exterior appeal. Not that we find the Maruti Wagon R Stingray attractive but the car does have a charm of its own, thanks to the unique front end. We checked out the Maruti Wagon R Stingray earlier today and will quickly cover the changes in a pictorial review.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9545712757/[/flickr]
The front is undoubtedly the most attractive part of the Wagon R Stingray. The clamshell bonnet is inspired form SUVs and the grille has a glass covering which gives a very good appearance. Notice the different front bumper with a large radiator grille and new fog lamp housing.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9545713223/[/flickr]
Projector headlights on a hatchback, a definite segment first. To be offered on the top variant.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9545713935/[/flickr]
Gun metal alloy wheels slapped onto 155/65/14 Goodyear tyres. The Wagon R no longer looks under-tyred.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9545714407/[/flickr]
Side profile reveals the blackened out b-pillar and lack of roof rails. Don’t miss the side skirts, the Stingray has a body kit.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9548498714/[/flickr]
The rear is the same as the regular Wagon R but you get a roof mounted spoiler and the rear fog light isn’t placed on the lower half of the bumper. The clear lens tail lights are new though and look really cool. ‘STINGRAY WAGON R’ is embossed on the chrome garnish over the number plate. However compared to the front, the rear is a disappointment.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9548498040/[/flickr]
The dashboard is the same as the regular Wagon R but there are changes which make the cabin a much better place to be in.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9545714325/[/flickr]
The steering wheel is leather wrapped and there are audio controls on the steering wheel.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9548501226/[/flickr]
The instrument cluster has STINGRAY written in it and the blue background looks cool. The vehicle offers multi-information display with real time mileage figures, two trip meters and range (distance to empty). You can also change the intensity of the cluster’s backlit.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9548501838/[/flickr]
The Wagon R Stingray is offered in three variants – LXi, VXi and VXi (option). The option pack gets ABS, driver side airbag, projector headlights, steering mounted audio controls and electrically adjustable rear view mirrors.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9545714383/[/flickr]
Notice the piano black finish on the dashboard and doors, instead of silver inserts. The side AC vents get silver surrounds.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9548497896/[/flickr]
Similar boot capacity as the regular Wagon R. Can swallow 180-litres and the rear seats fold to boost luggage carrying capacity even further.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9548498158/[/flickr]
Powering the Maruti Wagon R Stingray is the same 998cc, K10B petrol engine. This 3-pot unit belts out 68 PS of power at 6200 RPM and 90 Nm of torque at 3500 RPM. The 12-valve engine is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/9548496950/[/flickr]
So the Maruti Wagon R Stingray isn’t much different from the regular Wagon R. In a nutshell you get a new front-end, body kit, bigger wheels, new tail lights, all black interiors and slightly more features. The engine doesn’t have any additional sting which is a disappointment. Maruti Suzuki would like to pocket an additional Rs. 40,000/- for the above changes, would a regular Wagon R buyer oblige? Or would he rather get the Ritz/Swift LXi?
