I had driven the old Ambi & Fiat and then the M800. I bought a WagonR a couple of years ago. Reasons for the choice:
Maruti is today what Fiat / Ambi were a generation ago - every second garage can fix them in a crisis. Besides, Maruti themselves have a very large number of authorised service centres [I’m in Bangalore, if it makes a difference].
The high roof overhead [and higher seat level] makes for more comfortable seating. You don’t have to sink into the seat. I have a back problem and this counted for a lot. The other choice for easy seating, Santro, lost out because of far fewer service facilities in my opinion. The M800 and Indica have a low seat by comparision.
Given our roads, I was also looking for a high [or highest available] under-clearance, which WagonR has.
The power steering wasn’t a consideration since I was not used to it [I hadn’t had it on my previous cars]. Once you get used to it, however, you wonder how you ever managed without it - laziness increases ;-).
Mileage: since I was changing from M800 to WagonR, I lost out on the mileage - in city, without AC, I get around 14 kmpl consistently depending on traffic. With AC it goes down to 12-13. Outside the city I have had it give 16-17 kmpl - again without AC.
The engine was so quiet during the first year that I tried to start it - thinking I’d switched off - when idling at the traffic lights a couple of times. Even today it’s quiet.
The ability to make the seat backs totally flat is helpful - you can make a bed for a sick person you have to transport or increase boot space substantially for carrying larger items.
My wife is short and, therefore, finds the seat a trifle too high for driving. On the other hand, when we all go out together, the leg space is appreciated - back and front.
According to me, it’s great for city and short distance trips. I haven’t made any long distance trips in this car, so I couldn’t really judge. The odd shape appears to have put off some people, but I have no problems with it.