I got my new Wagon R LXI this February. I went through all the trials and tribulations of which car to buy, finally settling down on this. I was confused between Santro Xing GLS and Wagon R LXI.
*What I like about the car**: Good driving comfort (except the coming back from 5th to 4th, and also moving to Reverse), always gives the impression of a huge space inside, I can literraly walk in and out of the car, without stooping low, AC is noce and powerful (though when at full fan speed, the noise is immense), not very much bouncy (but bouncier than Santro Xing), stylish and good looking compared to the previous model, and also sometimes I feel better looking than Xing.
*What I disliked about the car**: One can feel the difference in power with the AC on, the body doesnt give much of a "tough" impression, the speaker-system is pathetic (only 2 small frontal speakers, back speakers have to be mounted on and additional wooden ply). The smoothness of the gearshifts, which one finds initially, are gone after the first servicing. Currently the mileage is around 13kmpl in Kolkata traffic, which I think needs some servicing to be improved. Finally, at the price for which I have bought the car, I would easily got a Santro Xing GLS, along with sound system and power windows. I ultimately ended up paying around 4 lakhs for the car, plus additional money for speakers, seat covers, autocops, etc.
Strange problem I see: If I give the right indicator, and steer right, then I steer back to center, the indicator doesnt shut off. It goes on till I steer a little left from the center.
*First servicing blues: **The service center of the dealer, Auto-Hitech, was located in one of the strangest (read small galli, utterly unreachable place) in South Kolkata. I was told I will have to shell out Rs.1050, as the servicing is free, but they will replace the mobil, and one or 2 more things. I was told the coolant will be topped up free of charge, and that the car will go a complete check, and cleaning. I was also told the indicator problem will be solved.
I left the car, along with my old driver at the service station.....it took them 5 hours to service it. When my driver came back, he reported that they just changed the mobil, tightened the clutch and brake, and left the car, with its bonnet open, for more than 4 hours. After that they took him out or a test ride, and that was it. Even the indicator was malfunctioning as earlier, and when my driver asked about the coolant, they said its not required (it was half-full when I left the car).
*Current status: **I have drove it for more than 2000 kms, in not even 2 months. Its nice to drive, but somehow I feel cheated.
*Suggestion for future buyers: **If in doubt between Maruti Wagon R LXI, and Santro Xing GLS, go for Santro XING GLS. **Reason is:** As a car you get a much better car, the price you get is much more competitive, and you get them at a short notice (and the price doesn’t vary between booking and delivery date), and as Maruti is the leader in the small car segment, they have become very very complacent. Santro actually has much better service I guess.
As for the mileage, in both the cars you should get around 15kmpl in city traffic.