Hi Friends,
My earlier review about the new WangonR Duo highlighted my pain around the poor service by the MUL Dealer, Chowgule Industries Ltd. (CIL). I was so frustrated that I wrote very little about the car, and hence this review is specifically around the car. Hope it proves the readers helpful.
One of the major reasons to go for this car was its dual fuel feature and more importantly that it runs on LPG. I felt I could make a small contribution to our environment by using a cleaner fuel!!
I have driven my WangonR Duo for around 650 KM only in the last 4 weeks. I have used it mostly within the Pune city to travel to my office and back. I have been driving on LPG only. I have refuelled thrice so far. So far it has been a pleasure driving the car. It was only once that I had some starting problem.
One of the major drawbacks’/design faults’ of this car is the low capacity of the LPG fuel tank. The capacity is 28 litres but one can fill only up to 80% of this capacity, which means that the full tank can accommodate only 22 litres of LPG. This is a little let down given the fact that some one buys such a car to take the advantage of the low fuel cost of LPG compared to Petrol/diesel. So MUL should have had ensured a larger fuel capacity (similar to Omni’s LPG version which has a 60 litre LPG tank). On the other hand MUL has not reduced its petrol tank capacity and it remains a 35 litres tank.
One other issue that I faced was that both the front tyre tube valves were faulty. I had to replace both the tubes within the first 25 days.
In Pune, I have not been able to find too many accessories specific to this new WangonR. I hate those black colored gaurds. Does anyone know if I can get ‘silky silver’ colored guards (side guards, bumper guards, etc)?
The interior space behind the back seat has been reduced and compromised to accommodate the spare wheel as the LPG tank is mounted where the spare wheel used to be earlier. But otherwise the leg space in front and back is decent.
While buying my car I tried finding out if the ‘Duo’ comes in VXi model but I was informed that the Duo is presently available only in the LX and LXi variants. I also tried finding if MUL would be kind enough to fit my LXi with ABS and airbags but even that request was declined. I wonder why MUL decided only on two variants doe the Duo?
Also the gearshift is a little hard but I guess it would get better with the usage.
But overall I must admit that is a good car, especially for moving within the city. I am still getting an average of 9 or so with AC within the city. I am yet to get the first servicing done. I hope that the average would be better after the first two servicings and 3000 km running.
I have another dilemma. What kind of PUC should I get? Would it be a petrol PUC or LPG PUC or both? The dealer was not able to answer this,
One of my biggest complaints is with the dealer and his sales and service team. The sales and service guys don’t seem to have a good knowledge about this new car!! They don’t know how to read the LPG fuel gauge or how does the automatic switch of fuel works or what PUC would the car need. My car is due for its first servicing but I am scared, as I am not sure if they know how to service it.
Please do write your comments about this review. Take care all of you and DRIVE SAFE!!