I bought WagonR LX only 2 months back, for Rs.3.3Lac.The car is a treat to drive.It gives 14.5 average with AC with 4 adults in city drive.On long run you get 20+ average.
I have driven Matiz and Santro, and I can say that Matiz does not come close to WagonR in any comparison.As far as Santro is concerned, Santro despite being a good vehicle, loses out in following features-
WagonR Santro
1.0-100km.-14.5sec 17.19sec
2.40-100-21.8sec 29.3sec (in 4th gear)
3.engine-1061cc 999cc
4.valves-16 12
5.bhp-62 55
6.power-73.81 70.88
7.boot-biggest average
8.AC-V.good Good
9.Long drive
comfortable average
10.Racks/shelfs
plenty limited
11.top speed
151kmph 137kmph
While WagonR’s front seats merge with rear seats to make a comfortable double bed, other cars can’t do it.With wide network of Maruti service stations, WagonR becomes a safe and better buy.
In city conditions, with a little change in driving habits, your average should stay beyond 14 kmpl with AC, on long drive you get 18 kmpl with 4 adults, AC ON and boot carrying two large suitcases and other baggage. Without AC you can acheive average beyond 20 Km within city.
Maruti people insist that the gears should be engaged like this:
2nd: at 10 KM
3rd: at 20 Km
4th: at 30 Km
5th: at 40 Km
They recommend to drive between 40-65 in fifth gear for extra ordinary mileage. Further, you have to anticipate the points where u r expected to meet traffic congestion. Before reaching such points u r advised to stop acceleration, so that the momentum of the vehicle is able to carry u to that point. On 15th July 2001 Maruti Udyog organized MILE-EDGE at Lucknow, a car competition for WagonR owners to acheive maximum average. The winner got around 26 Km per litre and my WagonR gave 24 Km/litre, without AC, (but with blower fan switched on) with 2 occupants. Each of the 70 participants felt that in future they should be able to get even better average with their WagonRs.