Loaded with new features

Maruti Stingray is a feature-rich sporty car

It was probably not the best looking car (perceptions are subjective), but it did rule the Indian roads for more than one-and-half decades. The small, original ‘Tallboy’design car, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has now been rechristened as ‘Stingray’. Though Stingray has recently replaced Wagon R, it is a vast improvement in all respects. To check out the new car I recently drove Stingray on the outskirts of Bangalore for half-a-day.

The first thing one cannot miss is the fact that the basic design of the Stingray is similar to that of the Wagon R. But there are major differences between the two models: the bold and aggressive front fascia, sporty side skirting, B-pillar black-out strip and stylish rear spoiler add a new character to the Stingray. The gunmetal grey coloured alloy-wheels, chrome plated tail lamps and chrome back-door garnish with Stingray have further enriched the styling of the car. The front of the car gets refreshed bumpers with large air damps and new fog lamp housings that give it an aggressive look. Also part of the standard features lists is the sleek headlamp cluster, along with the projector unit (first in segment).

But to add more value for the customers, Maruti has loaded Stingray with many new features in the interior, normally seen in the higher-priced cars. All-black ambiance with premium upholstery lends richness and sophistication to the interiors. The designers have played with the piano black finish to add alight reflecting glassy premiumness. Smart use of chrome on door handles and AC louvers adds a dash of luxury to the interiors.The Stingray blue themed instrument cluster is all new with multi information display that shows Instant and Average fuel economy, distance to empty etc.

New features in Stingray:

First in the class: Expressive projector headlamps and Stylish reflector grille

Aggressive Exteriors: Gunmetal grey coloured alloy wheels, Stylish rear spoiler, Sporty side skirts, Chrome garnished rear combination lamp and Chrome back door garnish with “Stingray” embossing

Premium interiors: Premium black upholstery with Stingray themed seats Leather wrapped steering with audio controls (Vxi optional), Chrome accentuated interiors, Blue themed instrument cluster

Feature loaded: Multi information display - Distance to empty, Instant & Average fuel economy, Audio system (USB & AUX support) with backlit buttons, Front & Rear Power window with front auto down (Drive Side), Tilt adjustable steering, Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirror, Driver airbag and ABS ( VXi Option) and Rear wiper and De-fogger (VXi)

Smooth driving

The new car has been powered with Suzuki’s much acclaimed K-10 petrol engine. The 998cc three-cylinder K-series engine delivers a power of 68PS @ 6200rpm and a high torque of 90Nm @ 3500 rpm. From my driving experience it was clear that the car has a lot of punch in the lower gears, but pickup become sluggish on higher gears. But for a small and compact car that is ideal for the city driving, one cannot expect too much of power from a 1 litre engine. Besides, when delivering the most optimum fuel efficiency is the primary objective of Stingray, the speedy acceleration cannot be the priority. The company claims a ARAI approved fuel efficiency of 20.5 km, under the ideal driving conditions. Stingray’s powertrain also offers much improved gearshift which is a major plus point for the stop-and-go city driving.

Stingray will cost about Rs 20,000 more than the outgoing Wagon R, but considering the new features, it will not be a bad deal for the customers. The ex-showroom prices (Delhi) are as follows: Lxi: Rs 4.10 lakh, Vxi: Rs 4.38 lakh and Vxi (Opt): Rs 4.67 lakh. The VXi (opt) comes equipped with ABS-EBD and driver-side airbag.

The writer is a business journalist and a freelance writer writing test drive reports on cars / SUVs for the last 10 years. Can be contacted on dilipmaitra@gmail.com. (Any unauthorised copy and reproduction of images are prohibited. Please write for permission.)