The Maruti Suzuki WagonR has been one of India’s best-selling cars for years. From January to April this year, it secured the second spot on the best-selling cars list. However, there’s something incredibly surprising about this compact car: it has a poor safety record. According to Global NCAP crash tests, the WagonR has drastically underperformed, earning a mere one-star rating for adult safety and an even worse zero-star rating for child safety. Yet, incredibly, 71,386 units of this car were sold in just the past four months, making it the country’s top-selling hatchback last month. This brings us to the burning question: why are consumers continuing to buy a car with such compromised safety?

Space and Mileage

One of the main reasons WagonR remains popular among the Indian middle class is its family-friendly design and exceptional mileage. The car is available with either a 1.0L or a 1.2L petrol engine and even offers a CNG variant. It boasts an impressive mileage of 34.04 km/kg. With both automatic and manual transmission options, the WagonR delivers strong performance across the board. For many Indian families, its ample space and practical storage are significant selling points. There’s plenty of room for luggage, making it a practical choice for long road trips and daily commutes alike.

Features

Beyond space and mileage, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR is loaded with features that appeal to tech-savvy and safety-conscious families alike. The car comes equipped with a 7-inch SmartPlay Studio touchscreen infotainment system that includes smartphone navigation and a 4-speaker premium sound setup. For safety, it has two airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), hill hold control, and rear parking sensors. Despite its poor crash-test rating, these in-car features offer some level of reassurance.

Is WagonR Value for Money?

At a price range of Rs 5.54 lakh to Rs 7.25 lakh, the WagonR appears to be an attractive option for budget-conscious customers. However, considering the safety aspect, other options on the market offer better crash-test ratings for a similar price. Compact SUVs, for instance, often come with a 4 to 5-star safety rating and more robust build quality. Those prioritizing safety might find alternatives in the same price bracket without compromising on security. Therefore, while WagonR might seem value for money from a feature and space perspective, it falls drastically short when it comes to keeping you and your family safe.

With affordability and familiarity playing a significant role in its success, it’s crucial for consumers to weigh the pros and cons extensively before making a purchase. Given its dismal performance in safety tests, the WagonR may appear less appealing to those with a keen eye for safety.

also read:Mahindra XUV300: Revolutionizing Car Safety With Innovative Features And Advanced Technology