By Lalit Manaktal
21st Dec 99

It was a sunny winter afternoon in Delhi that we landed up at the Maruti test track to drive the newest addition to the Maruti stable - the Wagon-R. Just in time for ....lunch. After partaking of a simple yet tasty meal in their canteen, a not too welcome reminder of my cadetship days on the Training Ship Rajendra, it was time to go to work.

And very pleasant work it turned out to be. Yes indeed, and no sniggers please from macho 'big' car owners. For the Wagon-R is no big car and nor does it pretend to be. Its shape is basically a box on four wheels which, by the way, is ultimately what all cars are. This tall box design is what made a surprising success of another car by one of Maruti's competitors. For the edgy rectangular shape of the cabin makes for a rather roomy interior.

Techy Specs - WAGON - R
Overall Length (mm)	3495
Overall Width (mm)	1475
Overall Height (mm)	1660
Wheel Base (mm)	2360
Ground Clearance (mm)	165
Turining Radius (mts)	4.6
Fuel Tank (ltrs)	35ltrs
Engine - 1061 cc SOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder Ferrous Engine F10D with MPFI and transistorized ignition Bore x Stroke 68.5 x 72 Max. Power 62bhp @ 6000 rpm Max. Torque 8.2 Nm @ 3500 rpm Max. Torque Unladen wieght - 840 kgs
Gear box type - 5 speed Synchromesh gear box, 3 Speed Autmatic transmission Front Suspension - Independent McPherson struts with front stabilizer bar Rear Suspension - Coil springs and gas filled shock absorbers with 3 link rigid axle and isolated trailing arms Front Brakes - Vacuum assisted hydraulic, ventilated disc Rear Brakes - Drum Steering - Rack and pinion. Collapsible Steering column. No of turns lock to lock 3.7 Steering ratio 18.9 Tyre Size - Radial 145/70 R13
The Wagon R is available in 3 different variations : LX, VX and AX Standard Eqpt for the VX model Tinted glass, Body colour bumpers, Outside mirrors Right /Left, Side moulding, Wheel hubcaps, Rear wiper, Radial tyres, Rear split seats, Tachometer, Electronic Multi Tripmeter, Maruti Kenwood Stereo, Key not removed warning buzzer, Light off reminder, AC/heater, Front Power Windows, Central Door locking, Remote fuel lid opener, Halogen Head Lamps, Front Seat Belts, Side Impact Beams
Colors Available : Milky White, M.Atlantic Blue, M.Riviera Red, M.Reddish Silver, M.Exotique Green, M.Euphoria Blue
Rear Seats - Bench type (LX), Split Type with unique features (VX and AX)

It happens to be both functional and practical, made more so by the innovative design of the rear seats. These are split and both recline backwards and fold forwards to become fully horizontal. The boot space, which is not bad to begin with, increases dramatically when the seats are folded forwards. Yes but fully reclinable rear seats? Well, when combined with fully reclined front seats, you get two complete full length beds! Probably for those days when you've had a tiff with the better half.

When used in the normal way the seats were wide and comfortable, with good support. There is more than adequate legroom both in the front and back to seat four good size passengers with ease. Getting in and out of the car is very easy on the knees because of the tall box design. This also leads to an upright stance at the wheel and perforce a more 'in control' driving position.

A position that I not only liked but even needed. For this is a nippy little vehicle with its 1061cc 16 valve 4 cylinder SOHC Ferrous Engine. A new and improved engine not fitted in the model that became a best seller in Japan. This one delivers a max power of 62ps at 6000 rpm and max torque of 8.2nm at 3500 rpm. The ease with which it redlined was a revelation and will make for a nippy ride. Even at 100kph the car made a minimum of fuss while being equally comfortable at low speeds and in high gear. The high gear ratio in fifth will undoubtedly be great for fuel economy - but don't try overtaking without shifting down a gear or two.

Stepping on the responsive brakes at 90 kph stopped the car with squealing tires but hardly any skidding. Sorry for the rubber I left behind on the test track guys! So, was there any downside I hear you ask. Well, in line with the practical, utility impression the interiors have been left pretty basic. The gears were not quite precise and the 'feel' of the steering not quite right. Though in all fairness let it be said that this was a prototype.

Apart from that the Wagon-R gave a firm drive relatively free from road or suspension noise on the good road. The suspension even took the rough track with surprising elan. I was a little concerned at first how it would handle curves at speed but my fears were unfounded because this car showed very good road holding, the narrow track dimensions notwithstanding.

All in all a car the competition should worry about if the price is right and if the shortcomings are overcome.

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