New Maruti Swift or WagonR – What to Buy for Rs 6.5 Lakh?

We are comparing two heavyweights from the largest carmaker in the country, Maruti Swift and WagonR. These two have been selling like hotcakes in our market for years now. Interestingly, both of them are still at the peak of their demand at the moment. On one hand, we have the Maruti Swift in its fourth generation. It was launched just a few weeks ago. In its new iteration, it bears modern looks, new-age features and safety amenities, and a brand-new engine with impressive mileage. On the other hand, WagonR is available in multiple petrol engines along with a CNG variant. Hence, buyers get the option to choose between a wide variety of engines as per their needs. Let us compare the two closely priced versions of these two.

Maruti Swift vs WagonR – Price Comparison

The first aspect we need to consider is the price. Since were are looking at the Rs 6.5 lakh mark, only the base Lxi model of the Swift becomes eligible. It has a price tag of Rs 6.49 lakh, ex-showroom. Despite being the base variant, the largest carmaker in the country is offering some handy features including safety amenities. Note that the top model retails for Rs 9.65 lakh, ex-showroom. However, many people opt for the base trim who love Swift but don’t have a flexible budget. On the other hand, the buyers will get multiple options with the WagonR around this price point. At Rs 6.28 lakh, the Zxi version is available, for Rs 6.45 lakh, the Lxi CNG variant becomes available and for Rs 6.50 lakh, the buyers can even get the Vxi AMT trim. Hence, people can choose between either petrol, CNG or automatic versions. That is a huge advantage in favour of the WagonR.

Maruti Swift vs WagonR – Specs Comparison

The new Maruti Swift comes with a brand new engine in this fourth-generation version. There is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder Z12E petrol engine with mild hybrid tech which generates a decent 82 PS and 112 Nm of peak power and torque. Complementing this mill is either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. Note that the base Lxi version only offers a 5-speed manual transmission. A key attraction of the new Swift is its impressive 24.8 km/l mileage in manual and 25.75 kmpl mileage in AMT avatar. Apart from that, it offers a usable boot space of 265 litres. Also, Swift is a sporty hatchback which has a ground clearance of 163 mm. That is geared more toward enthusiastic driving direction but is decent to go over most undulations on Indian roads. Hence, the new Swift is a great overall package.

On the other hand, the list of powertrain options with the Maruti WagonR is rather extensive. There is either a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine which produces a healthy 90 PS and 113 Nm, a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol mill which churns out 67 PS and 89 Nm in petrol and 56 PS and 82 Nm of peak power and torque in CNG version. There are options of choosing between either a 5-speed manual or an AMT gearbox. Interestingly, potential buyers can opt for any of these combinations at the aforementioned price point. Note that the CNG versions don’t offer the convenience of automatic transmission. The mileage for the 1.2L petrol manual is 23.56 kmpl, for 1.0L petrol manual is 24.35 kmpl and for the 1.0L CNG is 34.05 km/kg. For the 1.2L automatic, the mileage stands at 24.43 kmpl, while for the 1.0L automatic, it is 25.19 kmpl. Even it offers a relatively large boot of 341 litres.

Features – Who Offers What?

Now, on one hand, we have the Maruti Swift in its base trim and on the other, the WagonR is available in mid-trims. Still, Maruti Suzuki has ensured that it offers a few basic features even in the base model of the Swift. Moreover, the list of standard safety features is quite impressive. That could help the new Swift score decent safety ratings at the Bharat NCAP going forward. On the other hand, the WagonR offers a slew of modern comfort, connectivity and convenience features to pamper its owners. To start with, let us take a look at what the new Maruti Swift offers in its base Lxi variant.

• MID Driver’s Instrument Cluster
• LED Taillamps
• 14-inch Steel Wheels
• Manual Air Conditioner with Panel Illumination
• Central Door Locking
• Keyless Entry System
• Projector Halogen Headlamps
• Adjustable Front Seat Headrests
• Power Windows (Front and Rear)
• Power and Tilt Steering Wheel
• Front Accessory Socket
• Electric Back Door Opener
• Rear Defogger
• Manually Adjustable ORVMs
• 6 Airbags
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist
• ABS with EBD
• Reverse Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

On the other hand, let us take into account the main functionalities of the Maruti WagonR Zxi trim:

• Smartplay Dock
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• 2-Speaker Audio System
• USB Port
• Steering-Mounted Audio Control
• Day/Night IRVM
• Tilt Steering Adjustment
• Idle Start/Stop (ISS)
• Remove Keyless Entry
• Power Windows
• Accessory Socket Front Row with Storage Space
• AC and Heater
• Rear Parcel Tray
• 2 Airbags
• ABS with EBD
• Electronic Stability Program
• Speed Sensitive Auto Door Lock
• Rear Parking Sensors
• Seatbelt Reminder with Buzzer (Front and Rear)

Dimensions – The Bigger One?

In terms of dimensions, both of these are somewhat similar. Hence, people won’t notice any major difference in terms of the size of the two. That makes things slightly easier in terms of road presence. However, Swift being the newer of the two, bears modern design elements which enhance its road presence. Still, the WagonR is not outdated at all even though it features the familiar tall-boy stance. The Swift is the longer of the two which also translates into a longer wheelbase. However, the WagonR is taller than Swift. Also, Swift has a larger fuel tank which ensures longer gaps between fuel stops. Let us compare the two in terms of specific dimension parameters.

Our View

Now, choosing between these two can be quite tricky. On one hand, we have the latest fourth-generation Maruti Swift. It has been the go-to choice for a whole bunch of people over close to two decades. Its charm and appeal are still very much alive. In its latest avatar, it bears a striking appearance. It is better to drive than the WagonR. However, you get the base Lxi model of the Swift at Rs 6.50 lakh. Hence, it definitely lacks convenience and connectivity features. On the other hand, the WagonR, in its Zxi trim offers tons of modern functionalities. There are options of going for multiple petrol engines, fuel types and transmissions at this price point. Hence, buyers definitely have a much higher flexibility. In any case, the final decision depends on individuals. Swift lovers will go for the Swift in any case. But those looking for an all-rounder should purchase the WagonR.

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