Is The Maruti S-Presso Close Enough To The Bigger Wagon R’s Perch?

The Maruti Suzuki S-Presso is India’s largest carmaker’s first foray into the mini-cross hatchback segment. The carmaker has already tasted some success with the S-Presso, racking up 10,000 bookings in just 11 days since launch. Another plus for the S-Presso is its price tag of Rs 3.69 lakh to Rs 4.91 lakh (ex-showroom). It is also future-proof and comes with a BS6-compliant engine. While the S-Presso’s primary rival is the Renault Kwid, it must be mentioned that the top-spec variant of the S-Presso is just Rs 38,000 shy of the Wagon R. This gap closes quickly if you pick some accessories for the S-Presso. The Wagon R is a bigger and more premium offering and also has more space inside. Maruti is also prepping up a more premium avatar of the Wagon R called XL5, which will be sold via Nexa showrooms. But with the XL5 yet to arrive, should you extend your budget and go for the Wagon R or ride the S-Presso wave?

	Maruti Suzuki S-Presso VXI+	Maruti Suzuki Wagon R VXI (O) 1.0-litre	Difference
Prices (ex-showroom Delhi)	Rs 4.48 lakh (MT)/Rs 4.91 lakh (AMT)	Rs 4.86 lakh (MT)/ Rs 5.33 lakh (AMT)	Rs 38,000 (MT) / Rs 42,000 (AMT)

As seen in the above table, the top-spec 1.0-litre variant of the Wagon R costs Rs 42,000 more than the top-spec S-Presso. Let’s compare the two:

Dimensions:

Though both models are based on different iterations of Maruti’s Heartect platform, it is clear that the Wagon R is the bigger car here. It is 90mm longer — a full 100mm wider and 111mm taller than the S-Presso. Even the Wagon R’s wheelbase is longer by 55mm. This also reflects in the… 

… Interior Dimensions:

The Wagon R being the taller car, has more headroom at the front and back. The full 111mm width advantage over the S-Presso means the Wagon R has better cabin width and is your best bet if five people will be using the car often. That said, the S-Presso has equivalent minimum knee room at the front while it trumps the Wagon R in terms of rear knee room. This comes as a surprise as the S-Presso is a full 90mm smaller than the Wagon R.

Meanwhile, the WagonR utilises it's extra length in the cargo department, by offering 71 litres of additional boot space compared to the S-Presso.

Features:

The top-spec variant of the Wagon R 1.0-litre is the VXI (O), which is a step below the S-Presso’s VXi+ variant. That means, the Wagon R lacks some niceties such as a touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and steering mounted controls — both of which the S-Presso offers. That said, the Wagon R still comes with a two-din infotainment system with a SmartPlay dock. 

On the other hand, the Wagon R packs in rear power windows and electrically adjustable ORVMs —  two important convenience features that the S-Presso lacks and can be crucial for senior drivers. 

Meanwhile, common features on both models include a manual HVAC, multi-info display and remote locking function. 

Safety Features:

Both models stack equally in the safety department and come with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, driver and co-driver seat belt warning, and a high-speed alert. 

Powertrain Options:

Both models come with a 1.0-litre K10B petrol engine that develops 68PS of power and 90Nm of torque. However, the S-Presso’s unit is BS6 compliant while the Wagon R still chugs on with a BS4-compliant unit. Having said that, the S-Presso’s BS6-compliant unit is a tad less fuel efficient than the Wagon R’s BS4. Transmission options on both models include a 5-speed manual and AMT.  

The Wagon R also offers you an eco-friendly CNG option while the top-spec ZXI variant comes with a  more powerful 1.2-litre K12B engine option. 

Verdict:

The Wagon R is pricier by Rs 42,000 and the major negative is the lack of a touchscreen infotainment system and steering mounted controls. It also comes with a BS4-compliant engine, unlike its smaller sibling. That said, the Wagon R is the bigger car here and packs in additional convenience features. If you accessorise your top-spec S-Presso, the bigger Maruti Wagon R seems like a more value-for-money proposition.