Clash Of Segments: New Maruti Wagon R 2019 vs Maruti Suzuki Ignis - Which Car To Buy?

A tried and tested tallboy hatchback retailed through Arena dealerships or a quirky, millennial-centric Nexa offering, which one should you buy?

Launched at prices ranging from Rs 4.19 lakh to Rs 5.69 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), the Maruti Wagon R 2019 improves upon a tried and tested formula that has worked wonders for Maruti. However, its prices overlap with the Maruti Ignis, which is a quirky offering, targeted more towards millennials. Also, while the former is retailed through Maruti's Arena dealership network, the latter is sold through the more premium Nexa chain of dealerships. In case, you are confused among the two, we have got your back. We have compared closely priced variants of the two to find out which one should you put your money on.

First, let us have a look at the basic differences between the new WagonR and the Ignis.

Dimensions comparison

• Both the new WagonR and the Ignis are based on the same Heartect A platform. Their wheelbase is also identical.

• The Ignis is, however, longer and wider than the WagonR.

• But the WagonR has a bigger boot - its boot volume is 81 litres more than that of the Ignis.

Engine comparison

• Both the Ignis and WagonR share the same 1.2-litre petrol engine in the same state of tune. Both offer manual as well as automatic transmission options.

• The WagonR is lighter than the Ignis. It is more fuel efficient as well, by 0.61kmpl.

• The WagonR can also be had with a 1.0-litre engine, which is less powerful than the 1.2-litre unit. The WagonR 1.0 is more fuel efficient than the WagonR 1.2 by 1kmpl. This engine can also be had with both manual and automatic transmission options.

Now that we have differentiated the two based on basic differences, dimensions and engine specs, let’s have a look at the prices of different variants of the WagonR and Ignis. We will only be comparing variants that are priced within Rs 50,000 of each other. (Prices of all variants of both the cars are at the end of this story)

WagonR 1.0 VXi (O) vs Ignis 1.2 Sigma

Common features: Tilt-adjustable steering, front power windows, auto-down driver window, dual airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioner & force limiters (driver and co-driver), ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, high speed alert system, speed sensing auto door locks, body coloured door handles, ORVMs and bumpers, front seat belt reminder, 12V power outlet.

What WagonR 1.0 VXi (O) has over Ignis 1.2 Sigma: Remote keyless entry, rear power windows, audio system with Bluetooth/USB/Aux connectivity, 2 speakers, electrically adjustable ORVM,Day/Night IRVM, rear seat 60:40 split

What Ignis 1.2 Sigma has over WagonR 1.0 VXi (O): ISOFIX child seat anchor points

Verdict: The mid-spec WagonR 1.0 is available with quite a few additional features over the base-spec Ignis despite being more affordable by Rs 4,000. So, the WagonR 1.0 is the clear winner here. However, it misses out on ISOFIX child seat anchor points. If you have kids who require child seats in the car, the Ignis should be your pick. In all other instances, the WagonR is the better package.

WagonR 1.2 ZXi vs Ignis 1.2 Delta

Common features (over previous variants): Audio system with Bluetooth/USB/Aux connectivity, Steering-mounted audio controls, 2 speakers, remote keyless entry, electrically adjustable ORVM, front and rear power windows, turn signal on ORVM, rear seat 60:40 split, Day/Night IRVM.

What WagonR 1.2 ZXi has over Ignis 1.2 Delta: Rear defogger, 7-inch SmartPlay infotainment system with touchscreen, steering-mounted voice controls, front fog lamps, electrically foldable ORVMs, rear wiper and washer

What Ignis 1.2 Delta has over WagonR 1.2 ZXi: Rear seat adjustable head restraints, ISOFIX anchors points.

Verdict: The WagonR is clearly the better equipped car here and in this variant, it’s also available with the same powertrain as the Ignis. Clearly, it’s the hatchback of choice here, but not for everyone. If you have a kid who’ll need a child seat, we recommend you go for the Ignis as the WagonR doesn’t get ISOFIX child seat attachment even in this variant. The Ignis also gets adjustable rear headrests, which the WagonR doesn’t - useful for those who spend more time at the back or travel with their families.

Why buy the Maruti Suzuki WagonR?

Boot space: The WagonR, despite being shorter in length compared to the Ignis, boasts more than 80 litres of boot space over the Nexa offering. And that should come in really handy over longer journeys when you have a lot of luggage.

Affordable: Prices of the WagonR start from Rs 4.19 lakh (ex-showroom), and now that it packs all the basic safety features, those who’re tight on budget can go for it too. The entry-level variant is, however, powered by a 1.0-litre engine, which is less powerful, but more fuel efficient than the 1.2-litre unit.

Why buy the Maruti Suzuki Ignis?

Nexa experience: The Ignis is retailed through Nexa showrooms and if you go for one, expect a premium experience over regular Maruti Suzuki showrooms. Even Suzuki’s telematics system, Suzuki Connect, which helps in various functions like tracking your car, driving behaviour analysis and a lot more is only available for Nexa cars.

Design: The Ignis’ styling is subjective - some may like it, some may not. It is quirky, but striking too. And out on the road, it’s sure to turn more heads than the WagonR. So, if you’re looking for a hatchback that stands out, Ignis is the one to pick.

All prices are (ex-showroom New Delhi)

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