Maruti Wagon R vs Santro

Comparison of the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R and the Hyundai Santro—two of India’s top-budget hatchbacks. This covers price, mileage, features, space, and key buying points as of July 2025.

1. Pricing (2025 On-Road & Ex-Showroom)

Model	Ex-Showroom Price	Typical On-Road Price
Wagon R	₹5.64–7.62 lakh	₹6.4–8.6 lakh
Santro	₹4.90–6.45 lakh	₹5.4–7.0 lakh

Wagon R is generally more expensive, offering more variants and features at the top end. Santro starts lower, thus appealing to budget buyers

2. Engine & Performance

	Maruti Wagon R	Hyundai Santro
Engine Options	1.0L (67PS), 1.2L (89PS), CNG option	1.1L (68PS), CNG option
Gearbox	Manual / AMT	Manual / AMT
Power	66–89bhp	68bhp
Torque	82–113Nm	99Nm

Wagon R offers a choice of two petrol engines (including a peppy 1.2L), while Santro has a single, proven 1.1L engine in both petrol and CNG

3. Mileage (ARAI Certified)

Variant (Fuel/Transmission)	Wagon R	Santro
Petrol Manual	24.35 kmpl	20.3 kmpl
Petrol Automatic (AMT)	25.19 kmpl	20.3 kmpl
CNG Manual	34.05 km/kg	30.48 km/kg

Wagon R delivers better mileage in all variants, especially the CNG, making it the efficiency king in city and mixed conditions

4. Dimensions & Boot Space

	Wagon R	Santro
Length (mm)	3,655	3,610
Width (mm)	1,620	1,645
Height (mm)	1,675	1,560
Wheelbase (mm)	2,435	2,400
Boot Space	341L	~235L

Wagon R is taller and offers a much bigger boot, making it ultra-practical for city use and luggage

5. Key Features

Wagon R (2025) Highlights:

6 airbags (from mid trims up)
7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
Power windows, central locking, LED DRLs, rear parking sensors
Idle start/stop (improves mileage)
Electrically adjustable & folding mirrors

Santro Highlights:

Touchscreen infotainment (top trims)
Steering-mounted controls, remote key, rear AC vents
ABS with EBD, dual airbags
Rear parking sensors, power steering/windows
Both are well-equipped for entry hatchbacks; Wagon R offers more safety (6 airbags), larger touchscreen, and modern connectivity on higher trims

6. Driving Experience & Space

Wagon R: Tall-boy, upright seating, excellent ingress/egress for all ages, more headroom, and a spacious rear seat. Ride is tuned for comfort—great for families, seniors, and urban users.
Santro: Lower, “car-like” driving position, slightly wider for shoulder space, better for spirited cornering. Ride is supple; rear seat best for 2 adults plus a child.

7. Safety

Wagon R (2025): 6 airbags standard above base, ESP, rear sensors. Improved safety over older models
Santro: Dual airbags, ABS+EBD, seatbelt warning, child locks.

8. Maintenance & Resale

Wagon R: Maruti’s massive network, low parts cost, best resale in class.
Santro: Hyundai’s service reach is excellent in metros and towns; slightly higher parts cost, steady resale but not as robust as Maruti.

9. Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Choose This If…	Wagon R	Santro
Best fuel efficiency, big boot, resale, safety	✔️
Budget price, stylish dash, compact city drive		✔️
Tallest cabin, easy access for elderly/child seats	✔️
CNG for lowest running cost	✔️ Slight edge	✔️
Feature-rich top model, connected infotainment	✔️	✔️ (but fewer features)
Ride/handling feels more fun and direct (urban)		✔️

In summary:

Wagon R dominates on space, mileage, features, and resale; great for families and practical buyers.
Santro is best for pure value, style, smoothness, and those preferring a lower driving position.

Test-drive both before buying—choose Wagon R if mileage, boot space, and long-term value matter most; select Santro for affordable entry, easy city use, or slightly more comfort on a tight budget.

Prices, features, and specs are current as of July 2025. Check latest offers and local availability as both cars may have varying waiting periods and variant availability in different cities.

Disclaimer: Prices, specifications, mileage figures and feature lists cited in this article are based on publicly available information as of July 2025 and may change without notice. Always confirm the latest details with authorised dealers or the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, technical or legal advice. Neither the author nor this website assumes any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Mileage Disclaimer: All mileage figures mentioned in this article, including ARAI-certified and real-world fuel efficiency numbers, are indicative and may vary significantly based on actual driving conditions, rider weight, vehicle maintenance, road conditions, traffic patterns, riding style, fuel quality, weather conditions, and individual vehicle variations. ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) test figures are obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and may not reflect real-world performance. Actual mileage typically ranges 10-30% lower than ARAI figures depending on usage patterns. Urban city riding generally delivers lower mileage compared to highway cruising at optimal speeds. Regular maintenance, proper tire pressure, quality fuel, and smooth riding techniques can help achieve better fuel efficiency. The mileage figures quoted from user reviews and owner reports represent individual experiences and should not be considered as guaranteed performance standards. Always test ride with a helmet and evaluate real-world performance before making a purchase decision.

References