Maruti Suzuki’s practical tall-boy hatchback, the Wagon R, is now available in an all-new avatar. This third-generation model improves upon the outgoing car in terms of space, features, performance and even practicality. This new Wagon R is available with two engine options with two transmission options each, spread across twelve variants. The Wagon R is also available across a wide price band with prices starting at Rs 4.19 and topping-off at Rs 5.69 lakh.

What are the engines on offer?

There are two engines on offer – the first is a 68hp 1.0-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine, same as the outgoing car; the second is an 83hp, 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which also powers larger Maruti cars like the Swift, Baleno, Dzire and Ignis. Both these engines are mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automated manual transmission (AMT/automatic).

The 1.0-litre engine has the lower starting price; but identical variants of the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engines are separated by Rs 20,000. The price difference is fair for the added performance that the 1.2-litre engine offers. The fuel efficiency penalty for all the added performance of the 1.2-litre motor is merely 1kpl, as the 1.0-litre’s claimed efficiency is 22.5kpl while the 1.2-litre’s is 21.5kpl.

AMT versions are priced Rs 47,000 more than the 5-speed manual versions of the same trim. While the manual’s clutch is light and its gearbox easy enough to operate; the AMT is worth the premium if your usage is primarily in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

What are the variants on offer?

The 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engines are both available in six variants each. The 1.0-litre is available right from the base LXI and LXI O variant up to the mid-spec VXI O variant; this engine doesn’t come in the top-spec ZXI variant. The 1.2-litre starts from the mid-spec VXI and VXI O variant, and goes all the way to the top-spec ZXI variant; it isn’t available in the base LXI and LXI O trims.

The LXI is the entry-level variant but is equipped with safety essentials like ABS with EBD, a driver’s airbag, rear parking sensors, front seat-belt reminder and speed alert system. Body-coloured bumpers, central locking, front power windows and an MID are also part of the package. The mid-spec VXI costs Rs 50,000 more but adds in quite a bit. Body-coloured mirrors and door handles, blackened B-pillars, full-wheel caps, wider 165mm tyres with 14-inch steel wheels aside, the VXI also gets a Bluetooth audio system with two speakers, steering-mounted audio controls, electric mirror adjustment, four power windows, day/night inside mirror, 60:40-split rear seats, remote key entry, rear parcel shelf, speed-sensing door lock, and a security alarm.

The LXI and VXI get an optional pack which includes a passenger airbag and front seat-belt pre-tensioners for an additional Rs 6,500. We highly recommended opting for this pack.

For Rs 33,000 over the 1.2-litre VXI, is the 1.2-litre ZXI – the range topping version which gets front fog lamps, a tachometer, rear defogger, rear wiper and washer, electric folding outside mirrors with turn indicators, and more importantly – a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Which is the variant to buy?

If you are constrained by a strict budget, go in for the 1.0-litre LXI O. Yes, performance of the 1.0-litre won’t be as strong as the 1.2-litre; however this motor is very fuel-efficient. Also, this LXI O variant has all the basics covered quite well. Owners can opt for certain accessories like an audio system and wider tyres; and customise their own cars as per their taste.

If you can stretch for the 1.2-litre ZXI – at Rs 5.22 lakh, this variant offers a lot of kit for a small price premium over the VXI, and many of these can’t be retro-fitted, aftermarket. So the 1.2-litre ZXI would be our pick of the range.