Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R CNG is a practical choice. However, if your family wants a different car, you can consider the Tata Tiago CNG XT MT. It will cost less than 8 lakhs on road and will still give you the benefit of CNG, and offers more equipment than the Wagon R. 

Fronx is not recommended, as in the budget, you will have to pick the base variant. It will not have many of the features which add to the convenience. 

Another, more practical option is to explore the second-hand market. This opens up access to a wider range of cars within your budget. With online platforms like Spinny, etc., the pre-owned buying process is now pretty transparent than earlier. 

Thank you for your comments and for being such a long-time reader. We respect your views on the various Maruti-Suzuki cars that didn’t get their due. However, it is not Maruti-Suzuki that decides the success or failure of a car, but the customer who is very demanding and has other choices and options. 

The Kizashi failed because, for the price, customers didn’t see value in it. The A-Star was too small and cramped for the price. Going back to the start of this century, the Baleno sedan was overpriced, and the Baleno Altura failed because Indian customers don’t like station wagons or estates. In fact, there has never been a successful estate car yet. 

The Ignis, too, though a capable car, has not clicked largely due to its design. The reason we recommend the Wagon R regularly is that it is a practical choice. It offers unmatched space and is easy to drive and live with - attributes that have made it so popular.
 

You should choose between the Maruti Suzuki Ignis Zeta AMT and the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R 1.2 AMT ZXI Plus. Both models are powered by 1.2-litre petrol engines that give them a power advantage over other automatic Marutis in your budget (namely, Celerio, Alto K10 and S-Presso).

Both use automated manual transmission or AMT-type automatics. While these aren't the slickest automatic gearboxes, Maruti's AMTs work smoothly enough if you adopt an easygoing driving style. Fuel economy is also excellent.  

Of the two, the Wagon R is more spacious and has a more absorbent ride comfort. On the other hand, the Ignis packs in more features for the same money. If cabin space isn't a deal breaker, opt for the Ignis. 

You can go for CNG if the network in your city is good, and the car that you can pick is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R. It comes with 6 airbags, taking care of your safety requirements. Also, it comes with an antilock braking system and electronic brake distribution. 

Moreover, it gives great fuel efficiency with CNG, and you have the benefit of switching to petrol when you want. The other option is the Maruti Suzuki Celerio, again a reliable car with good features. 

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R will suit your requirements of an automatic car that's easy to get in and out of and below Rs 7 lakh. The car is also easy to drive with light controls. It is, however, a bit old now, and if you would like something newer and more exciting, you could look at the newly launched Tata Punch. The car's taller height allows for easy entry and egress, along with doors that open to a full 90 degrees. It will require you to stretch your Rs 7 lakh budget, though.  

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the right pick for your requirements. Its high seating makes getting in and out very easy. The large glasshouse also gives a great view of your surroundings, so you won't need to crane your neck for a better look. 

The Wagon R is also easy to drive, though we'd recommend the 1.2-litre petrol version for its added power. The standard 1.0-litre petrol feels dull, especially on inclines.