KUV100 vs WagonR Comparison
Mahindra KUV100 vs Maruti-Suzuki WagonR
Comparison
Overall, The KUV100 diesel is our pick of
this test. It is more than 1 lakh rupees cheaper than all the other
alternatives here. Plus it has excellent drivability, space, and superior rough
road ability than the WagonR. Although it doesn’t have the convenience of the
WagonR AMT’s automatic gearbox, if you are really looking for a automatic
geared vehicle from Maruti-Suzuki’s stables, the Celerio AMT is a way more
superior vehicle than the WagonR. We do not recommend the manual geared WagonR
& KUV100 petrol at all.
Pricing & Features: The top-of-the-line
WagonR ‘VXi’ variant, retails for 4.30 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), which is
without doubt one of the most popular hatchbacks in the country. The same
prospective customers now have the option of a micro-SUV the KUV100 ‘K4’variant
for 50,000 Rs. more i.e. 4.80 Lakh. (WagonR VXi AMT Petrol costs 4.77 lakh and KUV100
K4 Diesel costs 5.60 Lakh ex-showroom Delhi)
Common Features: AC, Power Steering, Power
Windows, Central Locking, Wheel Covers, Tilt Steering
Extra Features in KUV100 (K4): ABS
Extra Features in WagonR (VXi): Keyless
Entry, Stereo: FM, USB, Aux + 4 Speakers, Electrically Adjustable Mirrors, Rear
Wash-Wipe-Defog, Fog Lamps
Performance & Drivability: The sheer
ease and effortlessness of the WagonR AMT automatic is unmatched by the manual
cars. Amongst manuals, the diesel KUV100 has far better drivability than the
petrol powered WagonR and KUV, which is not surprising given that it has 50%
more torque and almost no turbo-lag. This makes it immensely easy to potter
around town. The KUV100 is also surprisingly refined for a diesel, and though
it is still not as refined as the WagonR’s petrol engine or even the KUV petrol
for that matter. Although, its refinement is well within the acceptable limits
of even the most ardent critics of diesel engines.
Power (PS@rpm): KUV100 (Petrol) – 82@5500, WagonR
(Petrol) – 68@6200, KUV100 (Diesel) – 77@3750
Torque (Nm@rpm): KUV100 (Petrol) - 115@3500,
WagonR (Petrol) – 90@3500, KUV100 (Diesel) – 190@1750-2250
Kerb Weight (kg): KUV100 (Petrol) – 1075*, WagonR
(Petrol) – 875, KUV100 (Diesel) – 1175*
Power to Weight Ratio (PS/ton): KUV100 (Petrol)
– 76, WagonR (Petrol) – 78, KUV100 (Diesel) – 66
Torque to Weight Ratio (Nm/ton): KUV100 (Petrol)
– 107, WagonR (Petrol) – 103, KUV100 (Diesel) – 162
Fuel Efficiency: In our real world tests,
the KUV100, diesel was almost 2 kmpl more efficient than the WagonR petrol,
both manual & automatic (plus diesel is cheaper). The WagonR itself (manual
as well as auto) was consistently 2 kmpl more efficient than the KUV100,
petrol.
ARAI Mileage (kmpl): KUV100 (petrol, manual)
– 18.15, WagonR (manual & auto, petrol) – 20.5, KUV100 (diesel, manual) – 25.32
Fuel Cost for 75,000 km (in Lakh): KUV100 (petrol,
manual) – 4.10, WagonR (manual & auto, petrol) – 3.55, KUV100 (diesel,
manual) – 2.20
Space & Comfort: The KUV100 is
significantly wider than the WagonR. Unlike the WagonR, which is meant strictly
for only 2 passengers at the rear, the KUV100 can easily accommodate three
full-size adults. The front bench seat of the KUV100 is more of a gimmick due
to safety concerns, but could come in handy for ferrying an extra passenger on
rare occasions. The KUV100’s 243 litres of boot-space is also far more
capacious than the pathetically small 180 litre boot of the WagonR. Head-room
and knee-room are more than adequate in both the cars.
Length (mm): KUV100 – 3675, WagonR – 3539
Width (mm): KUV100 – 1715, WagonR – 1495
Height (mm): KUV100 – 1655, WagonR – 1670
Ride Quality & Handling: The KUV100 has
a far better ride quality than the WagonR. It absorbs broken surfaces with
aplomb and isolates the occupants from road undulations really well. The WagonR
on the other hand has one of the worst ride qualities in the market. Sharp
bumps and ruts can be painfully punishing especially for the rear seat
passengers. Even the stability at highway speeds and under hard braking is far
superior in the KUV100 compared to the WagonR. Both cars have horrible handling
though. There is immense body roll coupled with a dead, feedback-less steering
which make them utterly disappointing around the bends.
Ground Clearance (mm): KUV100 – 170, WagonR
– 165
Tyre Size: KUV100 – 185/65R14, WagonR - 155/65R14
(VXi), 145/80R13 (LXi)
Reliability and After Sales Service: Maruti
is by far the leader of Service support in our country in terms of reach and
quality combined and it has an excellent track record for product reliability
as well. Mahindra is still a long way behind both in terms of reach as well as
quality. Add to that the fact that the KUV100 has all new petrol and diesel
engines, which are bound to have teething troubles. Thus we recommend a wait
and watch policy for the first six months before putting down your cash on the
KUV100.
Resale after 5 to 7 years est. (Lakh):
KUV100 (Petrol manual) – 2.64, WagonR
(Petrol automatic) – 2.74, WagonR (Petrol manual) – 2.47, KUV100 (Diesel
manual) – 3.22
Total Cost of Ownership (in Lakh): (Vehicle
Price + Fuel Cost – Resale Value)
KUV100 (Petrol manual) – 6.17, WagonR (Petrol
automatic) – 5.58, WagonR (Petrol manual) – 5.38, KUV100 (Diesel manual) – 4.59
Verdict: The KUV100 diesel is our pick of
this test. It is more than 1 lakh rupees cheaper than all the other
alternatives here. Plus it has excellent drivability, space, and superior rough
road ability than the WagonR. Although it doesn’t have the convenience of the
WagonR AMT’s automatic gearbox, if you are really looking for a automatic
geared vehicle from Maruti-Suzuki’s stables, the Celerio AMT is a way more
superior vehicle than the WagonR. We do not recommend the manual geared WagonR
& KUV100 petrol at all.
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