In a car market that is currently on the downturn since the past eight months, companies in India are adopting new strategies in order to boost the demand for their cars. Auto makers like Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are resorting to introduce newer models based on the platform of their older versions, while not phasing them out. This fact can be proved taking in account of the recently launched Maruti Suzuki Stingray, which is inspired from the current generation model of WagonR. Both of these models bear a somewhat same resemblance with their box like designing apart from identical engine specifications. The fact becomes more conclusive on comparing Stingray and WagonR.
WagonR had been an instrumental model in deriving sales for Maruti Suzuki in India. The car had found a place in hearts of domestic buyers owing to its tall design, which offered more headroom space. Recently, the car registered a decline in its demand owing to the fact that buyers in India are now more sceptical about the odd shape of the model. It is said that this reason has majorly contributed to the launch of Stingray by Maruti Suzuki in order to peg back the customer base of WagonR in the Indian auto market. Stingray happens to be a sportier version of WagonR, which is almost identical in technical specification, but different in looks.
On comparing both the models, the major difference can be spotted in front fascia. The latest offering of Maruti Suzuki is provided with a bold and aggressively styled front end having a sleek chrome grille, which bears the logo of Maruti Suzuki. The newly designed bumpers of Stingray are longer and wider as compared to WagonR. Stingray is provided with a striking new feature of projector head lamps. At the rear portion, Stingray gets new redesigned set of tail lights with clear lens, which are not present in the current generation model of WagonR. Apart from it, differences in side skirts and running creases is quite evident on looking at both the cars.
Stingray comes along with two-tone interior options, which feature better quality upholstery. The recently introduced model is also provided with an enhanced central console so as to give a better view on the vehicle's inside. For the convenience of driver, a new instrument panel is provided that provides information about the vehicle's average, along with odometer and a speedometer. The panel's new backlit illumination in Stingray gives a soothing effect for eyes. Apart from it, the model is equipped with steering mounted audio controls, a feature that is missing in the existing WagonR model.
Engine specifications of both the cars are almost same with 1.0-litre three-cylinder K-Series engine, producing a maximum power of 67 bhp and attaining a peak torque of 95 Nm. On the front of fuel efficiency, Stingray scores over WagonR with its claimed mileage of 20.51 kmpl. In terms of price, the new model costs more as compared to WagonR owing to added features and the overall appeal of new car. As of now, WagonR starts with a price of Rs. 3.61 lakh that further goes up till Rs. 4.48 lakh for the top end variant. On the other hand, Stingray is placed between the range of Rs. 4.09 lakh and Rs. 4.67 lakh (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).
According to industry experts, with the kind of competition that Maruti Suzuki has created between WagonR and Stingray, the company has made a smarter move in order to lure a new segment of buyers; however it can also backfire on the sales of WagonR, if its price is not reduced. So, clearly Stingray leads the road ahead for Maruti Suzuki in the Indian car market and it will be interesting to see how consumers respond to this latest offering of the country's largest passenger car maker.
