The mid-sized hatchback space provides a brilliant bridge between the entry-level hatchbacks and more premium sub-4m hatchbacks and Sedans. They provide great practicality at an affordable price tag. In the Indian market, the Maruti Wagon R is one of the most loved hatchback cars. It fights against the Hyundai Santro and Tata Tiago in its class. Today, we thought of scripting out a parameter based comparison between them to give a clear idea of what to expect.
Prices
Model | Price Range (ex-showroom Delhi) |
Hyundai Santro | Rs 4.57-6.25 Lakhs |
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R | Rs 4.45-5.94 Lakhs |
Tata Tiago | Rs 4.68-6.73 Lakhs |
- Since they belong to an extremely sophisticated price bracket, all three hatchbacks are priced very closely.
- With the base variant retailing at a price of Rs 4.45 Lakhs, the Maruti offering is the most affordable car here.
- As far as the top of the line trim is concerned, Tiago is priced significantly above the other two but it is also important to note that the price listed above refers to the dual-tone color scheme variant.
- Maruti Wagon R manages to one-up both its rivals even on the price parameter with the least pricey creamy trim.
Dimensions
| Weight (kg) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | Boot Space |
Hyundai Santro | 897-999 | 3610 | 1645 | 1560 | 2400 | 235 L |
Maruti Wagon R | 830-845 | 3655 | 1620 | 1675 | 2435 | 341 L |
Tata Tiago | 935-982 | 3765 | 1677 | 1535 | 2400 | 242 L |
- Tata Tiago comes at a price premium over the other two cars taken into consideration, the larger dimensions of the Tata Hatchback advocates the same. Though it is the longest, the Wagon R offers the best in class wheelbase which translates into better legroom.
- Tiago also happens to be the widest which essentially means that it will provide the maximum shoulder room for occupants at the rear seat.
- Wagon R has always been known for its tall-boy design, this is the reason why the popular Suzuki hatchback easily trumps its rivals and will seat the taller occupants at the back with the utmost comfort on offer.
- Wagon R also gets the largest boot, leading by a substantial 100L margin over its counterparts.
- Santro is the smallest as far as dimensions are concerned but as it shares the platform with its elder sibling Grand i10 and offers sound ergonomics that will not disappoint in real life.
Engine Options
Most of the compact & midsize hatchbacks have rarely been offered with the diesel engines and if there was any scope of a diesel engine being made available, it was scrapped with the introduction of strict BS6 emission norms:-
1. Petrol
| Hyundai Santro | Maruti Wagon R | Tata Tiago |
Engine Displacement (cc) | 1086 | 998/1197 | 1199 |
Gearbox | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT | 5-speed manual / 5-speed AMT | 5-speed Manual / 5-speed AMT |
Power (PS) | 69 | 68/83 | 86 |
Torque (Nm) | 99 | 90/113 | 113 |
Fuel Efficiency (kmpl) | 20.30 | 21.79/20.52 | 23.84 |
- Going by what the numbers say, Tiago seems to be the out and out the winner here with the most powerful and fuel-efficient engine option on offer. One may argue that Wagon R comes close as far as power figures are concerned, but better efficiency figures mean Tiago has the last laugh
- It must also be noted that Tiago is offered with the same bigger 1.2L petrol engine across its entire range, whereas the Wagon R is offered with the smaller K10 engine on lower-spec variants.
- Santro’s engine gets the job done for an average car buyer and does not offer anything extraordinary.
- All three cars are offered with a choice of 5-speed manual and an AMT gearbox.
- With AMT, performance and efficiency figures remain the same.
2. CNG
| Hyundai Santro | Maruti Wagon R | Tata Tiago |
Engine Displacement (cc) | 1086 | 998 | – |
Gearbox | 5-speed Manual | 5-speed Manual | – |
Power (PS) | 60 | 60 | – |
Torque (Nm) | 85 | 78 | – |
Fuel Efficiency (km/kg) | 30.48 | 32.52 | – |
- With a wide network of fleet operators in India, Wagon R and Santro take a clear edge over the Tiago as the Tata car is not offered with the option of CNG.
- The factory-fitted CNG kit is offered on the Hyundai Santro with mid-spec Magna and Sportz trims, Its Maruti counterpart’s base LXi variant is the only variant that is offered with CNG choice. This is suggestive of the fact that Maruti Suzuki is primarily targeting the fleet operators whereas Hyundai is eying a bigger spectrum of market with the Santro.
- Their prices are as follows:-
| Hyundai Santro CNG | Maruti Wagon-R CNG | |
Price | Magna Executive – 5.86 Lakh Sportz Executive – 6.0 Lakh | LXi – 5.25 Lakh LXi Opt – 5.32 Lakh |
- For a fleet operator, Suzuki offering will be a better bet as it undercuts the Santro by a significant price difference.
Conclusion
Choosing any one of three will not be easy, considering the fact that they all have something unique to offer. The buyer’s need will have a larger say in choosing one of these three worthy offerings. If a spacious and practical cabin sits atop as far as priorities are concerned, Wagon R is the best bet. If a safe cabin, distinct styling, and some segment only features are deal-breaking points and budget is not really a big issue, Tiago will surely impress you. Santro should be given the go if the buyer is seeking top-notch quality interiors and better ride quality.
