Maruti Suzuki Stingray

Summary

The WagonR is one of the best-selling Maruti Suzuki cars in India, which received premium upgrade as the Stingray. When it comes to exterior, except for the new projector headlights, front grille, bonnet, bumper and alloys, the overall design of the Stingray remains similar to the WagonR.

The cabin, however, received quite a handful of features that make it look more upmarket than the regular WagonR. The WagonR Stingray has multi-information display with blue back lighting, new instrument cluster etc. It gets all new black interior, piano black finish doors and dashboard, chromed side AC vents and door handles, leather wrapped steering wheel and new seat upholstery. Powering the hatchback is the same 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder, K-Series petrol engine that delivers 67.06bhp of maximum power with a torque of 90Nm. A 5-speed manual transmission is the only available option. The Stingray isn’t among the most fuel efficient Maruti Suzuki cars, but it delivers decent a mileage under standard driving conditions.  Pick-up is good, though, handling isn’t up-to the mark. Driving dynamics needs an improvement too.

Further to this, read Maruti Suzuki Stingray Road Test details by our expert.

Exterior

The hatchback has unique front-end styling with new front bumper with large radiator grille, clamshell bonnet, first-in-segment projector headlights and a transparent front grille. The side and rear-end updates include larger 14-inches gun metal alloy wheels, blackened B-Pillars, tail lights with clear lens and chrome linings, tail gate with embossed ‘STINGRAY’ badge, a rear spoiler and body kit. It’s longer than the regular WagonR, but the completely missing roof rails shorten its height. The car measures 3636mm in length, 1475mm in width and 1670mm in height with a wheelbase of 2400mm. It has a ground clearance of 165mm.

Interior

Having an all black interior, piano black finishing on doors and dashboard, the hatchback looks more premium than the standard WagonR. The chromed side AC vents and door handles, leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls and new seat upholstery further enhance its appearance. It gets a multi-information display with blue back lighting, updated instrument cluster and various other comfort-enhancing features. It’s quite spacious from inside. There is ample legroom for both front and rear seat passengers. Though, material quality, fit and finish need an improvement.

Engine Transmission

The Stingray is powered by a 1.0-litre K-Series petrol that produces a maximum power of 67.06bhp at 6200rpm with a torque of 90Nm between 3500rpm. Mated with a 5-speed manual transmission, it offers an impressive fuel economy of 17.08kmpl in city and 20.51kmpl on highways. It can accelerate 0-100kmph in 15.9 seconds, while maintaining a top speed of 120kmph -130kmph.

Performance and Handling

Power supply is linear and the mid-range performance is good. However, the engine feels strained at higher RPMs. The car breathes out at 6400rpm. The tall gear ratio aids to its highway performance. The NVH levels could be better. Driving dynamics and handling are mediocre. There is significant body roll. Ride is comfortable, though it gets bouncy at high speeds.

Braking System

Brakes are powerful. It gets ventilated disc brakes at front axle and rear drum brakes. The ABS, available only on top-variant, avoids skidding and handles sudden braking situations.  

Mileage

The 998 cc Petrol - powered variant delivers a fuel economy of 18 kmpl in city and 20 kmpl on highways.

Safety Features

The hatchback is equipped with several active and passive safety features such as collapsible steering column, energy absorbing body structure with side-impact beams, 3-point ELR seatbelts, driver seatbelt warning indication, i-CATS, headlamps with head leveling device, front fog lamps, front wiper (2 speed + intermittent),  rear defogger, child proof rear door locks. The rear wiper, washer and defogger and security system are offered from the mid-variant onwards, while the driver SRS airbag and ABS are available on the top-variant only.

Verdict

The Maruti Suzuki Stingray is a premium version of the regular WagonR. Except for few exterior and interior updates, the hatchback doesn’t have much to offer. Since the extra features don’t cost much, it’s a good value for money product.

Competition

Maruti Suzuki Stingray Vs Hyundai Grand i10

The Stingray is a slightly premium version of the regular WagonR, which has received minor exterior and interior updates, while engine remains same. The Grand i10, based on Hyundai’s Fluidic design philosophy, looks sportier and more outgoing than its rival. Brimming with various entertainment and comfort-enhancing features, it offers best-in-class interior. When it comes to drivability, ride and handling, the Grand i10 certainly is a lot better car than the WagonR Stingray.

Pros

1. Unique front-end styling

2. Projector headlights, first-in-segment

3. Spacious cabin

4. Braking and suspension performance

5. Affordable

6. Maruti’s after sale services

Cons

1. Highway performance

2. Handling

3. Steering response