Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
>>If it drives like a Wagon-R, feels like a Wagon-R then it must be a Wagon-R. Or perhaps
a Wagon-R with a heavy dose of make up. Presenting this cosmetically enhanced Maruti Wagon-R
StingRay. PTC: Roshun Povaiah
Other additions include these 14-inch alloys. In terms of safety kit you get a single driver's
airbag and ABS. The StingRay gets a key-embedded remote. Step
into the StingRay and the whole thing looks very familiar. The only difference is in the
color -- the StingRay gets all-black interiors. Let's look at the minor differences though
-- with the StingRay, you get steering audio controls for the integrated music system that
has USB and Aux connections. You also get StingRay branded fabric upholstery that feels
quite good. Other standard Wagon-R features continue,
like these pop-out cupholders, power-windows with the addition of a driver's side auto
down and electrically adjustable mirrors. The multi-information display shows you range,
average consumption, tripmeter and odometer. In terms of space, well, here's the thing
about boxes -- they pack in a lot. And the Wagon-R StingRay with its boxy dimensions
is pretty spacious for four adults -- and I say four, because the car is not that wide.
Legroom and headroom are good, and you also get adjustable headrests.
The 180 litre boot is a tad small, but the 60:40 folding seats allow a degree of flexibility.
Powering the StingRay is the familiar K10B, 3-cylinder, 1 litre petrol engine that puts
out 67 bhp of power and 90 newton metres of torque. The 5-speed manual transmission is
a bit notchy, but the clutch is super light, just like the electric power steering. The
huge glass area means you get good all-round visibility in this car.
The StingRay's handling and ride quality are very neutral. Our drive was too short for
a detailed fuel-efficiency test, but the MID told us we were getting about 13.8 kilometers
to the litre. Overall, the StingRay is a car that adds a
bit of style to the otherwise staid looking Wagon-R, while retaining the car's virtues
of practicality and functionality. It's a car for those who want space and practicality,
with a little bit of style.