SKY SCRAPERS
Almost two lakh Indians buy either of these cars each year. Efficient and roomy, they are designed for the urban jungle. We choose one.

‘`The Santro’s zippy engine and overall agility make it a winner in the city’

MARUTI SUZUKI WAGON R
List price (ex-showroom, Mumbai)
Rs 3.48-4.06 lakh
Top speed 154kph
0-60kph 6.05sec
0-100kph 15.32sec
Kpl 14.25 (overall)
For Flexible interiors, ride
Against Gearbox, plastic quality, engine refinement

HYUNDAI SANTRO ZING eRLX
List price (ex-showroom, Mumbai)
Rs 3.43-4.11 lakh
Top speed 150kph
0-60kph 5.55sec
0-100kph 14.66sec
Kpl 14.15 (overall)
For Refinement, performance, efficiency
Against Bumpy ride, driver comfort

Any car under Rs 4 lakh is considered an economy or budget car. It still is, but there’s been a big shuffle at the bottom end of the market with most of the cars carving a niche for themselves. No longer do all these cars trip over each other’s wheels or fight for the same customer.
The Tata Indica has monopolised the diesel buyer while the Alto has been consigned to 800 territory after Maruti discontinued the 1.1-litre engine. The Palio is near-extinct and the Zen is getting there, having spun out of favour after the Swift came along. However, the Swift and Getz have stayed aloof from the rest of the gang with their premium hatch positioning. What does that leave us with?
Another niche battle that’s been going for long — the one between the tall boys: the Hyundai Santro and the Maruti Wagon R. They looked quite a sight when they first entered our market and their oddball proportions were quite difficult to digest. But now, the sales charts indicate otherwise. Both these cars are top-sellers and owners have discovered the practical side of their towering proportions. With prices tumbling southwards, they now seem even more attractive than ever. But which one is better?