Maruti launches petrol Wagon R Stingray, CNG version to follow suit

New Delhi, August 21, 2013: Maruti Suzuki has launched the new petrol-engined Wagon R Stingray and positioned it above the current Wagon R. It is to be followed soon by the rollout of the CNG Stingray model.

The Stingray is priced at Rs 4.09 lakh for the LXi trim and Rs 4.37 lakh for the VXi variant. ABS and airbags will be optional in the VXi model; this variant has a Rs 4.66 lakh sticker price (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).

The Stingray is powered by the same 1.0-litre K10B petrol engine as the regular Wagon R and will return an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 20.51kpl. The Stingray incorporates some premium features including projector headlamps -- a first in its class -- and a reflector grille.

While the side profile remains unchanged, the Stingray gets alloy wheels in brushed grey finish. At the rear, it gets chrome plated tail-lamps and chrome back door garnish with bold Stingray badging.

The car will be available in five colours options comprising midnight blue, passion red, glistening grey, superior white and silky silver. The Stingray’s blue themed instrument cluster is all new with a multi- information display indicating instant and average fuel economy and distance to empty. Other highlights are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and steering-mounted audio controls.

Speaking at the launch, Kenichi Ayukawa, managing director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India, said the Stingray has been targeted at young buyers who aspire to own a bold and aggressively styled car. He added that the Stingray will not cannibalise Wagon R sales since it targets a different set of customers. At present, Maruti is not looking at a diesel option in Stingray as it does not have a smaller diesel engine than the existing 1.3-litre Multijet that powers the Dzire and Swift models.

Given the ongoing market downturn, Maruti is looking to pep up its sales. The carmaker posted domestic sales of 75,145 units (July 2012: 71,024 units) during July 2013, recording 5.8 percent growth, its first positive growth in the current fiscal. Model-wise, the Alto top-scored with 18,206 units sold but these lower numbers are reflective of a definite slowdown at the entry level.

The positive growth figures can be attributed to last year’s low base that was the result of the labour unrest and shutdown at the Manesar plant. The Dzire has done well and the July tally was 15,249 units (July 2012: 11,413 units), up by 33.6 percent. The Wagon R sold 13,409 units, taking Maruti’s candidates in the Top 10 to four vehicles that includes the Swift which sold 10,461 units.

Cumulatively, the compact hatch portfolio (comprising Swift, Estilo and Ritz) suffered a setback of 11.9 percent with 13,882 units sold (July 2012: 15,759 units). The utility vehicles (primarily Ertiga along with Gypsy and Grand Vitara) sold 4,562 units (July 2012: 7,294 units) and were down by 37.5 percent. The SX4 sold only 322 units against 679 units in July 2012, down by 52.6 percent. Vans (Omni, Eeco), on the other hand, managed to sell 7,543 units against 6,879 units sold during July 2012, up 9.7 percent. SHOBHA MATHUR