Maruti Suzuki Wagon R vs Tata Indica V2 [2006-2013]

The way things are being planned, the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Flex-fuel (FF) is set to become India's first mass-segment flex-fuel car. It's one of the answers to the never-ending quest for alternative fuels for cars. The Wagon R FF is designed to run on any ethanol-petrol blend and will eventually help reduce tailpipe emissions. It also goes without saying it will comply with the upcoming and more stringent BS6 phase-II emission norms. The prototype exhibited at Maruti's pavilion at the 2023 Auto Expo looked exactly the same as the standard Wagon R on sale in India, save for the fluorescent badging. We believe the 'Flex-Fuel' branding on the side will be mellowed down in the production avatar. However, the bright green embellishments may be retained to display its green, environment-friendly avatar.

Forget about horsepower, quarter-mile drag strips or even racetracks; the most important aspect for most of us Indians is the number of kilometres a car can clock on a single litre of fuel. Not surprisingly, automobile manufacturers too have been harping about this particular aspect lately to get our attention for their new offerings. The most recent, of course, is the Tata Indica eV2, the car we are reviewing here.

It’s a mid-cycle refresh for the current generation of the Maruti Wagon R, which has been around since 2019. Here's how it's like to drive.