Maruti Suzuki Wagon R vs Maruti Suzuki A-Star

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.

On seeing the A-Star, the first thing comes in my mind is the Alto. Yes, Suzuki sells the A-Star as the Alto in other European markets. I had got a chance to spend some time (years ago, sometime in 2004) with one of the Suzuki Alto’s which were ready to ship to Europe. The Alto was a left-hand drive, powered by a turbocharged petrol engine, with ABS and airbags as a standard feature (as it was made mandatory features by EuroNCAP for any new European car)

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.