My stint with the tall-boy was unfortunately a short one. Though the car has been with us from May 2010, I got it about three months ago.
And it’s already time to part ways. Even when the WagonR was not my long term, it had been my preferred car whenever I had to travel within the narrow lanes of the city.
Be it to shop for birthday decorations in the interiors of the city, check out the latest deals at obscure book and music stores or to grab an authentic Marathi meal near Fergusson College Road, the compact hatch was the obvious pick. Imagine over-crowded streets, busy lanes and impossibly tight spots for parking – that’s where the practical shoe-box design demonstrates its beauty. The tall driving position and clear visibility help one to park this Maruti even in unlikely places.
The problem about being tall is that it has a high centre of gravity which makes it not very reassuring on the highway. If a large tanker overtakes the car, then the Maruti is a little shaken and the driver stirred. The small wheels and soft suspension setting does not help the cause either. Thankfully our long termer had ABS which makes it sure footed around bends. The front airbags added to the safety of the occupants. Being a hatchback, the folding seats came in handy while picking up friends from the airport and railway stations. I liked the electric outer rear-view mirror but missed the steering mount controls.
Like most Maruti Suzukis the WagonR is extremely reliable and I never faced any reliability issues. During the annual jury meet in Mahabaleshwar, the car kept up with SUVs and other premium sedans over the twisties. The only setback was a flat tyre (which was the only one I had during the entire tenure), which cut the side-wall of the tyre. And to top it, the puncture repair guy did not put the wheel-cap properly and this invariably came off and went ‘down the hill’. But that is the only loss in the entire year.
But there is a silver lining to this farewell. As the WagonR wraps up its stint with Car India, it makes way for another Maruti Suzuki – the SX4 Diesel, which I hope lives up to the reputation and will be as dependable as its siblings.
-Sarmad Kadiri
Bosch Aquatak Clic 130 Power Washer
We got this piece of equipment for some time and it saved us a lot of money which we would otherwise have spent on getting the long term and test cars washed. This power washer is an ideal product for people who are satisfied only after cleaning their own car with their own hands. The sleek and easy to move design of the washer makes it easily movable around the washing area. But the highlight of the washer is the multifunctional nozzle that has four different settings for various needs. It can shoot out water in a straight line with high pressure, or with just a twist, in a spray pattern. The washer also has an attachment for storing soap water which then mixes with the pressurised water and is shot through the nozzle. It is very easy to use and it needs just a water tap and an electric connection. The price of the unit is somewhat steep as you have to churn out around Rs. 20,000. But at that price you get a product that is easy to use and handle and also one that saves you a lot of money and gives you peace of mind.
