Maruti Suzuki Stingray Review

Overview

Stingray is not a new model for Suzuki’s global platform. The name is existed since 2007 and the Japanese auto maker has upgraded this model constantly to carve out a unique identity for the car from the base WagonR model. On the other hand, WagonR has been a forerunner for Maruti Suzuki in India since its launch in 1999. The importance for this hatchback has been so high that the auto major gave it an aesthetic upgrade even during recent times. Owing to the increase in competition and change in consumer taste, the company had to do something more to this ace hatchback to hold its position in the market. The change has taken the name Stingray and this is a major addition for Maruti Suzuki portfolio owing to the car’s styling. The name itself is fresh and electrifying to Indian consumers. But will the car have the same charge as its name? We checked out this sporty hatchback to tell you more.

<script src=http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/carazoo.sorc.com/newcars_overview_drilldowns;abr=!ie;abr=!aol;!category=newcars;page=;sect=newcars;subs=overview;subss=drilldowns;year=;trim=;cpo=false;article_id=;source_id=;camp_id=;sp=;rb=;pos=top;site=carazoo;chan=autos;k=;kw=;sz=300x250;tile=1;ord=78401;></script>

The hatchback is launched in three variants with petrol engine option. With some very attractive colour tones like Passion Red, Midnight Blue and some elegant colour shades like Silky Silver, Glistening Grey and Superior White, Maruti Suzuki Stingray is simply a delight to look at.

Powertrain & Performance

Maruti Suzuki Stingray uses the same engine which is fit in WagonR. The K-Series motor is known for its fuel economy and environment friendliness. The power mill is capable of delivering 67.1 bhp @ 6200 rpm quite punchy for a small lightweight car. Torque characteristics too are pretty amazing with the Stingray feeling charged right from the time engine is ignited. But it is to be noted that this zippy nature is very much a controlled one and hence turns out to be suitable for city drives. Maximum torque for the 998 cc petrol mill is 90 Nm @ 3500 rpm. Company claimed mileage for the Stingray is 20.51 kmpl which definitely will have a major role to play in this truly appealing car’s success.

The gear-shift mechanism and suspensions are refined to work smoothly in the hatchback. With cable type shift mechanism the 5-speed manual gearbox works in accordance with the power mill, pleasing driver at every moment of gear change.

Build & Styling

The major change that differentiates Stingray from WagonR is its exterior build, which looks futuristic and pleases any car lover at the first sight. One truly remarkable aspect of this design lies right on the face of the Stingray. The reflector front grille, unlike chrome grille used in other modern cars, gives a completely distinctive appeal to Stingray and the headlamps with projector lights are slim, rectangular and dynamically swept back elevating the beauty of the fascia. The front bumper and fog lamps too are aggressively styled. Rest of the car remains similar to the existing WagonR except for the rear where there is a chrome accentuation holding the name Stingray. The tail lamps too get an unusual design where chrome decorates the sides of the lamps. Overall the Stingray looks much refreshing, elegant and is completely distinguishable because of few of its design traits.

On the inside the dashboard is chunky and houses glove box and all the controls well within the reach of users. Chrome trims and piano black finish over this dashboard adds more flavour to the interior. Piano black finish is further extended over doors to give a rich feeling at every touch. Maruti Suzuki has also worked on bringing out a unique theme for the Stingray through the design of interior fabric upholstery. The company has not forgotten to include other contemporary comfort features like power windows, AC and electrically operated ORVM. Audio system is pretty much up-standard, having speakers on all doors to provide greater effect. Having all the top-notch features, Stingray does not disappoint customers when they look for storage space within the cabin. Apart from glove box there is a separate storage space in the dashboard which smartly opens with simple push.

Safety having primary importance in today’s market does get some weightage in Stingray. It is disappointing see that only the driver gets airbags and that too in high-end variant only. Other features which avoid accidents are ABS and rear washer and wiper, headlamp leveling device and front fog lamps. To keep the car secure Maruti Suzuki has adopted i-CATS and security system in the small car.