Maruti Wagon R Mileage Comparison: Petrol vs CNG

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a versatile hatchback offering ample space, valuable features, and a fuel-efficient engine, available in both petrol and CNG options. With the petrol engine options (1.0-litre and 1.2-litre) and a factory-fitted CNG kit in the 1.0-litre version, the Wagon R appeals to both city commuters and budget-conscious buyers.

Petrol variants are available with both manual and automatic (AGS) transmission options, while the CNG variant is offered with a manual gearbox. This variety gives buyers the flexibility to choose between convenience and cost-effectiveness, making the Wagon R appealing to a wide range of drivers.

In this comparison, we take a closer look at the mileage, running costs, and overall efficiency of the petrol and CNG models to help you determine which option is the better fit for your needs.

Read on to explore the Maruti Wagon R Petrol vs CNG mileage comparison in more detail.

Maruti Wagon R ARAI Mileage Figures

According to the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), the Wagon R delivers impressive mileage across its variants, which are as follows: 

Maruti Wagon R Real-World Mileage vs ARAI Mileage

ARAI mileage figures are measured under controlled set conditions, which may not reflect everyday usage. In real-world scenarios, factors like traffic congestion, driving habits, and varying road conditions can cause actual fuel efficiency to differ from the certified numbers.

The Wagon R petrol variants are expected to deliver around 14-17 kmpl in city traffic, whereas the ARAI claim is 24.35-25.19 kmpl. Similarly, the Wagon R CNG’s ARAI claim is 34.05 km/kg, but users often report fuel efficiency of around 22-26 km/kg in the city and 27-31 km/kg on highways.

Several factors make the difference between ARAI and real-world mileage, such as:

• Driving Style: Sudden acceleration and frequent braking consume more fuel.
• Load and Accessories: Weight and wind resistance increase when passengers, bags, or roof-mounted accessories are carried, which makes the engine work harder and use more fuel.
• Use of Air Conditioning: The engine faces additional strain when the air conditioner is running, which can significantly lower mileage.
• Tyre Pressure: Under-inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency.

Maruti Wagon R Fuel Efficiency Comparison: Petrol vs CNG

When it comes to mileage, the Wagon R petrol and CNG variants cater to different users. The petrol versions are modified for performance and ease of driving, while the CNG variant focuses on maximum fuel cost savings for high-mileage users.

In the heavy city traffic, the CNG Wagon R stands out as the more economical choice, offering a more cost-effective solution for urban commutes, even though the petrol variant provides satisfactory fuel efficiency.

Maruti Wagon R City Fuel Efficiency Comparison

In city traffic with constant stop-and-go movement, the petrol variants of the Wagon R deliver reasonable mileage; however, fuel consumption increases due to frequent braking and acceleration. The AGS automatic version is slightly more efficient than the manual in these conditions, due to its smoother gear shifts. 

The CNG model, however, really shines in the city, as it’s far more economical to run, making it the go-to option for daily commuters who cover a lot of urban kilometres.

Key factors for the difference include:

• Traffic & Idling: Petrol engines become less efficient when they frequently stop and start. This is better handled by CNG, which burns cleaner.
• Engine Load & Combustion: Over time, petrol engines can accumulate more carbon, which reduces their efficiency. CNG provides more consistent performance and tends to stay cleaner.
• Vehicle Load & AC Use: Heavy loads and constant air conditioning reduce mileage for both fuel types, but short city runs tend to have a greater impact on petrol efficiency.
• Thermal Efficiency: While CNG engines maintain a more constant operating temperature, stop-start driving can cause petrol engines to overheat, resulting in a slight decrease in efficiency.
• Fuel Characteristics: CNG burns cleaner and at lower temperatures, which makes it more efficient in traffic congestion.

Maruti Wagon R Highway Fuel Efficiency Comparison

When it comes to highway driving, the petrol versions of the Wagon R are generally better than the CNG models. When driving at steady speeds, the manual petrol version feels more responsive and makes consistent mileage. 

Additionally, it has smoother overtaking power, which is useful when travelling long distances or with passengers and luggage. Another factor to consider is fuel availability. Petrol pumps are far more common on highways, whereas CNG stations may require some extra planning.

In short, if highway trips are a regular part of your routine, petrol variants bring better performance and convenience, while the CNG version still wins on cost-per-kilometre savings.

The factors for differences in highway mileage include:

• Cruising Efficiency: At higher speeds, petrol engines are more efficient; however, CNG remains more cost-effective per kilometre and more affordable.
• Load and Air-Conditioning Consumption: Carrying full loads of people or luggage reduces the efficiency of both fuels, especially when the air conditioner is running continuously. Therefore, the impact has a greater influence on the CNG variant.
• Driving Habits: Both petrol and CNG variants require maintaining a constant speed and gradual acceleration to achieve the best mileage. Forceful acceleration and braking, as well as sudden speed changes, can reduce fuel efficiency.
• Terrain: While petrol engines tend to perform better on gradient slopes, they generate more power.
• Fuel Availability and Refuelling Stops: Fuel station accessibility and convenience, particularly for CNG, are essential considerations when planning a long highway trip. In comparison, petrol stations are easier to find, with available stops along the highway.

Maruti Wagon R Fuel Cost Comparison: Petrol vs CNG

Understanding fuel costs is essential when deciding between the petrol and CNG variants of the Maruti Wagon R. Let’s compare the running expenses based on a typical monthly driving of 1500 km.

Note: Fuel expenses are approximated using an average petrol price of ₹100/litre and a CNG price of ₹70/kg. Actual fuel expenses will vary depending on region and fluctuations in fuel prices. 

The CNG model offers significantly lower running costs, resulting in substantial long-term savings, particularly for high-mileage drivers.

Maruti Wagon R Mileage vs Competitors

Comparing the Maruti Wagon R mileage with that of some of its closest rivals provides insight into its fuel efficiency. Here is a look at the mileage figures for petrol and CNG variants (wherever applicable):

The Maruti Wagon R provides a satisfactory mileage range in both petrol and CNG, matching some of the competitors in CNG and staying close to the top performers in petrol.

Summary

The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a practical hatchback that combines spacious interiors with fuel-efficient engine options in both petrol and CNG. The petrol variants, available with manual and AGS automatic gearboxes, offer a balance of performance and convenience, while the CNG version focuses on lower running costs, making it ideal for high-mileage users.

While ARAI-certified mileage figures are impressive, real-world efficiency depends on factors such as traffic conditions, driving style, load, AC usage, and maintenance. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to users’ priorities, whether one values performance and convenience or another one chooses cost-effectiveness in daily life commutes.

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