Ringside View of Maruti Wagon R Vs Tata's Punch 

Defending the number one spot is more challenging than reaching that; Hollywood has taught me that. Challenger is always on a mission, filled with energy, enthusiasm and hunger. Champions need to work extra hard and, at times, need Mickey Goodwill to manage the title. However, one thing that no champion can fight is time and age. But, unlike Mr. Balboa, Wagon R is a machine. It can transform, adapt, get a heart transplant and a nose job. So the reason behind losing the lightweight title to the Tata Punch is much more than just the age of Wagon R. The sales number of 2024 just highlighted the issue Maruti has been experiencing for some time now: the changing mood, priorities and expectations of a typical Indian car buyer. No, refrain from making the most obvious conclusion- 'Kitna Deti Hai' is still a thing. The change is just an additional word, 'Aur Kitna Deti Hai'; the quest for something extra, more than fuel efficiency. What, if you ask? Everything this dethronement of Wagon-R is all about.

No matter how auto-journos categorise or define it, micro-SUV is an acceptable term for customers. They don't care much about off-roading capabilities. Why should they when they see people owning four-wheel drive vehicles without a speck of dust on the tyres? It doesn't matter. They want ground clearance, so don't pretend you don't know why. We need heightened seats; we don't want to take chances. Small cars are at the bottom of the jungle's food chain, known as the 'Indian Road'. We all know that. We want to see and be seen; I don't only mean spiritually.

We value safety. While the conversation around the intricacies and protocol of GNCAP's evaluation process is getting nuanced, the customers have made up their minds that better crash test ratings mean safer cars. Tata Motors (and Mahindra, too) 's marketing and manufacturing efforts have paid off. Maruti's is catching up. It might. However, the question is whether Maruti Suzuki is interested in taking that journey from one to five stars.

Customers want more features. Simple. We are ready to spend two hours figuring out the pin, the passcode and the transaction password, but we will not walk to the bank next door. We might put a non-compatible seat cover but would go for ventilated seat options, nevertheless. Having said that, we have embraced technology with all its gimmicks and complexities. Some manufacturers have pampered the customers, packing in features at a competitive price. Tata Punch comes with a 10.25-inch screen, sunroof, rear AC vents, wireless charger, etc. Do not forget the extra length, width, and muscular design. All of this with a starting price difference of less than a lakh.
Let's talk about the variants while we are at it. Like most Tata models, the number of variants is surprisingly high, almost thirty, including petrol and CNG versions with manual and automatic options, plus the special edition. Wagon R, on the other hand, has less than ten variants. I wonder how different the scenario would have been if Maruti hadn't shelved its electric Wagon R plan. We would be comparing one additional category with the Punch EV.

Now, is this battle over for Maruti Suzuki? Only if Maruti Suzuki wants it to be. Even with many apparent disadvantages, the thing is that the number one car maker has gone on an NCAP route with Dzire, letting go of their earlier stand. Their recent products are packed with updated features, infotainment screens, sunroofs and quality audio systems. Not to forget that the margin of Punch versus Wagon-R is still not that big. While Tata Motors won this round, the margin is not that big, and this is a more prolonged battle. Despite lacking some features or options factored in, Wagon R managed a sales figure of almost two lakh. Thanks to its legacy and Maruti's service network. That is one feat Punch has worked even without an after-sales network like Maruti, especially in a segment where customers are so sensitive about the maintenance cost and after-sales service. So, if Maruti keeps on with the usual path with the Wagon R, the margin will increase.