Maruti Suzuki launches Stingray priced Rs4.09 lakh

Maruti Suzuki has launched the Stingray in India priced at Rs4.09 lakh. The model is on offer in three variants - LXi, VXi and VXi - with an option pack, with all the three variants powered by the same 1.0-Litre K10 petrol engine, which powers the regular Wagon R. The engine is rated at 68PS and 90Nm.

The all-new Stingray carries a price tag of Rs4.09 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Commentators point out that for the Indian market Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has dropped the Wagon R moniker from the name of the new model, calling it the Maruti Suzuki Stingray. However, in international markets the model is being pitched as Suzuki Wagon R Stingray.

The engine comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The Stingray would not be offered in a CNG variant.

As far as matters of design go, there have been significant changes bringing out the bold and aggressive avatar of the country's widely popular hatchback. Also, complementing the new look interiors are the modern styling and features seen inside the cabin.

The Stingray comes with all-black interiors with 'premium' upholstery and features an audio system compatible with USB/AUX inputs, which have steering mounted controls too. The top-end models in the spectrum come with tilt-adjustable steering wheel as also electrically adjustable rear view mirrors.

The Maruti Suzuki Stingray LXi is priced Rs4.9 lakh, the VXi – Rs4.37 lakh, the VXi (O) Rs4.66 lakh all prices ex-showroom Delhi.

"With Stingray, we carry forward our focus to make our best sellers even more attractive," MSI managing director and CEO Kenichi Ayukawa told reporters in New Delhi.

July saw MSI post a 10.88 per cent rise in its passenger car sales at 63,040 units.

Car sales in India have been falling with July recording the ninth straight month of decline with a 7.4 per cent drop.

The latest data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, (SIAM) show domestic passenger car sales declined to 1,31,163 units in July this year from 1,41,646 units in the same month of 2012.