K-series WagonR out on April 23

The all-new Wagon R is slated to replace the existing car model by April 23, this year. The third generation Wagon R will be powered by the latest 1-litre K-series motor, the same engine powering the Estilo and A-star.

Under the skin the car will be all-new. It will have a stiffer chassis which should improve the ride and handling over the current car. Tailored blanks are used all over and these specially treated, sandwiched and layered pieces of steel help provide stiffness without adding wasteful bulk.

On the outside, substantial styling changes have been made. The square edges of the car are rounded out, particularly at the front end. This give the car more than just a technical look - it gives the front end a 'smiley' look similar to the Estilo. The slot-type front grille is now a bigger one-piece, shield type design. The car also gets a wider chin that looks to have been re-designed to increase air flow to the engine.

The passenger cabin has improved and now sport dual tone interiors with alluminum touches all around. The steering wheel is borrowed from the Swift and also gets a new-look rectangular centre console.

Maruti hasn’t messed around with the car’s strength; the tall roofline, high seats and ‘spacious for a hatchback’ interiors promise to keep this car on the top of the charts.