Maruti Suzuki Wagon R facelift spied with underbody CNG kit

More than seven years after its introduction, the third-generation Maruti Wagon R is set to receive a facelift. A heavily camouflaged test mule of the hatchback was spied on our roads recently. The prototype hinted at cosmetic updates and a new mechanical upgrade for Maruti's bestselling hatchback.

1. Test mule spied with minor updates to its soft parts
2. Underbody-mounted tanks for CNG versions are expected
3. Maruti could likely replace the Wagon R's 1.2 K-Series engine with a Z-Series mill

Maruti Wagon R facelift spied: What was spotted

The vehicle spotted was CNG-powered with an underbody tank, likely suggesting that CNG versions of the Wagon R facelift would not sacrifice boot space. This is because the carmaker recently introduced an underbody-mounted tank with CNG versions of the Brezza facelift. Additionally, the prototype was spotted with new detailing on the halogen headlamps, a revised grille design, a smoother bumper finish, and redesigned air inlets lower down. At the back, the bumper gets slight revisions with vertical reflectors, as opposed to horizontal ones on the current version. On the whole, not many changes are expected with the facelift – even the tail-lamp design appears to be carried over. We also got a slight glimpse of the interior, but no major changes were observed.

Maruti Wagon R facelift: Expected powertrains

Maruti is expected to continue with 1.0-litre three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and CNG options for the Wagon R’s base and mid-spec trims. But top-spec versions utilising the more powerful 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine (K12N) could likely be replaced by the three-pot Z-Series (Z12E) engine. The carmaker has been swapping the former with the latter to boost efficiency in models like the Swift, Dzire, and the recently facelifted Baleno. It remains to be seen if the Wagon R flex fuel (Bioflex), which also uses the K-Series engine, gets the same treatment

Maruti Wagon R facelift: Expected price

Updates to the Wagon R facelift are expected to make it slightly dearer than the current version. The Wagon R currently retails from Rs 4.99 lakh to Rs 7.24 lakh and locks horns with the Maruti Celerio and Tata Tiago.

Image credit: What The Fuel via Instagram.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.