Maruti Suzuki has released a teaser image of its new Wagon R before its scheduled launch on January 23. The image shows the rear of the top-spec Wagon R ZXi variant – the vertically placed tail-lamps frame the rear window, which gets a rear wiper. Another feature that marks it out as the range-topping variant is that it has turn indicators integrated with the wing mirrors.
The Wagon R model has been on sale in India since 1999 and has consistently been a very well-selling model for Maruti Suzuki.
New from the ground up, the New Wagon R shares the Heartect platform with the Swift, Ignis, Baleno and Ertiga, resulting in an overall 50-65kg weight drop in the tall-boy as compared to the older model. The new Wagon R is also larger in every aspect. With a 35mm longer wheelbase (same as the Ignis’ 2,435mm) and due to the 125mm significant increase in width, the new car is expected to be far roomier than the older-gen Wagon R.
Another highlight of the new Wagon R is that it also gets the optional 1.2-litre four-cylinder, petrol engine that makes 83hp and 113Nm of torque. The previously offered 68hp, 1.0-litre engine continues as an option, unchanged. Both motors also get 5-speed manual and AMT options.
The new Wagon R will be available in seven variants – the 1.0-litre engine comes in LXi, VXi and VXi AGS while the 1.2-litre engine comes in VXi, VXi AGS, ZXi and ZXi AGS (AGS is Maruti-speak for its automated manual transmission). Even the new model's base variant has more safety kit than the outgoing Wagon R – such as a driver’s side airbag, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and more – which are in line with upcoming regulation requirements. Along with the above mentioned features, the top-spec Wagon R ZXi is equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual front airbags, power folding and adjustable wing mirrors and more.
Expect Maruti Suzuki’s penchant for competitive pricing to continue. The Wagon R is expected to be priced at par with rivals (Rs 4.5-5.5 lakh) such as the Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, Datsun Go and even Maruti Suzuki’s Celerio.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
