New Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: What to expect

The Wagon R is quite a popular model for Maruti Suzuki. Its USPs include the boxy tall-boy design that may not make it a looker, but does provide a roomy interior. The current model has been on sale more or less unchanged since 2013 (there were some minor changes to its equipment) and compared to newer rivals – Hyundai’s Santro and Datsun’s Go come to mind – the Wagon R feels dated. The all-new Maruti Suzuki Wagon R now looks different (outside and in) but still tall-boy-esque, comes with more equipment and even has a new more powerful engine option.

Here’s what you can expect from the all-new Wagon that will launch on January 23:

While the new Wagon R retains its predecessors’ tall-boy silhouette, the new model is wider by a considerable 125mm wider and has a wheelbase that is 35mm longer. This should help liberate more room in the cabin, making the new Wagon far more spacious than the outgoing model. The increase in overall dimensions is, in part, thanks to its new Heartect underpinnings. The platform, which is shared with the likes of the Ignis, Swift, Baleno and Ertiga, has also helped the new Wagon R shed weight. Base models are about 65kg lighter while top-spec trims are about 50kg lighter, when compared to the older car. As the Wagon R is based on the same platform as the Swift, Baleno and a few others from the Maruti Suzuki stable, it will meet upcoming crash test norms. Other requirements to meet the upcoming norms, including safety kit like a driver’s side airbag (at the least), ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors, are standard fit.

Besides safety kit, the level of equipment has increased. Maruti Suzuki has introduced a top-spec ZXi trim with the Wagon R for the first time. The Wagon R ZXi gets additional features in the form of a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), power adjustable and folding wing mirrors and dual front airbags. It remains to be seen if premium features like LED daytime running lamps and alloy wheels will be missed by customers.

An interesting point to note is that the Wagon R now comes with two engine options – the 68hp, 1.0-litre petrol engine continues unchanged. The new option is the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (making 83hp and 113Nm) that is found in Maruti Suzuki cars like the Swift, Baleno and Ignis. A 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT are on offer with both engines. The brand will also offer a factory-fit CNG option with the 1.0-litre engine, though at a later stage.

Maruti Suzuki is also working on bringing out an all-electric hatchback based on the Wagon R, though it will only arrive in April 2020. The company has deployed 50 EV prototypes for testing across India.

When it arrives in Maruti Suzuki’s Arena showrooms, the new Wagon R is expected to be priced at about Rs 4.5-5.5 lakh (ex-showroom). This will mean that the current model’s rivals – the Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, Datsun Go and even Maruti’s own Celerio – will continue. Bookings had opened for the new Wagon R last week for an amount of Rs 11,000.