The new-gen Maruti Wagon R will launch on the 23 January and bookings for the new model are already underway. The third-gen India-spec Wagon R has pretty large shoes to fill, especially if you consider the stellar performance (avg. monthly sales from July-December 2018 - 10.959 units) of the outgoing version in spite of the arrival of fresher models like the new-gen Hyundai Santro and Tata Tiago.
Here are 10 things we now know about the 2019 Maruti Wagon R that should help decide if the new model has been worth the wait.
Bolder design with a hint of the JDM Wagon R
The 2019 Maruti Wagon R doesn't feature the same design as the JDM-spec model or that of the Suzuki Solio as Indian tastes are far different from the Japanese. That said, the aesthetics of the India-spec Wagon R get more in line with those of its Japanese cousin with the advent of the new-gen version. While the new Wagon R retains its tallboy stance, it boasts an entirely new design that helps the third generation look bolder and fresher than before. Moreover, the Wagon R appears to have grown and the larger size should help it with marginally higher street presence. A highlight of the front-end is the set of 'dual split headlamps', while the car looks more muscular in the side profile. The rear-end features vertically stacked tail lamps.
1.2-litre engine on top-spec trim
The 2019 Maruti Wagon R will retain the K10B 1.0-litre three-pot motor. A more significant info is that the tallboy will offer the K12B 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine that is found on the Ignis. The availability of the bigger engine will be restricted to the higher trims.
LPG and CNG options
As has been the case with the current mode, the next-gen Wagon R will be available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine. While the current car is available in both petrol and petrol-CNG variants, the latter won't be offered in the new model at the time of the launch. Instead, the new-gen Wagon R is expected to receive CNG as well as an LPG version. at a later stage.
1.0 and AGS retained
Brochure scans have revealed that the new Maruti Wagon R will be available with two engine options - K10B 1.0-litre petrol and K12M 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol. The smaller unit, which is being carried over from the current model, outputs a maximum power of 67.98 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 90 Nm. The three-pot motor will continue to be available with two transmission choices - 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic.
Lightweight HEARTECT platform
Like the JDM-spec Wagon R, the Indian version gets the lightweight HEARTECT architecture. With this, it is bound to become the most affordable car in the company's lineup to employ the robust-yet-light platform. Usage of the new-age platform along with the 1.2-litre petrol engine option is likely to lead to a considerable increase in the price, but the safety and performance benefits that the modern architecture offers simply can't be overlooked.
Also See: 2019 Maruti Baleno (facelift) spied completely undisguised
Touchscreen infotainment
The top-end trims of the 2019 Maruti Wagon R will feature a touchscreen infotainment unit that takes centre stage on the dashboard. The new unit will be marketed as 'SmartPlay Studio' and is a low-csost alternative to the touch-sensitive system available on pricier Maruti models.
No 7-seater variant
While the 2019 Maruti Wagon R seems to scaled dimensionally, all rumours of the 7-seater variant can be safely dismissed as the tallboy will continue as a strict 5-seater. Speculations on a 7-seater Maruti Wagon R first arose when the Suzuki Wagon R 3 Rows Concept was showcased in Indonesia in 2013. It was reported that the three-row model was being evaluated for a market launch. Eventually, though, the project seems to have been scrapped in both Indonesia and India due to the low demand.
All-electric variant in pipeline
Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has been testing 50 units of the JDM-spec Wagon R with electric powertrain on the Indian public roads. That said, this EV isn't India-bound, and the company will use the data acquired from the road tests for the validation of a new EV based on the new Wagon R. The pure electric variant will launch in 2020 and will become the first Maruti Suzuki model to feature an all-electric powertrain. The same will be shared with Toyota.
Will be safer
The 2019 Maruti Wagon R will be safer than the outgoing model. To gain compliance with the stricter safety norms, all the trims will be equipped with a driver-side airbag, ABS, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, speed-sensing door lock, impact-sensing door unlock, high-speed warning alert, and front seatbelt reminder. Additionally, the new model will ride on a reworked platform that will offer higher crash protection.
Premium pricing
The additional safety features, bigger engine on the ZXi, updated platform, airbags and sensors, and the higher equipment level is sure to affect prices. The 2019 Maruti Wagon R is expected to cost between INR 4.5-6 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). In comparison, the current model is priced from INR 4.15 lakh to INR 5.36 lakh.
