The next-gen Maruti Suzuki WagonR will likely have a heavily updated exterior and interior while the powertrain could remain the same
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR has been around for nearly two decades in the Indian market and is one of the major sales contributors for the largest automaker in the county in the entry-level segments where it began flourishing amongst the rest. With the distinctive tall hatch design, the WagonR focuses on family-oriented buyers with a fuel efficient engine – a trait that can be applied to all of its budget sibling.
The WagonR received its recent updates in 2013 and now after five years, it is about time to get a brand new generation. First evidences of it have been caught on camera as the upcoming avatar of the WagonR is spied testing on Indian soil. The current global range of WagonR was officially released back in February 2017 in Japan and it catapulted speculations of a new version in India ever since. Here is everything we so far know about the upcoming Maruti WagonR:
2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR Exterior and Design
The spotted test mule was fully disguised with black camouflage but it seems to have been fitted with production ready parts. The front fascia appears to endure the biggest styling changes as wraparound headlamps are hidden under the wrap. It has its tall design intact while the Suzuki brand logo is positioned in the middle of the horizontal bar covering the grille width of the vehicle.
Other notable changes are new bumper incorporating multi-slat air intake and round-shaped fog lamp housing. The prototype ran on steel wheels and the side profile largely looked similar to the existing WagonR. We can expect design revisions at the rear as well with new set of tail lamps and a revised bumper.
The forthcoming WagonR seems to have evolved in its overall appeal with a grown up styling. Moreover, the influences of the Ignis urban hatchback are also visible from the way it looks as both could share the same lightweight platform.
All these design variations remind us more or less of the Japanese-spec WagonR with vertical headlights, dual-port grille and clamshell-like bonnet. The Stingray version of the WagonR may adopt a slightly distinctive design as well compared to the regular model and it is likely to make a comeback as part of the standard range.
Also Read: 2017 Maruti WagonR VXi+ Launched from Rs. 4.69 Lakh
2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR Engine, Specs and Mileage
| Engine | 1.0-litre K10 petrol engine |
| Power | 67 bhp at 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 90 Nm at 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | five-speed manual and five-speed AMT |
| Mileage | 22 kmpl |
As for the powertrain, expect it to retain the familiar 1.0-litre K10 petrol engine with five-speed manual and AMT transmission options sending power to the front wheels. The 998 cc, three-cylinder K10B petrol engine currently produces 67 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 90 Nm of peak torque delivered at 3,500 rpm.
With lightweight and rigid new-gen platform “HEARTECT”, the new WagonR could become the most fuel-efficient small hatchback in India. For the Japanese market, the WagonR gains three variants namely FA, FX hybrid and FZ hybrid. The standard 660 cc three-cylinder petrol motor puts out 51 bhp and 60 Nm of peak torque. The hybrid model employs mild-hybrid system for improved fuel economy.
2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR Interior and Features
The interiors of the next generation Maruti Suzuki WagonR could be influenced by the Ignis in India unlike the model sold in Japan. This effectively means upmarket equipment and features would take the fight straight to Renault Kwid and Tata Tiago. The top-of-the-line variants could get a touchscreen infotainment system with SmartPlay, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
It could get a new dashboard and different buttons and dials compared to the existing version. A salient safety feature in the new-gen model in Japan is the Dual Sensor Brake Support (DSBS) collision-mitigating system. It could comply with the upcoming safety regulations and is expected to have airbag, seat belt reminder, alert system for speed beyond 80 kph, reverse parking sensor and manual override over central locking system for emergency as standard.
2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR India Price
| 2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR India Price | Rs. 4.1 lakh to Rs. 5.5 lakh |
If Maruti Suzuki opts to offer more upmarket features in the new WagonR, we can assume bump in price range as well but not by a huge margin as affordable pricing has long been keen for its success. However, its safety features could definitely be improved with driver and co-passenger airbag, ABS and EBD as standard.
2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR India Launch
| 2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR India Launch | Q3 2018 |
It is expected to make entry into the highly-crowded small hatchback during the course of 2018. We are more likely to witness its arrival before October and will be positioned below the upcoming Kwid rival based on the Concept Future S showcased at the 2018 Auto Expo.
2018 Maruti Suzuki WagonR Images
Spy Source: TheFinancialExpress