After the launch of the 2019 Maruti Wagon R to take on the likes of New Hyundai Santro, the current version will become a Taxi-only Tour model after getting some updates – Source
The 2019 Maruti Wagon R will be launched in near future to rival the new Hyundai Santro that is just days away from its introduction. With a lot riding on the next gen Wagon R, the new model is expected to offer a more premium cabin and a higher safety than the current model.
However, the launch of the next-gen Wagon R won’t spell the death of the current model. Instead, the current Maruti Wagon R will continue to live on as a taxi-only model. As you must be aware, the Wagon R is a popular choice among the taxi market.
Its light controls, affordable spares, high reliability, and a spacious interior has made it quite popular among the cabbies and fleet operators. The 2019 Maruti Wagon R will be an improvement over the current model but might cost a bit extra.
On the other hand, launching a no-frills version of the current Maruti Wagon R at a slightly cheaper price should make it even more popular among the fleet operators. Hence, like the company has been doing since the launch of the last two generations of the MarutiDzire, the introduction of the next-gen Wagon R should see the current model becoming a taxi-only car that will be sold under the ‘Tour’ brand.
Unlike the current trim options, which include the LXi, VXi, VXi (O), and VXi+, the Maruti Wagon R Tour is expected to be available in only a single trim, which won’t get body-coloured bumpers or electrically adjustable ORVMs. However, it should offer a power-steering and an air-con.
Also, in compliance with the upcoming stringent safety norms, it will have driver’s side airbag, ABS, and rear parking sensors. The top-speed of the Maruti Wagon R Tour will be restricted to 80 kmph, which is another safety requirement for all commercial vehicles in India.