2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R production begins in India ahead of launch by the end of this year, to rival new Santro with more frugal engine
Maruti Suzuki introduced the Wagon R hatchback nearly two decades ago and it has been a loyal servant for the brand with consistent sales numbers despite not changing much through its lifespan. The Indo-Japanese manufacturer will be launching the new generation Wagon R very soon as we can exclusively reveal as it limited production started at the Manesar plant.
It could enter the Indian market in mid-December or in early January and its production operations have begun. It will play an integral role in the brand’s future plans as the electric version based on the upcoming Wagon R had already been confirmed to go on sale in 2020 and the prototype testing was officially flagged off recently.
Ahead of the zero-emission version’s arrival, it’s crucial for Maruti Suzuki to make a mark with the conventional model. The third generation India-bound Wagon R is no stranger to international customers – as it has been on sale in Japan and other countries since February 2017 in its sixth major makeover – and is expected to deliver big volumes as its predecessor.
Also it will reinstate an old rivalry with Santro, as the Korean hatchback is gracing buyers next week in its new iteration. Just as the new Santro carrying several traits as its original version, the new-gen Wagon R will have tallboy stance with ample interior space in India. While the silhouette remains identical, the exterior changes will make it definitely modern.
However, it won’t likely be based on a brand new platform as its international sibling but the existing architecture will be updated to meet stringent safety standards while keeping the costs in check. We can expect it to have standard safety equipment like dual front airbags, SBR, speed warning system, reversing sensors and so on.
More importantly, it will come equipped with a revised interior boasting several new features to tackle latest entry-level rivals like Tata Tiago, Datsun Go and Renault Kwid. The 1.0-litre K10B three-cylinder petrol engine from outgoing model developing 67 bhp at 6,200 rpm and 90 Nm of peak torque delivered at 3,500 rpm could be carried over with CNG option. A five-speed manual and an AMT will continue to perform transmission duties.
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2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Images (Swipe right)
