The Suzuki Wagon R counts among the so-called Kei cars, heavily style-oriented vehicles that are still quite popular in Japan. The model debuted in 1993 and has gone through six generations in the years that followed.
Now, it might be hard to believe, but the fancy hatchback is actually selling like hot cakes in India, too. The company sold 152,000 copies of it in India in 2018 alone – 44,000 more than on its home market in Japan. So, in order to keep the sales of the Wagon R high, Japanese-Indian joint enterprise Maruti Suzuki has an update in the works.
The new hatchback is 135 mm (5.3”) longer and 145 mm (5.7”) wider than the current-gen Wagon R, amounting to a total of 3,655 mm (12 ft.) long and 1,620 mm (5.3 ft.) wide. It is based on the Heartect chassis also used in the Baleno, Ignis, and Swift models.
In its most basic trim, the Suzuki Wagon R will ship with a 1.0L three-cylinder engine rated at 68 hp (51 kW). A higher trim will be available with a 1.2L engine churning out 83 hp (62 kW). Both will ship with a choice between a five-speed manual transmission and a single-clutch semi-automatic one.
By default, the Kei car comes equipped with an air bag, ABS, a parking sensor, 13-inch wheels and an air conditioner. The top trim provides for an additional airbag for the passenger, a multimedia system, keyless entry and ignition, and larger 14-inch wheels.
Prices begin at the equivalent of U.S. $5,900, with the top trim coming close to $8,000. Maruti Suzuki may eventually decide to release the new Wagon R in Europe as well, but here is no official information on that at this point.
Photo: Suzuki