Maruti Suzuki’s Wagon R burst into the scene in 1999 and continues to be one of the most popular vehicles on the market to date. The tallboy hatchback introduced critical practical features like ample head and legroom and boot space. The current generation Wagon R is available in two engine options, the 998 cc K10c 3 cylinder and the 1197 cc K12N 4 cylinder. The 998 cc will also be available in CNG trim. Both the powertrains are mated to a 5-speed manual and a 5-step AMT. The Wagon R comes in nine variants and nine paint schemes.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Engine Specifications
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is available in two engine options — 1-litre petrol and 1.2-litre petrol. The 1-litre motor also offers a CNG option.
The 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill churns out 66 bhp and 89 Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT transmission. The CNG version is also powered by the 1-litre engine but has an output of 56 bhp and 82.1 Nm of torque. It solely gets a 5-speed manual gearbox. The top models come with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with an output of 89 bhp and 113 Nm. It offers two transmissions — the 5-speed manual and the 5-speed AMT.
Specifications |
1-litre Petrol |
1.2-litre Petrol |
1-litre CNG |
Displacement |
998 cc |
1197 cc |
998 cc |
Power |
66 bhp |
89 bhp |
56 bhp |
Torque |
89 Nm |
113 Nm |
82.1 Nm |
Gearbox |
5-speed MT / AMT |
5-speed MT / AMT |
5-speed MT |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Mileage
Based on the powertrains, the following are the mileage of the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R —
1-litre 5-Speed MT — 24.35 kmpl
1-litre 5-Speed AMT — 25.19 kmpl
1-litre CNG — 34.05 km/kg
1.2-litre AMT— 24.43 kmpl
1.2-litre 5-Speed MT — 23.56 kmpl
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Features
The top variant of the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, the ZXI+, comes equipped with a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also gets a four-speaker set while the mid-level variant comes with two speakers. The entry-level Wagon R has only front power windows while the rest of the variants get all four. The hatchback is equipped with electrically adjustable and retractable ORVM with turn indicators.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Pricing
The Wagon R is one of the best-selling hatchbacks in the market and costs from Rs 5.56 lakh to Rs 7.21 lakh, ex-showroom. The Wagon R is in nine trims that include 1-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.2-litre naturally aspirated petrol and CNG powertrains.
Variants |
Ex-showroom Price |
Wagon R LXI 1-litre |
Rs 5.56 lakh |
Wagon R VXI 1-litre |
Rs 6.0 lakh |
Wagon R ZXI 1.2-litre |
Rs 6.28 lakh |
Wagon R VXI AGS 1-litre |
Rs 6.45 lakh |
Wagon R LXI CNG 1-litre |
Rs 6.45 lakh |
Wagon R ZXI AGS 1.2-litre |
Rs 6.73 lakh |
Wagon R ZXI+ 1.2-litre |
Rs 6.76 lakh |
Wagon R VXI CNG 1-litre |
Rs 6.90 lakh |
Wagon R ZXI+ AGS 1.2-litre |
Rs 7.21 lakh |
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Review
Maruti Suzuki WagonR has not only been a successful car for the company but is one of the biggest success stories in Indian automotive history. Quite honestly, I never expected the WagonR to be a blockbuster when I saw it first years back. With its boxy, tall boy design the WagonR was definitely not a car people would find attractive. However, over the years the Wagon R proved me and many others wrong by clocking sales of over 22 lakh units. So what really appealed to the masses of the country for a car that didn’t look attractive from any angle? Utility, affordability and versatility is what made the car a winner. Now the company has launched the new 2019 WagonR, which they claim is better in every aspect. So we tried to find out if the new 2019 Maruti Suzuki WagonR is any better and if it still has what it takes to set the sales charts on fire.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Review: Design and Looks
The Maruti Suzuki WagonR retains the tall boy design and boxy look. And while it still might not win any beauty contest Maruti Suzuki has done the right thing by retaining the visual character because why fix something that ain’t broke? Moving to a new HEARTECT-based platform means that everything on this new model is new including the design. The curvy yet large headlamps along with a chrome strip on the grille give the car a modern and premium look. Dimensionally, the car has grown in all areas and that is reflected in the design, something most Indians love. On the side, a strong shoulder line with mildly flared wheel arches gives the car a more energetic stance than earlier. The black plastic inserts before the C-pillar give a floating roof effect and add to the premium quotient.
The rear, however, is my personal favourite because of the new vertical tail lamps. Yeah, yeah, it is reminiscent of Volvo cars but it quite simply looks good! Some bit of chrome on the boot lid along with a new bumper finish up the back. Overall, the new 2019 Maruti Suzuki WagonR has definitely improved in terms of looks. It still isn’t a pretty car but it looks bigger and more upmarket than ever. With things only having improved, it’s a positive takeaway for all new buyers.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Review: Interior, Cabin, Features
The all-new car also gets a brand-new cabin and things here have changed drastically. There’s a dual-tone dashboard in place now to break the monotony of the sea of grey found in the earlier model. Plastic quality is good, although not the best in this price segment. The attention-grabbing feature here is the 17.78 cm infotainment screen, which has a new and colourful interface that’s not only pleasing to look at but easy to operate as well. It comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and SmartPlay Studio. There’s a USB, 12V socket and Aux-in point too so connectivity is now at par with cars from a segment above as well.
The front seats are quite comfortable with good cushioning and smartly integrated storage spaces all around will ensure that long drives will be comfortable. The steering wheel gets audio and telephony controls and the steering wheel itself feels quite nice to hold. Behind the steering wheel, the new instrument cluster with an analogue speedo and digital screen provides easy readouts for info such as engine RPM, average fuel consumption, odometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and more
Move to the rear seat and things get even better. An increase in length, width and wheelbase has resulted in increased legroom. In fact, the rear legroom is more than some premium hatchbacks and sub-compact sedans and will suffice for tall occupants as well. Being a tall boy, headroom again is a lot so people with families are going to love this car. What I think can be better is the under-thigh support, which proved to be adequate for me but can be a bit bothersome for taller occupants.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Review: Engine & Gearbox
Great news for those who found the earlier WagonR to be anaemic in terms of power, especially on highways! While the 1.0 Litre engine is still available the 2019 Maruti Suzuki WagonR comes with a new 1.2 petrol engine, which produces about 81 hp and 113 Nm of torque. Pair this with a kerb weight of 845 kg of the top AGS variant and you get a zippy car that can now tackle highways easily. The engine is a smooth operator and even at triple-digit speed, NVH levels are appreciably low. Low-end performance is good, making urban runs convenient.
Helping the engine are the gearboxes, a five-speed manual and a five-speed AGS (Auto Gear Shift), an AMT unit in common terms. Being a first-mover in the AMT space has given Maruti Suzuki more time than other carmakers to tune this technology for Indian conditions, something the WagonR displayed quite nicely. While there’s still a perceivable lag between shifts, the shift shocks are not much and doing a kick-down doesn’t send the gearbox into any sort of indecisive state, which is the case with some cars.
Claimed fuel efficiency is rated at 21.5 kmpl for both manual and AGS variants and these numbers don’t seem far-fetched. We recorded a system indicating fuel efficiency of 19.2 kmpl with the majority of the test done on highways. So for all those looking for a car with good drinking habits, the new 2019 Maruti Suzuki WagonR checks all the right boxes.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Review: Ride and Handling
First things first, the WagonR was never made to win races or thrill drivers so talking about cornering ability is stupidity I choose not to commit. What you do need to know is that the car is more stable than earlier and the brakes too have improved. The car feels less floaty than the older model but past 120 kmph, it does tend to feel iffy, especially due to the light steering with no feedback. In traffic and tight parking spots though this lightness proves to be a boon.
Ride quality is exactly what one would expect from a family mover and is not stiff or overly soft. It’s pretty much neutral so it deals with potholes and speed breakers with ease and absorbs the shocks quite nicely.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Review: Safety
Moving to a new HEARTECT platform has resulted in lighter weight yet improved structural rigidity. Owing to this the energy absorption and dissipation in the event of a crash should be better leading to improved safety. Features like ABS with EBD, driver-side airbag, rear parking sensors, speed alert system and seat belt reminder come standard across all variants on the new WagonR.
Maruti Suzuki WagonR Review: Conclusion
The 2019 Maruti Suzuki WagonR is definitely a better car than the previous model in every aspect. It is bigger, better, smarter and offers great value for money. It has been priced competitively as well between Rs 4.19 to 5.78 lakh, ex-showroom. The highlight, however, of the new WagonR is the fact that it is one of the few cars which serves as a good upgrade for owners of older models. So with the massive customer base of the WagonR brand and an improved car on offer now, it’s a no-brainer that this is another blockbuster from Maruti Suzuki!
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It gets two engines, 66 bhp 1-litre and the 89 bhp 1.2-litre. The 1-litre engine is also available in CNG option with an output of 56 bhp.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has a 341 litres of boot space.
The top trim, the ZXI+, is equipped with a 7-inch infotainment system with four speakers.
No, the Wagon R doesn’t offer a sunroof.
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R’s fuel tank is 32 litres.
The CNG Wagon R has a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres
The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is available in either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed AMT automatic.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R goes up against the Renault Kwid, Tata Punch, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, Tata Tiago and Maruti Suzuki Celerio.