Feature – All new next-gen WagonR scooped; We do a comprehensive analysis

Thanks to the guys at Team-bhp, we have got the pictures of next-gen Maruti Suzuki WagonR that will be introduced once the Bharat Stage-4 norms kick in from April 1. Take a good look at the pictures and continue reading our comprehensive analysis of the WagonR right from its roots to its present avatar. Turns out that our older spy pics dating back to December 2009 were on dot! They indeed represent the scooped WagonR’s front and rear views!

Maruti launched the WagonR way back in 2001. WagonR is also the largest selling Kei car in Japan. In a highly competitive market like Japan, taking the top spot is quite a big achievement and a lot of it is because of the minimum exterior size and maximum interior room. This car has the maximum space a car can ever offer from its dimensions thanks to its box-like shape and partly there lies its appeal. The car is practical for four and offers decent luggage space and is efficient. Over all these, it is backed by Maruti’s excellent service network in India.

First gen WagonR

The WagonR’s story starts in 1993 as the first generation model introduced in Japan sharing its platform with the Alto. A wide version of the same was introduced abroad sporting wider tracks.

Second gen WagonR/Opel Agila in Europe

The second generation model succeeded in 1998 and this is the model that came to India in 2001 and has been serving us for over 9 years. The WagonR went through several facelifts but it stuck on and became India’s second largest selling car. The WagonR was not India’s first tall-boy but the Hyundai Santro.

Third gen WagonR

Maruti did not introduce the third generation tall-boy in India and instead, stuck to a comprehensive facelift which is what we see today. Not many actually know that the WagonR actually comes with 4 Wheel Drive in Japan and can take a propeller shaft to the rear wheels. Engines remained 660cc in Japan in both naturally aspirated (NA) and turbocharged forms. Europeans got the 1000cc (NA and Turbo) and 1300cc (NA) engines. India always had the 1.1L F10D engine that made 64bhp and transmitted power through a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Fourth-gen WagonR

The spy pictures that we have here actually show the fourth generation’s body with an altered front and rear end, possibly to take the 1.0L 3-cylinder K-Series engine from the A-Star. It can very clearly be judged looking at the side profile – While the first three generations sported rear quarter glass to aid visibility, the fourth-gen model features extra-long rear doors that run right till the rear end of the vehicle into a lean C-pillar. While the side profile is sharp and distinct, many will miss the even sharper front and rear end of the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) WagonR.

While all the strengths like lots of head room and practicality are maintained, we still prefer the styling of the JDM model. We can see everybody agreeing with our comment. The reason for a redesigned front end could be the integration of the larger 1.0L K-Series engine and its running gear. We also like the concept of a 1.2L WagonR Sports model although this is very difficult to package. We have to wait till its launch to see what Maruti has in mind.

The interiors get a much needed thorough makeover including an all new dashboard and lots of other bits like door trim to go with the rest of the car. The pictures also reveal that the VXi model sports ABS as an option at least and the much needed inclusion of a rear wiper. The integrated music system looks neat and so does the silver finished ridge that runs the entire length of the dash. Maruti has modified few bits of the dash like the removal of centrally mounted Auto gearbox lever for the CVT version.

Overall, the WagonR has maintained its good reputation all these days and the introduction of the all new model will continue to drive sales for Maruti. We are quite sure that the Figo and Beat will compete heavily but Maruti should be having a plan. The main question of price is still undecided and knowing Maruti, we can safely expect it to undercut its rivals and offer more for your paisa but what will happen to its stable-mates like the Estilo and A-Star? Will their sales be jeopardised?

This brings us on to the main question – positioning. It is a very difficult task for Maruti to position the WagonR in its lineup as a single car’s fate could decide the fate of its entire lineup. However, this time around, we expect Maruti to play the more for your money game by pricing the WagonR from about 3.4 lakhs (Estilo starts at 3.3) but loading it with all sorts of features right from the base model. This way, the WagonR would continue to rule the roost and appeal to people who prefer practicality and peace of mind that the WagonR has always offered.

Update:- 14/04/10
We have more spy pictures and details about New WagonR read them here