Maruti will be launching the all-new 2019 WagonR later this month and this will be the first major update to the hatchback in twenty years! The WagonR made its Indian debut in 1999 and ever since has remained a popular small car, featuring in the list of top 5 selling cars each month. With the newer generation model just weeks away from launch, lets discuss 10 important need to know facts about this tall boy hatchback
1. Launch date
Maruti will launch the new WagonR on the 23rd of January, about three weeks from now. Interestingly, the date clashes with the launch of the new Tata Harrier as well. This is also the date when Maruti will announce the pricing as well as version line-up for the hatchback. We can confirm that there will be small increase in the pricing – why? Read on…
2. New Engine
The WagonR, like the new Santro, will get a bigger four cylinder engine for the new model, the same unit that is seen in the Ignis, Swift, Dzire and the Baleno. This is not the first time the WagonR will be powered by such a set-up. Motoring enthusiasts will recall that the first gen model came with a 1061cc, four cylinder FD10 unit that was good for 62 bhp of power. The new 1.2-litre WagonR will be make 83 bhp / 113 Nm or an increase of 22% in terms of max power and 25% in terms of max torque. This will surely give the WagonR much needed performance boost and further, unlike a 3 cylinder engine, will offer better NVH or noise, vibration, harshness levels. The older 1.0 unit will also continue for the lower versions.
3. Optional automatic
The new WagonR will see the return of an optional automatic, something that was offered years back. As expected, this will be Maruti’s AGS or auto-gear shift set-up that is also seen in the Ignis, Swift and the Dzire. WagonR’s arch rival, the Santro offers an optional AMT but given the extra power / torque of the 1.2 unit, Maruti’s latest kid will provide a better city and highway experience with the AMT set-up. Further, it will also get a new manual gearbox with much smoother shifts than the current transmission.
4. All-new design
As seen in numerous spy shots, the 2019 WagonR has nothing in common with the outgoing version. Infact, the current model has remained largely same for 20 years with the last update coming in 2010 in the form of the ‘blue eyed boy’ model. The Sting Ray model was added in 2013 but soon got renamed as the new VXI trim. The front wears a mature look while the profile showcases the increase in length. The huge C pillar hints at a massive boot while the rear gets new tall vertical lights. In all, the new model definitely is a marked improvements in terms of aesthetics.
The 2019 model is upto 56 mm longer and 145 mm wider than the older model, depending on the version of the latter. Wheelbase has gone up by 35mm.
5. All-new interiors
The 2019 WagonR gets a completely revised styling for the cabin with a dual tone finish. The upper and central fascia are finished in dark while the other parts have a lighter beige theme. The steering too is new and seems to be a lift off from the Ignis. Though Maruti has not put out any word yet, the new model is expected to offer increased passenger space, specially in terms of shoulder room.
6. New features
Maruti will be loading up the new WagonR will never before seen features. These include a touch-screen infotainment system on the top spec model with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Likewise, it will get steering mounted controls, a new semi digital speedometer console, multiple charging outlets etc. Rear vents could make it to the model given that the Santro offers the same.
7. Added Safety
The new WagonR will be manufactured on a modified platform with changes done to meet the upcoming Bharat Safety norms. Additionally, we are expecting that Maruti might offer dual front Airbags, ABS, rear parking sensors, speed alerts etc as standard across all models. The new model will also have improved braking and better high speed dynamics.
8. Commercial model to continue
Maruti offers dedicated models for commercial fleet operators in India. This includes the Dzire Tour and Celerio H2 and likewise, Maruti is likely to retain the older model for commercial use as the WagonR is popular choice for Ola and Uber drivers. It will get the factory fitted CNG kit too and will be feature stripped for a lower price point.
9. It will come in 7 versions
The new Wagon R will be offered in a mix of two engine and transmission options. The 1.0 unit will be offered in Lxi, Vxi and Vxi AGS versions while the larger 1.2 motor will be offered in Vxi, Vxi AGS, Zxi and Zxi AGS trims. Do note that the Vxi and Zxi model with come with wider and taller wheels of size 165/70 R14.
10. Color options
The new 2019 Wagon R will be offered in a total of six different color options. These include white, silver, grey, orange, brown and blue. The official communication / marketing shade has not been revealed yet. In contrast, the current Wagon R is sold in seven different color options.
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