Maruti Suzuki are in the process of revamping their entire line-up. The new WagonR joined the market with a host of upgrades
The 2022 Maruti Suzuki WagonR is here. This is the first update for the new-generation model which was introduced in 2019. While Maruti Suzuki have kept the styling alterations to the minimum, the most significant change is the addition of two new engines to the tall and efficient hatchback as well as the option of CNG for some trim levels. Let’s first look back at the origin of the WagonR.
Since 1999, Maruti Suzuki have developed and sold the WagonR as a city car, particularly tailored for the Indian market. It was first introduced in India on 18 December 1999 and has subsequently received multiple updates. Despite certain differences, the second-generation WagonR model and style were shared with its counterparts in the international market.
Design
This version of the WagonR was introduced in 2019 as a generation upgrade for the “tallboy” and the exterior form hasn’t changed much since then. In the top-end ZXI+ variations, however, the models will have a dual-tone exterior with two new colour combinations: Gallant Red with a Black roof and Magma Grey with a Black roof. It comes in a variety of new colours. The top-spec ZXi+ variant now comes with 14-inch Dynamic alloy wheels, which were previously available only as an option.
The Dual Tone Exteriors cabin is carried over from the previous model, although the seats are now upholstered in a Grey Melange Fabric. The grey colour of the dashboard and other plastic parts remain the same as before. The WagonR’s dimensions also remain unchanged from the previous generation, standing at 3.95 metres long with a 2.43-metre wheelbase. We tested the WagonR in great detail previously and here are the results. Overall the WagonR has a well-rounded design, right from the headlights to the taillight all of the new design details suit the WagonR well. Additionally, the WagonR has a spacious cabin and offers ample boot space.
New-age Technology
The top-of-the-line ZXi+ model has a 7.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, four speakers, USB and AUX connectivity, steering-mounted controls, voice control, and connected car capabilities that are intended to function through the Suzuki connect App. Power mirrors with turn-signals integrated into the wing-mirrors and a rear wiper are also available in this top-spec model. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors are now standard in all models. Hill-hold assist is standard in the models equipped with the automated manual transmission (AMT) starting with the VXi trim.
Powertrain
Maruti Suzuki have also replaced the 1.0-litre engine with a unit that is similar to the one found in the Celerio. In conventional mode, this engine produces 48 kW (67 horsepower) and 89 Nm of torque, while in CNG mode it produces 41.7 kW (59 horsepower) and 82.1 Nm of torque. It comes with a five-speed manual or a five-speed AMT or Auto Gear Shift (AGS) with petrol power, but only the five-speed manual in CNG models.
The second, more powerful alternative is the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K12 series engine making 66 kW (90 horsepower) and 113 Nm. It also gets a choice of five-speed manual or AGS.
The ARAI efficiency figures for both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engines have been no surprise at all, considering their unblemished history of making supremely efficient engines. The 1.0-litre engine delivers 25.19 km/litre with the AGS and 24.35 km/litre with the manual. The 1.0 CNG delivers an astounding 34.05 km/kg. The 1.2-litre models are rated at as high as 24.43 km/litre with the AGS and 23.56 km/litre for the manual.
Driving Dynamics
The first thing you notice when you get behind the wheel of the new Maruti WagonR is how much better it rides and how much more assured it feels. The new stiffer base, wider track, and torsion beam suspension at the rear have nearly entirely changed the driving dynamics. The WagonR seems rather sorted while travelling over broken spots and undulations on the road, and it even tackles the corners in a finer manner as a result of the changes, which benefit both the driver and the passengers.
Variants
The LXi is the WagonR’s entry-level model, with dual-tone interior, an amber instrument cluster, idle start-stop technology, front power windows, dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and body-coloured bumpers as standard features. This model comes solely with a five-speed manual transmission and the rear luggage tray is only available in CNG-equipped models. The rear parcel tray, on the other hand, can be fitted as an accessory at the dealer level.
The VXi gets split-folding second-row seats, day-night setting enabled IRVM, silver inside door-handles, keyless entry, all power windows, smart play dock with Bluetooth and two speakers, speed-sensitive door locks, security alarm, power windows, and body-coloured door-handles. All of these are all included in this edition. From this trim onwards, the AGS option is available, which includes a slightly changed instrument cluster as well as hill hold control.
The sole difference between the VXi and the ZXi trims is the steering-mounted audio control. The most significant change is that, starting with this grade, the WagonR is only available with the 1.2-litre engine, bringing a more substantial and premium power feel that the big-hearted hatch deserves.
The ZXi+ gets a tachometer, rear defogger, front passenger side under-seat tray and back pocket, Smartplay studio with 7.0-inch display, voice control, fog-lamps, 14-inch Dynamic alloy wheels, ORVMs with indicators, rear wiper, and dual-tone paint scheme as standard features as compared to the ZXi grade.
Safety Upgrade
Customers will benefit from the new WagonR’s HEARTECT platform developed by Maruti Suzuki. Dual airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), front seatbelt reminders, a high-speed alert system, and rear parking sensors are all standard. In AGS variants, the new WagonR also has Hill-Hold Assist, improving safety by providing maximum control of the car by stopping the vehicle from rolling backwards on steep inclines and in stop-start traffic.
Segment Bestseller
Last year, the Maruti Suzuki WagonR became the best-selling car in the country, with a strong sales growth. Maruti Suzuki have sold approximately 2.2 million units of their famed “tallboy hatchback” in India since its introduction in 1999. The company introduced the new version of the WagonR in 2019 and it has been an excellent performer since then.
Also Read: BS-VI S-CNG WagonR Launched By Maruti Suzuki
Story by Kurt Morris
