Maruti Wagon R Facelift: The Indian automotive scene has always been a territory of cars that manage to achieve the perfect harmony between utility and economy.
Among these family hatchbacks, the Maruti Wagon R has set a class of its own.
This favourite “tall boy” underwent a significant facelift to introduce a bit of modern flare, without compromising on the features that established it as a household name across the country.
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Maruti Wagon R Facelift Design Development: From Functional to Freeform
The new Wagon R is far removed from the usual boxy design, it now gets a modern look but still has its tall boy stance.
Up front, the grille is newly designed, featuring horizontal strips of chrome that help give it a classier look.
The re-profiled headlamp clusters gets integrated LED daytime running lights on higher trims, something that keeps the design up to date with the contemporary trends.
The visual bulk of the Wagon R is left intact on the profile even as the tallboy lines are accompanied by slight character lines to give it a less vanilla appearance than its predecessors.
The new design alloy wheels (available on top variants) bring some bling, while a floating roof design feature helps to give the car a bit more length than its diminutive footprint shouts out.
At the back too, the vertically placed tail lamps are updated with LED elements for a unique light signature and keep the Wagon R identifiable even in the dark.
The new bumper design rounds off the visual range, and the car is seen from all angles as much classy looker.
Cabin Comfort: Roomy With All the Modern Features
Maruti Wagon R Facelift Get into the facelifted Wagon R and you find a cabin that mixes the model’s traditional airiness with contemporary equipment.
Bold and stylish dashboard now comes with dual-tone finish and has improved quality materials giving it a premium feel, the new centre console comes with a 7-inch single-din touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
Instrument Panel of HR-V The new analog-type instrument cluster with a multi-information display provide vital driving information in a clear and easy-to-read format.
Mounted controls for audio and phone functions on the steering wheel let you keep your hands on the wheel, and your eyes on the road.
Whatr really marks Wagon R out is the clever packaging inside the cabin. The coervingly comfortable cabin has generous head and leg room for all passengers, despite the small outward size of the car.
The elevated perch is great for being able to see what’s going on around you when you’re in town and reduces stress trying to negotiate city streets.
The 60:40 rear seats can be folded for even more boot space on the already generous 341 litres to accommodate weekend luggage easily.
Performance Credentials: Frugal But Able Powertrains
Maruti Wagon R Facelift Beneath the bonnet, The refresh Wagon R retains the two tried and tested drivetrain that provide a sweet combination of power and fuel efficiency. Its 1.0L K10B engine with 67hp and 90Nm of power produced is perfect for urban driving.
For more power, there is the 1.2-litre K12M engine, which churns out 82 hp and 113 Nm of torque that offer a more assured drive on the highway without much sacrifice to fuel consumption.
Both powertrains are available with both a 5-speed manual transmission and an AMT, offering choice to the customers.
The AMT may not be as smooth as a conventional automatic, but it still represents two-pedal convenience at a fraction of the price and should be perfect for your everyday urban commuter.
Fuel economy is still a highlight, with the 1.0-liter churning out up to 21.79 kilometers per liter and the 1.2-liter pushing 20.52 kmpl (under ARAI testing).
The optional, factory-fitted CNG version of Wagon R offers a practical solution for the customer in quest of high fuel efficiency and lower emission.
Upgrades in Safety: Meeting This Century’s Concerns
Maruti understands the changing safety expectations of the consumers, and has made hitherto available safety features in the facelifted Wagon R as standard.
The more robust HEARTECT platform offers increased stability in the event of a crash, while dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear parking sensors are featured as standard on the line-up.
The higher trims come with more safety kit in the form of a reverse parking camera with guidelines, seat belt reminders for the driver and the front passenger and a speed alert.
As basic as these technologies may seem from a premium-standpoint, they’re quite an upgrade for Maruti’s least expensive segment and are a testament to the manufacturer’s dedication to make occupants safer on the road.
Technology integrating: Accessible connectivity at an exceptional value
The tech highlight of the facelifted Wagon R is the 7-inch SmartPlay Studio infotainment system, which also gets smartphone connectivity support, navigation, voice recognition and Bluetooth streaming.
With steering mounted controls, one can change settings without having to remove hands from the wheel.
An optional extra pack, the Suzuki Connect telematics suite, enables features such as geofencing, vehicle tracking, driving behaviour analysis and service reminders.
The same technologies that were once the exclusive preserve of premium sectors now offer even more convenience and peace of mind to cost-conscious shoppers.
Value Proposition: Low Price and Ownership Advantages
One of the biggest strengths of the facelifted Wagon R could be the pricing. Despite being fresh, and bigger, and another steps forward in terms of design, features, and safety, Maruti has still managed to drop anchor on the price front.
The wide range of variants means there’s a Wagon R for all budgets, from price-conscious base model to comparably well-kitted top trim.
The experience, of course, doesn’t just stop once you take possession, thanks to Maruti’s legendary service network of Maruti, with no issues when it comes to upkeep anywhere in the country.
Add to this the ready availability of the spare parts and affordable service costs, and this only accentuates Wagon R’s great value over the life of the vehicle.
Maruti Wagon R Facelift Conclusion: A Gradual Revolution
Maruti Wagon R Facelift The updated Maruti Wagon R is an intelligent progression of a popular badge.
Taking an overall look at the new Wagon R, Maruti has fixed just enough of the big niggling issues without touching the basics on which it developed such a substantial customer base, and that’s what makes the new Wagon R still a relevant product in the highly competitive market that we are in now.
The refreshed Wagon R aims to prove a point that if you want efficiency and practicality in an urban runabout that looks smart and interesting, the sense that couldn’t be called fashionable can now be found in the Wagon R resting in the form of all the upgrades that have made the refreshed Wagon R such a compelling choice for the practical-minded buyer who still wants a car that is now ready to be seen in public.
