Maruti Wagon R Facelift to Get 1.2L 3-Cylinder Engine, Underbody CNG
Could the next Wagon R become more powerful and efficient without losing its practical, affordable character?
The recent upgrade of Wagon R could mean more than just a facelift. Wagon R is Suzuki's longest-running hatchback in India. However, a new test mule of the upgraded Wagon R has been spotted.
The facelift will more likely bring subtle styling changes and a bigger update could happen to the bonnet. Maruti is reportedly considering its 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E engine for higher variants.
Let's see what else is changing and what's spotted recently.
Maruti Wagon R Facelift At A Glance
Running short on time? Take a quick glance at this table and you'd know the fundamentals of the update.
Detail | What To Expect |
Model | Maruti Wagon R Facelift |
Expected update | Exterior, engine and possibly CNG packaging |
Current engine | 1.0L 3-cylinder + 1.2L 4-cylinder petrol |
Expected new engine | 1.2L 3-cylinder Z12E |
CNG | Expected to continue |
CNG tank | Underbody setup reportedly expected/possible |
Gearbox | Manual and AMT expected |
Expected price | Slightly higher than current model |
Rivals | Tata Tiago, Maruti Celerio |
Maruti Wagon R Facelift Launch Date - When Could It Arrive?
The test mule of Maruti Wagon R facelift has already been spotted in India. However, Maruti hasn't announced its official launch date. This somehow means that the launch is definitely positioned but not confirmed. Meanwhile, the current generation is on sale from 2019. The latest update could therefore act as a mid-cycle refresh rather than a completely new generation.
For more specific understanding, here's a small timeline you can refer to:
Add a small timeline:
2019: Current generation launched
2022: Major update with new engines/features
2026: Facelift test mule spotted
Next: Expected launch and official specifications
Wagon R Facelift Design - What's Changing?
In this section, we are going to be breaking down the design changes in retrospection with the front view, rear view, and the overall design.
This section should focus on the changes actually visible on the test mule.
Front
Revised detailing around the headlamps.
Updated grille design.
Smoother bumper treatment.
Revised lower air inlets.
Rear
Revised bumper.
Vertical reflectors replacing the current horizontal setup.
Tail-lamp design appears largely unchanged.
Overall design
Don't expect a completely new Wagon R.
The tall-boy silhouette is likely to remain.
Changes seem more evolutionary than dramatic.
New 1.2L 3-Cylinder Engine - The Biggest Change?
How's the engine going to be different in the new model? Let's see a brief comparison between the two models and see where the transition is actually heading to.
Current setup | Expected facelift setup |
The current Wagon R uses a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Higher variants currently use a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The current 1.2-litre unit makes around 91hp and 114Nm. | Maruti could replace the 1.2-litre K-Series four-cylinder with the Z12E three-cylinder engine. The same Z-Series engine family is already being used in models such as the Swift and Dzire. The change could improve efficiency and help standardise Maruti's newer powertrain family. |
Why Is Maruti Moving From Four Cylinders To Three?
With this new upgrade Maruti is transitioning from four cylinders to three. What could be the possible reason for this?
Three cylinder engines turn out to be lighter and more compact than four. They can also help manufacturers target better fuel efficiency and a smaller engine could also help with packaging.
Maruti has already been moving towards the Z-Series engine in models such as the Swift and Dzire.
Wagon R Facelift CNG - What's Changing?
We all know how CNG of the Wagon R is the strongest buyer proposition. Here's how the CNG set-up transitioned.
Current CNG setup | Expected facelift change |
The current Wagon R offers CNG with its 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine. The current CNG engine produces around 57hp and 82Nm according to current specifications. CNG availability has historically been restricted to specific variants. | CNG is expected to continue. Reports around the new model should be clearly separated into confirmed and expected details. If the underbody CNG tank is confirmed by your source, explain how it could change boot usability. |
Wagon R Facelift Features - What Could Change?
What are the possible changes you could be seeing in the new Wagon R facelift in the context of interiors and exteriors? Here's a quick glance at it. Also remember, the reports suggest that the changes in the interior are quite minor.
Expected exterior updates
Revised grille
Updated bumper
Revised headlamp detailing
New wheel design possible
Interior
Minor dashboard changes possible.
Updated upholstery/trim possible.
Infotainment improvements possible.
Existing practical cabin layout could continue.
Conclusion
The upcoming Wagon R is more about the cosmetic update than an actual change. In the context of mechanical changes, you can expect a 1.2-litre three-cylinder Z12E engine.
Buyers can potentially benefit from fuel efficiency, improved packaging, and everyday practicality. You can also see the tall-boy design and practical cabin are expected to remain central to the Wagon R.
Despite all these, remember that the official engine output, CNG mileage, variants, and pricing are still awaited.
Stay tuned with carbikespecs.com for all the latest updates.