Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is one of the most popular family cars in the Indian market and has been preferred for years for its practical design, good mileage and low running cost. Now, the company could introduce this popular hatchback in a new avatar. The new Wagon R has recently been spotted during testing, giving an indication of some of the updates that could be introduced.
One of the biggest talking points about the new Wagon R is the possible use of an underbody CNG tank. If Maruti Suzuki brings this setup to the production model, it could offer a major practical advantage by freeing up more usable space inside the boot.
Apart from the CNG packaging, the new Wagon R is also expected to continue with a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. However, the company could make improvements to efficiency, refinement and overall performance. Let’s take a closer look at what could change in the upcoming Wagon R.
New Wagon R Could Get an Underbody CNG Tank
The most interesting detail seen during the testing of the new Wagon R is related to its CNG setup. According to reports, Maruti Suzuki could position the CNG tank underneath the car instead of placing the cylinder inside the boot.
Although this may sound like a small change, it could significantly improve the practicality of the CNG version. In many CNG cars, the cylinder occupies a considerable portion of the boot area, which reduces the amount of usable luggage space.
If the new Wagon R gets an underbody CNG tank in the production version, Maruti could make better use of the available space inside the cabin and boot. However, the final tank capacity, packaging and safety certification details will only become clear after the company officially announces the model.
More Usable Boot Space Could Make It Even More Practical
For family-oriented buyers, boot space is an important factor. Apart from carrying everyday luggage, owners often need additional space during weekend trips and long journeys.
Moving the CNG cylinder from the boot to the underbody could potentially free up more usable luggage space. This does not necessarily mean that the boot will increase to a specific capacity, as the final packaging is yet to be revealed.
However, if Maruti Suzuki successfully incorporates this technology into the production model, the CNG version could become considerably more practical than the current setup.
This could make the new Wagon R particularly appealing to buyers who want lower running costs without compromising too much on everyday practicality.
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1.0-Litre 3-Cylinder Engine Could Continue
The new Wagon R is expected to continue with the existing 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine. The current Wagon R uses the 1.0-litre K10C engine, which is available with both petrol and CNG powertrain options.
In CNG mode, this engine produces around 56 hp of power and 82.1 Nm of torque. Its primary focus is not outright performance but fuel efficiency and lower running costs.
This combination has been one of the major reasons behind the Wagon R’s popularity among Indian buyers. Therefore, Maruti Suzuki is expected to maintain its focus on mileage and practicality with the new model as well.
However, the company could make changes to the engine tuning to improve refinement and drivability. The engine and transmission calibration could also be revised to work more effectively with the new CNG packaging.
Petrol Engine Options Could Also Continue
Currently, the Wagon R is available with 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engine options. The 1.0-litre engine is also offered with the CNG powertrain.
Continuing with both petrol and CNG options could be important for Maruti Suzuki because the Wagon R caters to buyers with different requirements. Some customers prefer CNG for its lower running cost, while others choose petrol for greater flexibility.
If the company continues offering the 1.2-litre petrol engine, buyers could have an option that offers stronger performance compared with the smaller engine. However, the final engine lineup for the new model has not yet been officially confirmed.
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Classic Boxy Profile Could Be Refreshed With New Styling
The tall-boy and boxy design is one of the biggest identifying features of the Wagon R. The new model is expected to retain this basic silhouette because it helps provide good headroom and a practical cabin layout.
However, the test vehicle was heavily camouflaged, so the complete exterior changes are not yet visible.
The company could introduce updates to the front and rear sections of the car. These may include a redesigned grille, revised bumpers, updated headlamp elements and new tail-lamp detailing.
Instead of completely changing the design, Maruti Suzuki could follow an evolutionary approach. This would allow the new Wagon R to retain its familiar shape while giving it a more modern appearance through updated styling elements.
Interior Could Get New Features
The cabin of the new Wagon R could also receive several updates. While the spy images have not revealed the complete interior, Maruti Suzuki could introduce an updated infotainment system, revised instrument cluster, new seat upholstery and additional connected features.
The company has been adding more technology and convenience features to its newer models. Therefore, the new Wagon R could also receive improvements in terms of smartphone connectivity, infotainment and everyday convenience.
However, the exact feature list and variant-wise equipment will only become clear once Maruti Suzuki officially reveals the car.
Safety Could Also Receive More Attention
Safety is another area where the new Wagon R could see improvements. Indian buyers are becoming increasingly conscious about safety while purchasing a new car.
Maruti Suzuki could therefore equip the upcoming model with an improved safety package and additional safety equipment. However, the exact features and their availability across variants have not yet been confirmed.
The underbody CNG setup will also need careful engineering. Factors such as tank protection, ground clearance and overall structural integration will be important if the company adopts this technology for the production model.
Therefore, the final setup will have to meet the required safety, durability and certification standards before it reaches customers.
Which Buyers Could Find the New Wagon R Most Useful?
If the new Wagon R arrives with an underbody CNG tank, it could be particularly useful for buyers who travel long distances regularly and want to keep their running costs under control.
Customers looking for the lower running cost of CNG could benefit from the Wagon R’s practical cabin combined with potentially improved usable boot space. This combination could be especially useful for families.
On the other hand, buyers who prioritise performance could prefer the 1.2-litre petrol version, if Maruti Suzuki continues to offer it in the new model.
What Can We Expect From the New Wagon R?
Based on the information currently available, Maruti Suzuki appears likely to focus on improving the existing strengths of the Wagon R rather than completely changing its character.
The familiar tall-boy design, practical cabin and petrol and CNG powertrain options could remain part of the package, while the company may focus on improving overall packaging.
The possible underbody CNG tank could become the most important practical upgrade if it makes it into the production model.
However, the launch date, final specifications, CNG tank capacity, mileage, pricing and variant-wise features have not yet been officially announced. These details will become clear only after Maruti Suzuki makes an official announcement.
Final Verdict
The Wagon R has long been known in India for its mileage, practicality and affordability. If Maruti Suzuki successfully introduces an underbody CNG tank in the production version, it could address one of the biggest practical limitations of conventional CNG cars — reduced boot space.
Along with updated styling, a more modern cabin, improved technology and potentially better safety equipment, the new model could become more attractive than the current version.
For now, the biggest question is how Maruti Suzuki manages the balance between CNG tank packaging, safety and ground clearance. If the company gets these aspects right, the new Wagon R could become an even stronger option for budget-conscious Indian family car buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where could the CNG tank be placed in the new Maruti Suzuki Wagon R?
A: The CNG tank could be positioned underneath the car instead of inside the boot. However, Maruti Suzuki has not officially confirmed this setup yet.
Q2. Will the new Wagon R get a 3-cylinder engine?
A: The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engine is expected to continue, although the final engine specifications will be confirmed by Maruti Suzuki later.
Q3. What is the advantage of placing the CNG tank underneath the car?
A: The biggest potential advantage is improved boot space. Moving the cylinder out of the boot could provide more usable room for luggage.
Q4. What design changes could the new Wagon R get?
A: The car could receive a new grille, revised bumpers, updated headlamps and redesigned tail-lamp elements. However, the final design has not yet been officially revealed.
Q5. Will the new Wagon R get a 1.2-litre petrol engine?
A: The current Wagon R is available with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. Whether this engine will continue in the new model has not yet been officially confirmed.
Q6. Could the new Wagon R offer better mileage?
A: The company could improve the car’s efficiency, but the official mileage figure has not been announced yet. Therefore, it would be premature to claim a specific mileage figure.