Maruti Suzuki is firing on all cylinders as after recently launching the much-anticipated Baleno facelift, the brand has now started testing the updated Wagon R.
The Wagon R was introduced in India in 1999 and since then it has been a common man’s car for many families. Now, the familiar tall-boy hatchback has been spotted under heavy camouflage, giving us an early look at what Maruti could change.
The test car does not show many clear design details because almost the entire body is covered. Still, the overall shape is familiar. This suggests that Maruti may be working on an update rather than a completely new Wagon R.
What Could Change Outside?
The front section is hidden under camouflage, but changes to the grille and bumper are possible. New alloy wheels and fresh colour options could also be added. The main design elements are expected to continue, including the tall body and upright rear section.
Some possible exterior changes include:
- Revised front grille
- New front bumper
- Fresh alloy wheel designs
- New colour options
- Updated lighting details
The test vehicle seen in the spy shots uses steel wheels and does not feature a rear wiper or fog lamps. However, this appears to be a mid-spec test car, so these details may not represent the full range.
A New Engine Could Be Coming
The more interesting part of the test car is what could be under its bonnet.
The current Wagon R gets a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Maruti has been slowly moving to its newer Z-Series 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine in models such as the Swift, Dzire and the recently launched Baleno facelift.
The Wagon R could be the next model to get this engine.
| Current Wagon R | Details |
|---|---|
| 1.0-litre petrol | K10C three-cylinder |
| 1.2-litre petrol | K12N four-cylinder |
| Gearboxes | 5-speed manual and AMT |
| CNG | Available |
The newer 1.2-litre Z-Series engine produces 83hp and 112Nm in the Baleno. However, Maruti has not confirmed the output for the Wagon R, so those figures should not be treated as final.
The new engine could bring better fuel efficiency, although the final mileage figures are also yet to be announced.
CNG Should Continue
CNG has been an important part of the Wagon R range for years. The updated hatchback is expected to continue with a factory-fitted CNG version.
There is also a possibility that Maruti could use a different CNG tank layout. An underbody arrangement, similar to the setup used on the Brezza CNG, could free up more luggage space.
This has not been confirmed yet, so it is too early to say whether the new Wagon R will get this setup.
Cabin Could Get More Features
Only a small part of the test car’s cabin can be seen in the available spy images. Because of this, the exact interior changes are not clear.
Maruti could update the infotainment system, upholstery and dashboard details. A larger touchscreen has also been suggested, but the size and equipment list are not confirmed at this stage.
The current Wagon R already gets features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, connected features and automatic climate control on higher variants.
Safety Equipment
The Wagon R received an important safety update with the previous model year. Six airbags are now offered as standard, along with ABS with EBD and ESP.
Hill Hold Assist is also available with AGS versions.
The facelift could receive further equipment changes, but Maruti has not shared the final safety list yet.
When Could It Launch?
Maruti Suzuki has not announced a launch date for the updated Wagon R. With testing now underway, the facelift could be introduced later in 2026.
The current Wagon R is priced from Rs 4.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 6.97 lakh, ex-showroom. The facelift is likely to cost more, although the new prices will only be known closer to launch.