Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Old vs New: Major Differences

How much of a leap does the new, bigger Wagon R take from its predecessor?

• The new Wagon R is substantially bigger than the outgoing model in terms of size.

• It also gets a new 1.2-litre engine, not available with the outgoing model.

• The 5-speed AMT is now available with both the 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engine.

Maruti Suzuki has launched the new Wagon R in India in three variants and for the first time, it gets a ZXi variant as well. We have driven the car already and it comes across as a significant departure from the older version in more than one ways. Let’s get into the details now.

Dimensions

As the dimensions suggest, the new WagonR is longer than not just the old car, but the Stingray as well. Even the width of the new WagonR is noticeably higher than the two cars. That said, on paper, the new WagonR is slightly shorter than the previous model, but that could be because it doesn’t get roof rails. When it comes to the wheelbase, the new WagonR is much longer than the old car, thanks to the new Heartect platform, same as the Ignis. But does it reflect on the interior space as well? Check out the first drive review.

Engine

To read more about the variants of the new WagonR, click here.

While the old 1.0-litre petrol motor has been carried forward, the new WagonR also gets a 1.2-litre petrol engine, that powers the Ignis and the Swift. Both the engines receive a manual transmission as well as an AMT. The older WagonR was also available with an AMT gearbox. The smaller, 1.0-litre engine continues to make 68PS/90Nm as before, while the bigger 1.2-litre engine is more powerful and produces 82PS/113Nm.

Tyres

The new WagonR also receives a tyre upgrade. While the wheel size still remains 13-inch (Lxi) and 14-inch (other variants), there’s wider rubber on offer now.

The outgoing Wagon R was available with 145/80R13 size tyres on the Lxi variant, while the new WagonR Lxi variants with 1.0-litre engine gets 155/80 R13 size tyres.

Vxi and Vxi+ variants of the outgoing WagonR were available with 155/65 R14 size tyres, whereas the Vxi and Zxi variant of the new WagonR are offered with 165/70 R14 size rubber.

Features

The previous gen Maruti WagonR used to get full wheel covers, front cabin lamps, manual AC, two front cupholders, 60:40 split seats and anti-theft alarm as notable standard features. There was no airbag or ABS, not even as an option. On the contrary, the new-gen WagonR at least gets a driver airbag with optional passenger airbag, ABS with EBD, speed alert system, seatbelt reminder, rear parking sensors on top of the standard features of the outgoing model. Additionally, it also gets a much detailed instrument cluster. That said, the new WagonR doesn’t offer full wheel covers and 60:40 split seats as standard, unlike the old WagonR.

The outgoing Maruti WagonR had a decent kit in the top-spec VX+ variant. Highlights of the package were body-coloured, electrically retractable ORVM, grey alloy wheels, chrome garnishing on the door side mouldings, projector headlamps with front fog lamps, rear wiper and washer, day/night IRVM, adjustable power steering, headrests, front and rear power windows, 12V accessory socket, a 2-DIN audio system with AUX-in and four door speakers. However, ABS and dual airbags were optional.

When it comes to the top variants, the new Maruti WagonR has actually taken a leap ahead in a lot of ways with the new ZXi variant. On top of the above-mentioned features it gets dual airbags, remote keyless entry, a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, steering-mounted controls and voice command, although the number of speakers has gone down to two. It also misses out on alloy wheels which could have given it an edge over its rivals like the Hyundai Santro.

Prices (ex-showroom Delhi)

*(O)- Optional variants

If you are interested in buying the new Maruti WagonR? Check out our New Maruti WagonR 2019 Roundup.

Read More on : Maruti Wagon R AMT