The 7-seater Suzuki Wagon R will go into production by 2016 for the Indonesian market and could also be offered in India to rival the upcoming Datsun GO+.
Showcased last year at the Indonesia International Motor Show as a concept, the Suzuki Wagon R 7-seater MPV has been confirmed for production and will hit the assembly line by 2016. Based on the existing Wagon R platform, the 7-seater model essentially gets extended length at the rear with another bench placed in the third row. Rivalling the Datsun GO+ MPV in the segment, the 7-seater Wagon R will exclusively be sold in Indonesia and could also make its way to other markets including India.
Expected to be called ‘Karimun (7-seater) Wagon R’, the new model will carry a much better style than the concept shown earlier. It will also get better interiors than the regular 5-door hatchback version. The MPV is expected to retain the same wheelbase from the hatchback, while the rear will be extended to accommodate the extra bench. A major reason for a 7-seater Wagon R is the taxation norms in Indonesia. Being under 4-metres in length with power coming from a 1.2-litre petrol engine or less, the model will qualify as a Low Cost Green Car (LCGC), thereby attracting low taxes and duties.
Considering the similarities between Indonesian and the Indian market, there is a healthy chance that Maruti Suzuki could offer the 7-seater Wagon R in India as well. The Wagon R has been a consistent seller for the automaker and a 7-seater version will certainly undercut the existing range of MPVs including the Honda Mobilio, Mahindra Xylo and Maruti’s very own Ertiga. Being under the 4-metre mark, expect the pricing to be very competitive, while an engine upgrade could see the 1.2-litre K-Series petrol motor doing duty under the hood. More details will emerge as we get closer to the production spec model in 2016.
