The next generation Wagon R is due for launch in 2017 and will come with a new 7-seater version added to the lineup, and has majority of its development happening in India.
Despite facing flak for the uninspiring styling, the Wagon R continues to remain one of Maruti Suzuki’s top three bestsellers in the country and managed to retail 15 lakhs units over the past 14 years. Currently in its second generation, the Indian auto giant has commenced work on the third generation Wagon R that is scheduled for launch in 2017 and will not only be available as a hatchback, but will also have an MPV based on the same. Being developed under the codename YCA, the next generation Wagon R will be offered as a 7-seater along with a new diesel engine option.
The YCA Wagon R in a 7-seater MPV form was first showcased as a concept at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) in September last year. With the Datsun GO+ low cost MPV being a similar offering all set to go on sale, the Wagon R based sub 4-metre MPV will be positioned below the Ertiga as a value for money people’s carrier with an annual sales target of over 2 lakh units. Development on the new generation Wagon R has already commenced at Maruti’s Indian R&D centre and will be exported to Indonesia as CKDs, where it qualifies as a Low Cost Green Car (LCGC).
In terms of powertrain, while the petrol option is a given, debuting for the first time on the tall boy will be a diesel engine. The specifications though on the powertrain have not been revealed yet. Creating a sub-segment, the new Wagon R 7-seater is one of the many new products that Maruti is planning to offer in the following years including a premium hatchback in late 2015, compact SUV in 2016 and an MPV in 2017.
The new of set of products will help Maruti retain its domestic market share that currently stands at 45 percent, while also providing a major boost in maintaining its dominance. This year saw the automaker refresh its popular products, the Swift and Alto K10, while the Celerio was Maruti’s major growth provider with the AMT unit. The company has also stepped into the premium space once again with the Ciaz sedan and plans to launch the S-Cross priced in a higher price bracket in the coming months.
Source – Financial Express
