Maruti Suzuki Wagon R spotted testing again, launch imminent?

Maruti’s tall hatchback is about to get a facelift. The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has been spotted testing in Gurugram, Haryana, on numerous occasions. All of the test mules so far have been heavily covered in camouflage. However, the latest spy shots reveal some details about the upcoming hatchback’s LED headlamps. Maruti is reportedly planning a festive season launch for the facelift model.

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2026 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R: What to expect?

The Wagon R facelift will have the same dimensions as the outgoing model. The freshly surfaced spy shots hint towards possible changes to the grille and front bumper. The headlamps have a rectangular shape and appear to be larger than the ones on the current model. The signature upright nose of the Wagon R will be carried forward on the facelift model. No changes are expected along the sides of the tallboy hatchback. At the back, the vertical tail lamps have been retained. The reflectors are now vertically aligned as opposed to the horizontal placement on the current model.

No big changes are expected inside the hatchback. Maruti may equip the new model with a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The current Wagon R uses a 7-inch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Other features like manual dimming IVRM, a 4-speaker sound system, Idle Stop Start (ISS), a manual AC with rear vents, remote keyless entry, and more will be carried forward too. Safety features like 6 airbags, ESP, fog lamps, rear parking sensors, and more are expected to make the cut.

The Wagon R will follow in the footsteps of the recently launched Baleno facelift by replacing its 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated ‘K12N’ petrol engine with the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder, naturally aspirated ‘Z12E’ petrol engine. The Z series engine generates a maximum power output of 83hp and 112Nm of torque. It can be mated to a 5-speed manual or AMT. In a CNG guise, it churns out 70hp and 102Nm. Meanwhile, the outgoing K-series engine produces 88hp and 113Nm of torque in the current version of the Wagon R.

This switch comes at an interesting time because Maruti recently tweaked the K12N engine on the Wagon R to support Bioflex fuel. The ECU was recalibrated to make this engine compliant with higher ethanol levels. A new ethanol sensor and fuel lines were added to the hatchback. Changes were made to the fuel injectors and fuel pumps. The current Bioflex model is compatible with fuel containing up to 85% ethanol (E85).

The 1-litre, three-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine will be retained on the Wagon R facelift. This engine produces a maximum power output of 66hp and 89Nm of torque. In a CNG guise, its output drops to 56hp and 82Nm. This engine is compatible with E20 fuel.

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Final Thoughts

Maruti could release the Wagon R hatchback in late October. Prices for the current model start at Rs 4.99 lakh and go up to Rs 7.24 lakh. The automaker will try to keep the starting price of the facelift model under Rs 5 lakh. Upon launch, it will rival the Renault Kwid, Maruti Swift, Maruti Celerio, Hyundai Grand i10 Nios, and Tata Tiago.