- Suzuki Wagon R
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Suzuki Wagon R 
Manufacturer Suzuki Also called Suzuki Karimun
Maruti Wagon R
Mazda AZ-Wagon
Mitsubishi Delica D:2
Opel Agila
Vauxhall AgilaProduction 1993–present Class Kei car
City carRelated Changhe Big Dipper The Suzuki Wagon R is a kei car first introduced in Japan in 1993, and is still in production by Suzuki. The R stands for Recreation. It is one of the first cars to use the "tall wagon or tall boy" design in which the car is designed to be unusually tall with a short bonnet and almost vertical hatchback and sides in order to maximise cabin space while staying within the kei car dimension restrictions.
The Wagon R has been the best-selling kei car in Japan since 2003;[1] and in 2008, Suzuki expected to produce its three-millionth Wagon R.[2]
It has been a profitable car for Suzuki even in the International market, mainly since introducing the car in India. Sales of Suzuki Wagon R have reached 5 million units at the end of February 2010.
Contents
1st generation (1993–1998)
1st generation Wagon R
The first generation Wagon R is 1,640 millimetres (64.6 in) high, or 255 millimetres (10.0 in) taller (170 mm (6.7 in) internally) than the JDM Suzuki Alto sold at the same time (which was exactly the same length and width). The Wagon R used the same 660 cc three-cylinder engines as did the Alto and other Suzuki kei cars. A bigger Wagon R Wide was added in early 1997, featuring a wider body and a 1-litre four-cylinder engine.
2nd generation Wagon R2nd generation (1998–2003)
1998 saw the introduction of the second-generation Wagon R in Japan, with the Wagon R+ replacing the Wagon R Wide in 1999 - this was brought to Europe in 2000, with larger engines. This is also produced in Esztergom in Hungary and Gurgaon, India. The Opel Agila is a badge engineered version of the Suzuki Wagon R+, also introduced in summer 2000.
3rd generation (2003–2008)
3rd generation Wagon R
3rd generation Suzuki Wagon R StingrayA third generation Wagon R was launched in Japan in September 2003 for the Wagon R's tenth Anniversary, but now only as a 660 cc K6A-engined kei car - no oversized version (like the previous Wide and + versions) was developed. The third generation was then facelifted in September 2005 and replaced three years later.
- Stingray
The Stingray, first seen in February 2007, was a sportier version of the third generation Suzuki Wagon R. In addition to a more aggressive front end treatment, the Stingray also received clear taillights. Alloy wheels and an aero kit were also standard.
4th generation (2008–present)
4th Generation Wagon R
4th Generation Stingray Wagon RThe fourth generation Wagon R was launched in Japan in September 2008 along with the sportier Stingray, AZ-Wagon and AZ Wagon Custom variant (the latter two manufactured for Mazda). Significant differences for the new generation include larger rear doors, which incorporate quarter glass, eliminating the need for a D pillar arrangement. Powertrain options include naturally aspirated and turbocharged 660 cc engines with the latter developing an output of 64 PS (47 kW), mated to a 4-speed automatic, a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission. As with many other Japanese market models, customers can choose between front-wheel and all-wheel-drive versions.
Wagon R-Wide/Wagon R+/Wagon R-Solio/Solio
2010–present Suzuki Solio (also sold as the "Mitsubishi Delica D:2" since 2011)
First generation european market Wagon R+
2005-2010 Suzuki SolioThe Wagon R-Wide, introduced in February 1997, is a slightly larger car, exceeding the kei car specifications, with larger engines: 1.0 (K10A, 50kW/88Nm),1.0 Turbo (JDM only, K10A, 75kW/118Nm) and 1.2 (K12A, 51kW/93Nm) litre engine - this is what was sold as the Wagon R+ in the European market (also introduced in the same year). The only other tall wagon style car sold in Europe around the time of its introduction was the Daihatsu Move. The Wagon R-Wide was facelifted in May 1998, and this updated Wagon R-Wide was also sold in Europe under Wagon R+.
When the second generation Wagon R-Wide was launched in May 1999, this became the Wagon R+ in Japan as well. This updated version started sales in the European market in the summer of 2000. The main difference between the JDM Wagon R-Wide/+ and the European Wagon R+ is the door handles, which on JDM models were body-colored while European models received black door handles.
In December 2000, the Japanese-spec model was renamed Wagon R-Solio, and this was available both in the bottom-of-the-line X trim level and in a more sports-oriented trim level known as the 1.3. In June 2002, the 1.0 E trim level was added to the Wagon R-Solio lineup. In August 2003, a mid-facelift Wagon R-Solio was released. In April 2004, the Wagon R-Solio was renamed Solio, losing the Wagon R moniker entirely. In August 2005, a facelifted Solio was launched.
However, the original WagonR+ was still offered in Europe after December 2000. This was because it was too difficult for either the Wagon R-Solio or Solio to meet with Euro NCAP crash safety ratings. As a result, the Wagon R+ continued in Europe until late 2008, when replaced by the Splash.
While the Kei-version of the Wagon R went through third and fourth generations, the wider Solio remained in its second generation until undergoing a full model change in December 2010. The third generation Solio is based on the Suzuki Palette instead of the Wagon R, although the Palette itself uses the Wagon R's platform. This generation of Solio (MA15) also provides the basis for an OEM deal with Mitsubishi, rebadged as the Mitsubishi Delica D:2, which was released in March 2011.[3] It is currently unknown if the new Solio will be exported to India or not. If so, it will commence sales in either late 2011 or early 2012 as Maruti Suzuki Solio, and will be modified and Indianized to be unique to the widespread poverty in that country, in comparisons to the Wagon R and the Estilo.[4]
International
Hungarian-built second generation Suzuki Wagon R+The Hungarian-built Wagon R+ is still being produced for the European market (Wagon R-Solio and Solio are not sold), albeit with limited range and availability (it is no longer for sale in Ireland, for example). As of 2006 in the UK, only one model is available - the GL, with a 1.3 litre (1289 cc) 16 valve 4-cylinder petrol engine delivering 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp), ABS with EBD and air conditioning as options. The current model is 3,540 mm (139.4 in) x 1,620 mm (63.8 in) x 1,695 mm (66.7 in) (length x width x height), with a claimed 597 litres (21.1 cu ft) of cargo space.
In 2000 until 2007, the Wagon R+ is rebadged as Opel Agila. The Agila was built at a Opel factory in Gliwice, Poland and used Opel Engines and transmissions. The new Agila is a rebadged Splash.
In Europe and elsewhere, the Solio has been replaced by the Splash in late 2008.
In Indonesia, the car is called Suzuki Karimun and offered with a 1000 cc (until 2006) and 1100 cc (2007 onwards) petrol engine, whilst in China it forms the base for both the Changhe-Suzuki Big Dipper (Beidouxing) and Changhe-Suzuki F-MPV. The Big Dipper is available with an indigenously built 1.0 based on the old F10A, or with the more modern 1.4 liter K14B engine.[5]
In some Latin American counties such as Colombia, the Wagon R+ was sold under General Motors Chevrolet marque.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R
Maruti Wagon R 
Manufacturer Maruti Suzuki Production 1999–present Predecessor Maruti Versa Successor Maruti Ritz
Maruti Suzuki SwiftClass Microvan Body style Hatchback Engine 998 cc K10B 12V I3
1,061 cc F10D 16V I4Transmission 5-speed manual Wheelbase 2,360 mm (92.9 in) Length 3,520 mm (138.6 in) Width 1,475 mm (58.1 in) Height 1,660 mm (65.4 in) Kerb weight 825 kg (1,819 lb) The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is a made-for-India version of Suzuki Wagon R. The Wagon R was launched in December 1999, and has since undergone three upgrades (one in 2003, another in 2006 and another in 2010). When the second-generation Wagon R was launched in 2010, the car was built on a newer platform, and claimed more interior space, and new features such as an under-seat tray below the front passenger seat (top-end only). Its looks were also revamped, shedding the boxy look at the back. It was now less van-like, becoming simply another affordable hatchback, albeit with somewhat taller styling. It is one of the best selling models of Maruti Suzuki in India and continues to be the second best seller of the company after Alto every month.
Originally all Indian Wagon Rs received Suzuki's 1.1 L F10D petrol engine producing 64 bhp (48 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 84 Nm (62 ft·lbf) of torque at 3,500 rpm. The newly launched Wagon Rs are powered by the company's well known K series engine. This K10B petrol engine benefits from a 5 speed manual transmission gearbox. The aluminum K10B engine of Maruti is very light and produces a power of 68 PS (50 kW; 67 hp) at 6,200 rpm and a torque of 90 N·m (66 lb·ft) at 3,200 rpm. Also, a new LPG version called DUO has been introduced lately for the F10D engined variants, which runs either on petrol and LPG.
Maruti Suzuki Wagon R models in India[6]
Maruti Wagon R LX DUO This is the base model of the Maruti Wagon R, packed with 1.1L petrol engine with 5 speed manual transmission gearbox. It is packed with LPG kit. Maruti Wagon R LXI DUO This variant is also packed with LPG kit. It offers some additional features as compared to the previous one that are door trim fabric, chrome finish in instrumental panel, silver finish in inside door handles, electronic power steering, front power windows, driver seatbelt warning lamp, etc. Maruti Wagon R LX This is the base model for the new Wagon R, packed with 1.0L petrol engine and 5 Speed manual transmission gearbox and many comfort features.. Maruti Wagon R LXi This is the upgraded version of Wagon R LX with extra features like door trim fabric, chrome finish in instrumental panel, silver finish in inside door handles, electronic power steering, front power windows, driver seatbelt warning lamp, etc. Maruti Wagon R VXi This is the top most model with extra features like tilted steering, rear power windows, electrical ORVM, front passenger under seat tray, keyless entry, dual srs airbag (optional), ABS (optional), security system, body colored outside door handles, etc. Maruti Wagon R VXi with ABS This variant offers same features as "Maruti Wagon R BS IV", additional features are airbags and ABS. Initial launch
Maruti's launch of the car may have been ill-timed. Despite being one of the world's first tall-boy van styled passenger cars (along with models from Daihatsu and Daewoo), the Wagon-R was not first-to-market in India. The Wagon R's bread-box shape did not immediately cut ice with the Indian consumer and the car saw slow sales initially.
The Hyundai Santro (Hyundai Atos in Europe) was the first tall-boy design to hit the Indian roads. It preceded the Maruti-Suzuki Wagon R by a two year lead and remains the Wagon R's main competitor.
Specifications
Along with the recent changes, the internal controls have also been given a more sportier look with bright metal finish.
Other features new in the VXi (the top end manual transmission model) are electrically adjustable outside rearview mirrors. This is the first on any B-Segment car in India.
The latest Indian model (2010) called Wagon R 1.0, is powered by the new, more efficient 3-cylinder 998 cc K10B engine, which can also be found in the Maruti-Suzuki A-Star, Maruti-Suzuki Estilo, and more recently the Maruti-Suzuki Alto. The engine delivers 68 PS (50 kW; 67 hp) at 6,200 rpm, and 90 N·m (66 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm.
Driving impressions
Light kerb weight (750–775 kg) makes for a nimble car with good acceleration and a top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). The car's fuel economy is somewhere in the range of 12 to 13 km/l (7.7 to 7.1 l/100 km) in city driving and 16 to 18 km/l (5.6 to 5.0 l/100 km) on the highway. Though the car has 13 inch wheels, the tyres are in different sizes for LXi & VXi variants. The recent launch (3rd version) in India comes with gas filled suspensions for smoother rides.[7]
The car is priced between Rs. 350,000 (LX) to Rs. 485,000 (VXi with ABS and Air bag).
Now the car has found a market for itself, especially among young Indian urban professionals who don't mind its boxy slab-sided looks, but value its Maruti lineage. The car is currently India's second largest selling car, after Maruti Alto. In the sales charts, it is in the second spot for FY10-11.[original research?]
The Wagon R has not been received well in the western world. Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson advised viewers "You do not just avoid the Suzuki Wagon R. You avoid it like you would avoid unprotected sex with an Ethiopian transvestite."[8]
References
- ^ "Suzuki Wagon R 1st-Half Best-Selling Car for 5 Straight Years", Japan Corporate News Network, Oct 6, 2008
- ^ Garrett, Jerry (2007-11-25). "'''The New York Times''' ''Small Things in Good Packages''". Japan: Nytimes.com. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/automobiles/25MICRO.html?ex=1353646800&en=a75a4b7b534e738e&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
- ^ "三菱自動車、『デリカD:2』 を新発売: ～5人乗り2列シートのコンパクトミニバン～ [Mitsubishi New Release, Delica D:2 - 5 seats in 2 rows in a compact minivan]" (in Japanese). Mitsubishi Motors. 24-02-2011. http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/publish/pressrelease_jp/products/2011/news/detail4442.html.
- ^ "Will Suzuki Solio be launced in India?". CarBlogIndia. http://www.carblogindia.com/suzuki-solio-india-launch-possible/. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
- ^ "1.4L北斗星参数表 [Changhe-Suzuki Big Dipper 1.4L: specifications]" (in Chinese). China Chang'an Automobile Group. http://www.changheauto.com/product/parameters/infoid/23. Retrieved 2011-05-26.
- ^ CarDekho (2010-07-28). Maruti Wagon R India
- ^ Jiji Press, "Drivers here still have soft spot for economical minivehicles", Japan Times, March 13, 2010, p. 3.
- ^ Jeremy Clarkson Top Gear - Quotes
External links
- "After 4 years, Suzuki Wagon R to relinquish its sales crown", Yuzo Yamaguchi, Automotive News, September 2002
- "Sales Of Two Million Plus For Suzuki's Wagon R", Carpages.co.uk, January 30, 2004
- Suzuki Outline History: 1990s, Suzuki global website
- Suzuki Outline History: 2000s, Suzuki global website
- Suzuki, Histomobile
- Maruti WagonR website
- Review of Maruti WagonR
Categories:- Suzuki vehicles
- Maruti vehicles
- City cars
- Kei cars
- 1990s automobiles
- 2000s automobiles
- Vehicles introduced in 1993
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