New Maruti Wagon R not migrating to HEARTECT, launch in Nov 2018 - Report

03/05/2018 - 18:35 Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Suzuki Sagar Parikh

The new generation JDM-spec Suzuki Wagon R introduced in Japan last year is based on the advanced HEARTECT platform. The underpinning of the Maruti Wagon R won’t switch with the lifecycle makeover this year, as per a report from Autocar India.

Next-gen 2018 Maruti Wagon R right side spy shot — The next-gen Maruti Wagon R (pictured on road trials) will have a 7-seat version.

Utilising HEARTECT for the Maruti Wagon R isn’t feasible because of cost concerns, Autocar finds. The new report also pours cold water on rumours of the Suzuki Solio spawning the next-gen Maruti Wagon R (codename: Maruti YCA), as the JDM-only compact tall wagon is based on the Heartect platform.

The Indian-spec Maruti Wagon R will retain the current platform, albeit with upgrades to meet the upcoming crash test norms. Spy shots show that the tall-boy design and unique proportions aimed at giving maximum interior space continue through the next generation.

The next-gen Maruti Wagon R will come with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, as per the report. Other recent reports have said that Maruti Suzuki will focus more on CNG models. The company will likely continue offering a dual-fuel petrol+CNG option. The transmission choices will remain 5-speed manual and 5-speed automated manual only.