NEW WAGNOR-R 2010

NEW MARUTHI WAGON-R DUO LAUNCHED: RUNS ON LPG AND PETROL 

FROM THE REAR, ALMOST THE SAME.  THE LIGHTS ARE DIFFERENT THOUGHT

Yesterday Maruti released the new version of the Maruti Wagon-R. I should say new versions, actually. There are two, the first, a redesigned Wagon-R; and the second, that redesigned Wagon-R with a factory-fitted LPG kit.

With the Swift positioned above, and the Alto and Zen below, the Wagon-R was finding it tough going in the last year. It just looked too boxy. Spacious it definitely was. What it needed was some real glamour, and without doing the horrible jobs it earlier did on the 800 and the Omni, Maruti decided to really, really, spice things up.

FROM THE REAR, ALMOST THE SAME. THE LIGHTS ARE DIFFERENT THOUGH

And it has! The new Maruti Wagon-R gets a much more pretty front grill, better looking lights, bumpers and colours. It works, definitely. A few of the photos - sure it's more the photographer than the Wagon-R - really makes you want to think again about purchasing a Wagon-R. 

THE NEW GRILL REINVIGORATES THE WAGON - R

What about the LPG-kitted Wagon-R Duo? Let me me one thing clear first - I thought LPG was banned in India as an automobile fuel. So what gives? I have no idea. Anyway, if Maruti launches a Wagon-R with an LPG kit, it should be legal, and I might be a bit outdated. With the LPG kit and cylinder fitted, the Wagon-R becomes a brilliant dual fuel vehicle. Way to go. For the redesigned Wagon-R, price remains the same as earlier, but for the dual fuel Duo, you will have to pay an extra Rs 20,000. Worth it, I guess.

Maruti bosses said that the prices of the three petrol variants of the Wagon R range between Rs 3.23 lakh to Rs 3.72 lakh. The LPG -petrol Duo Wagon R is priced between Rs 3.4 lakh and Rs 3.6 lakh.

And the LPG cylinder should be sage. They are imported from USA and Poland and certified by the department of explosives as well as the ARAI. The tank - cylinder for LPG has a “toridal” design. Don't ask me what it is - but it seems to optimize the luggage space available in the Wagon-R.

The Chevy Wagon R MW: Drool! So sad that this is not coming to India.

The car can easily switch between petrol and LPG. Which means that the Maruti can easily travel 800 kilometers once both petrol and LPG are topped up.

The LPG Duo Wagon-R should easily provide a much cheaper running cost than running on petrol. We will update the page with the actual differences in running costs once we get to know it a bit better.

The new Maruti WagonR is available in eight colours, of which five are new: Metallic Passion Red, Metallic Forest Flush (Green), Metallic Royale Gold, Metallic Ocean Blue and Bahamas Biege.

Wagon R RR available in Japan

And now allow me to ruin your enthusiasm a bit. You think the Maruti Wagon-R looks good? Take a look at the Wagon-Rs available in Japan. These are almost exactly the same as the Maruti ones, but a bit more careful design has actually made them desirable vehicles.

The latest standard Wagon R in Japan

And then we have the Chevrolet Wagon R MW. I believe this is available only in Japan. There is this alliance between GM and Suzuki, and this one takes the cake and runs away with it. It looks like a little truck! I am smitten by this one, and is the only reason why I haven't plonked any money down on Maruti's counter for a Wagon-R Duo by now. Anyway, those two are not coming to India, so if you really love the Chevy Wagon-R, why don't you get a reliable used Wagon-R for a lakh or two and spend a couple ten thousands remodelling the front? I think that will be worth it.