Suzuki Wagon R

Suzuki Wagon R
Overview
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Also called	Suzuki Karimun Suzuki Karimun Wagon R Suzuki Solio Maruti Wagon R Mazda AZ-Wagon Mazda Flair Mitsubishi Delica D:2 Opel Agila Vauxhall Agila Holden Wagon R Chevrolet MW
Production	1993–present
Assembly	Kosai Assembly Plant, Kosai, Shizuoka Japan
Body and chassis
Class	Kei car City car MPV
Related	Suzuki Palette Changhe Big Dipper
Powertrain
Engine	660 cc (Wagon R) 1000 cc (Maruti Wagon R/ Suzuki Karimun) 1200 cc (Wagon R+) 1300 cc (Wagon R+)
Transmission	Automatic Manual

The Suzuki Wagon R is a kei car produced by the Japanese manufacturer Suzuki since 1993. The R in the name 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 maximize the 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.

First generation (1993–2006)

First 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 R used the same 660 cc F6A three-cylinder engines as did the Alto and other Suzuki kei cars. Originally with two doors on the left side and a single door on the right (driver's) side, it was introduced at the 1993 Tokyo Motor Show.^[3] Later cars received the more common, symmetrical five-door setup. For model year 1994, it won the Automotive Researchers' and Journalists' Conference Car of the Year award in Japan.

The rebadged Mazda AZ Wagon was presented in September 1994. Also using the F6A engine, this model was marketed through Mazda's Autozam network as part of an OEM deal.^[4]

A bigger first generation Wagon R, the Suzuki Wagon R+, was added in early 1997 and manufactured in Japan until the end of 2000 for the European market. The car featured a wider body and the K10A naturally aspirated engine with 996 cc and four-cylinders. The same Wagon R+ was also available with a 1.2 litre K12A engine.

In Indonesia, this generation is called the Suzuki Karimun and in production from 1999 until 2006.

Second generation (1998–2010)

Second generation Wagon R

1998 saw the introduction of the second-generation Wagon R in Japan, with the redesign of the Wagon R+ and replacing it in 1999 - this was brought to Europe in 2000, with larger engines. This is also produced in Esztergom in Hungary by Magyar Suzuki and Gurgaon, India. The Opel Agila is a badge engineered version of the Suzuki Wagon R+, also introduced in summer 2000. This generation Maruti Wagon R in India was produced until 2010.

Third generation (2003–2008)

Third generation Wagon R

Suzuki Wagon R Stingray

The 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.

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. The 660cc engine was powered by a turbocharger, further enhancing the speed and acceleration.On average, the Stingray went from 0 km/H to 100 km/H in about 15 seconds.

Fourth generation (2008–2012)

Fourth generation Wagon R

2008 Suzuki Stingray Wagon R

The 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.

Suzuki in Pakistan (PakSuzuki) is known to be starting the local assembly of the WagonR in their Pakistan plant from April 2014.

Fifth generation (2012–present)

"ENE-CHARGE" Battery

Fifth-generation Wagon R

The fifth generation Wagon R range was launched in Japan in September 2012 and for the first time, this generation now comes with the a new mild-hybrid system named "ENE-CHARGE" (short for 'energy charge') and an energy-saving electric air conditioning system dubbed "ECO-COOL". With the R06A engine combined with an electric motor/generator and a lithium-ion battery, this new ENE-CHARGE provides regenerative braking and at least some level of power assist to the internal combustion engine while it can also run certain electrical equipment. Thanks to this technology, the new Wagon R can get up to 28.8 km/l in Japan's JC08 driving cycle (67.8mpg US, 3.5lt/100 km EU or 81.4mpg UK).

For its Mazda version, it no longer bears the "AZ-Wagon" nomenclature because the fifth-generation Wagon R models are rebadged as Mazda Flair while fifth-generation Wagon R Stingray models are rebadged as Mazda Flair Custom Style.Both the Flair and the Flair Custom Style were launched in October 2012.^[5]

Wagon R-Wide

2011 Suzuki Solio (also sold as the Mitsubishi Delica D:2 since 2011)

2015 Suzuki Solio

First generation Wagon R+ (Europe)

2005–2010 Suzuki Solio

The Wagon R-Wide, introduced in February 1997, is a slightly larger car, exceeding the kei car specifications, with larger engines: 996cc (K10A, 48 kW/88Nm), 996cc Turbo (JDM, New Zealand and Australia only, K10A, 73 kW/118Nm) and 1.2 (K12A, 51 kW/93Nm) litre engine. The Wagon R-Wide was sold as the Wagon R+ in the European market (also introduced in the same year) with the atmospheric versions of the 1.0 K10A and the 1.2 K12A. The only other tall wagon style car sold in Europe around the time of its introduction was the Daihatsu Move. The car was made in Japan. It was not galvanised and it was prone to rust, specially in the sills, after years of use in Central and Northern Europe. The Wagon R-Wide was slightly facelifted in May 1998, and this updated Wagon R-Wide was also sold in Europe under Wagon R+. In Europe the first generation was sold from 1997 until May 2000.

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 Wagon R+ was still offered in Europe after December 2000, but made by Magyar Suzuki in Esztergom, Hungary. 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.^[6] In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.

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 price bracket for that country, in comparisons to the Wagon R and the Estilo.^[7][8][9]

International

Second generation Wagon R+ (Europe)

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 an Opel factory in Gliwice, Poland and used Opel Engines and transmissions. The last Agila was 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^[10] from 1999 until 2006 and offered with a 1000 cc 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.^[11]

In Australia, the Wagon R+ was sold under General Motors Holden marque.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

Maruti Wagon R
Maruti Wagon R (left) at Maruti Driving School
Overview
Manufacturer	Maruti Suzuki
Production	1999–present
Assembly	Gurgaon, Haryana, India
Body and chassis
Class	Microvan
Body style	Hatchback
Powertrain
Engine	998 cc K10B 12V I3 1,058 cc F10D 16V I4
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
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)
Curb weight	825 kg (1,819 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Maruti Versa
Successor	Maruti Ritz Maruti Suzuki Swift

The Maruti Wagon R is an Indian version of the international Suzuki Wagon R, manufactured and sold by Suzuki's Indian subsidiary Maruti Suzuki. 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).

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 lb·ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. The newly launched Wagon Rs are powered by the company's well known K series engine. The aluminum K10B engine produces 68 PS (50 kW; 67 hp) at 6,200 rpm and 90 N·m (66 lb·ft) at 3,200 rpm. Also, an LPG version is available F10D engined variants, which runs either on petrol or LPG. An automatic version of the Wagon R was released in late 2015.

Specifications

The 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.The Maruti Suzuki launched a new 5speed Auto with same Engine and Same body. This version came only in Top model that is VXi which had ABS as standard. Also maruti launched ABS as optional to all WagonR and Stingray variants. The WagonR auto was priced at 4.14 lakhs (Indian rupees) while Stingray is priced more INR 20000 than WagonR.

Karimun Wagon R

Suzuki Karimun Wagon R
Overview
Manufacturer	Suzuki Indomobil Motor
Production	September 2013–present
Assembly	Bekasi, Indonesia
Body and chassis
Class	City car
Body style	5-door hatchback
Powertrain
Engine	998 cc K10B 12V I3
Transmission	5-speed manual 5-speed AMT
Dimensions
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)
Curb weight	825 kg (1,819 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Suzuki Karimun Suzuki Karimun Estilo

Karimun Wagon R is a rebadge of the Suzuki Wagon R to suit the Indonesian government’s Low Cost Green Car (LCGC) policy. Its production has started from September 2013 at the Tambun, Bekasi Plant for sales in the Indonesian domestic market and Pakistani market. The Karimun Wagon R is scheduled to meet the LCGC approval requirements by realizing low fuel consumption and increasing the local procurement rate. Its official name is Suzuki Indomobil Karimun Wagon R. It comes with 3 trims : GA as standard, GL, Dilago and GX with better equipment such as Roof Rail, sporty cluster meter and power windows, while under seat tray and keyless entry key are for GX trims only.^[12]

The car follows the five elements of the LGCC policy dubbed "S.U.P.E.R.", an acronym for "Spacious, Useful, Practical, Efficient, and Reasonable".

The sportier version based on the Stingray, called Karimun Wagon R GS, was launched in September 2014. Versions with 5-speed AMT appeared later in May 2015. Dubbed the "AGS", an abbreviation for "Auto Gear Shift", this is basically a 5-speed manual with a hydraulic-powered transmission control unit to allow the manual transmission shift gears automatically.^[13]

Pak Suzuki Wagon R

Pak Suzuki Wagon R
Overview
Manufacturer	Indomobil Suzuki International
Production	April 2014–present
Assembly	Pak Suzuki Motors
Body and chassis
Class	Compact MPV
Body style	Hatchback
Powertrain
Engine	998 cc K10B 12V I3
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
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)
Curb weight	825 kg (1,819 lb)

The Pak Suzuki Wagon R is a Pakistani version of the international Suzuki Wagon R, manufactured by Indonesian Suzuki Motors and assembled by Pak Suzuki in Pakistan.^[14] In Pakistan, Wagon R was launched in April 2014, and has three variants (VX, VXR, VXL).

In Popular Culture

• The first generation Wagon R appears alongside several of its kei car contemporaries in Kat's Run: Zen-Nippon K Car Senshuken for the Super Famicom.

References

1. "Suzuki Wagon R 1st-Half Best-Selling Car for 5 Straight Years", Japan Corporate News Network, Oct 6, 2008
2. Garrett, Jerry (2007-11-25). "The New York Times Small Things in Good Packages". Japan: Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2010-12-04.
3. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (10 March 1994). Automobil Revue 1994 (in German and French). 89. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. pp. 519–520. ISBN 3-444-00584-9.
4. Büschi, Hans-Ulrich, ed. (6 March 1997). Automobil Revue 1997 (in German and French). 92. Berne, Switzerland: Hallwag AG. p. 348. ISBN 3-444-10479-0.
5. "【MAZDA】ニュース". Retrieved 15 July 2015.
6. "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. 2011-02-24.
7. "Will Suzuki Solio be launced in India?". CarBlogIndia. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
8. "karimun wagon r". Indonesia Karimun Wagon R. Retrieved 2010-12-28.
9. "Suzuki Indonesia To Launch Karimun Wagon R". Speedmagz. Retrieved 2013-11-10.
10. "Mobil LCGC Suzuki Karimun Wagon R GS". apritos review otomotif. Retrieved 2011-05-26.
11. "1.4L北斗星参数表" [Changhe-Suzuki Big Dipper 1.4L: specifications] (in Chinese). China Chang'an Automobile Group. Retrieved 2011-05-26.
12. "Suzuki - Karimun Wagon R - Suzuki". Suzuki. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
13. "Spesifikasi dan Harga Suzuki Karimun Wagon R AGS". Retrieved 15 July 2015.
14. "Suzuki WagonR". Retrieved 15 July 2015.

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