Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

The Suzuki Wagon R, where the letter R means Recreation, is a light automobile first introduced in Japan in 1993, which is still in production by Suzuki. It is one of the first cars to use the 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 remaining within the small car dimension constraints. Wagon R remained the best-selling Light Automobile Car in Japan since 2003; and in 2008, Suzuki expected to produce more than three-million Wagon Rs. 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. Manufacturer Production Predecessor Successor Class Body style Engine Transmission Wheelbase Length Width Height Kerb weight Maruti Suzuki 1999present Maruti Versa Maruti Ritz Maruti Suzuki Swift Micro-van Hatchback 998 cc K10B 12V I3 1,061 cc F10D 16V I4 5-speed manual 2,360 mm (92.9 in) 3,520 mm (138.6 in) 1,475 mm (58.1 in) 1,660 mm (65.4 in) 825 kg (1,819 lb.)

Initial launch The Wagon R was launched in December 1999. Despite being one of the worlds first tall-boy van styled cars, Maruti's Wagon-R was not the first to market in India; the launch of the car had been ill-timed. The Wagon R's unique shape didnt immediately get with the Indian consumers taste as a result the car saw slow sales initially. On the other hand, the Hyundais Santro was the first tall-boy shaped car to hit the Indian roads. It leaded the Maruti-Suzuki Wagon R by two years and remains its main competitor. Growth in the Market Since its initial launch, 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 with sales of about 15,000 units per month every month. According to the latest reports, the sales figure of Maruti Wagon R has reached 100 crore units in 2011 and still continues to grow. It is said that Wagon R enjoys better demand due to Maruti's trusted customer base in India, with the strongest nationwide service network of Maruti; Wagon R undoubtedly has an edge over its competition. Strategy during Maturity and Declining Maruti Wagon R found itself sliding down from the saturation point due to severe competition from Hyundai, Ford and Chevrolet; it strategically organized three upgrades, from 2003 to 2010. When the secondgeneration Wagon R was launched in 2010, the car was built on a newer looks, and claimed more interior space, with new features such as an under-seat tray below the front passenger seat. It gave up the boxy look at the back and it was now a less van-like vehicle, becoming purely another inexpensive hatchback, but it still kept its tall-boy styling.

Originally all Indian Wagon R received Suzuki's 1.1 L F10D petrol engine producing 64 bhp @ 6,200 rpm and 84 Nm of torque @ 3,500 rpm. The newly launched Wagon Rs are powered by the company's well known K series engine. The K10B petrol engine is made up of aluminium, making it lighter and benefits a 5 speed manual transmission gearbox. It produces a power of 68 PS @ 6,200 rpm and a torque of 90 Nm @ 3,200 rpm. Also, a new LPG version called DUO has been introduced lately for the F10D engine variants, which runs either on petrol and LPG. A 3-cylinder diesel version is expected in late 2012 according to numerous strong rumours on the internet. This will make the Wagon R the cheapest diesel car in India Along with the recent changes, the internal controls have also been given a sportier look with bright metal finish. Other features new in the vehicle are electrically adjustable outside rear-view mirrors, being the first in any Small Segment car in India. Maruti Suzuki Wagon R models in India Maruti Wagon R LX DUO Maruti Wagon R LXI DUO Maruti Wagon R LX Maruti Wagon R LXi Maruti Wagon R VXi Maruti Wagon R VXi with ABS 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 coloured outside door handles, etc. This variant offers same features as "Maruti Wagon R BS IV", additional features are airbags and ABS.

Thank You Jyotpreet Singh

References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maruti_WagonR http://www.marutisuzuki.com/about-us.aspx http://blog.cardekho.com/2011/05/maruti-wagon-r-sales-touches-10-lakh-unit-mark.html http://www.cartrade.com/new/Maruti-Suzuki/Wagon-R-1.0