7 seat Wagon R MPV spied testing
The seven-seat Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has piqued our interest ever since it was seen at a motor show in Indonesia in concept form nearly seven years ago. Although no news has been published on this unique model since then, a new test mule has been spotted on the outskirts of New Delhi, suggesting that Maruti Suzuki is finally moving forward with the project. We ‘re asking you more about that.
At first glance, this new test car looks very similar to the Wagon R-based EV mules that were seen many times. Yet look closely and you’ll see some variations, mostly with the length of the vehicle, due to the much longer rear overhang that will open up the space required to fit the third row of seats.
According to a source, the length of this three-row Wagon R is “few hundred millimeters” higher than the regular edition, but bear in mind that it will still be a sub-four-meter car – a configuration close to that seen on the Datsun Go+ – so it is likely that the rear seats would still be better for kids.
Sources also tell us that this Wagon R-based, a three-row hatchback is expected to be introduced first in Indonesia. So far, the Wagon R models sold in Indonesia have been almost identical to those sold in our market, and are being built at the Tambun plant of the company. Indonesia still needs to get the latest-gen vehicle, however.
Extended hatchbacks with the third row of seats, such as the Datsun Go+, are very common on the Indonesian market, where even Toyota and Daihatsu have similar three-row hatchbacks, respectively known as the Calya and Sigra. Suzuki will have its rival in this highly contested domestic market segment, with the 7 seat Wagon R.
Featuring a new grille, front and rear bumpers, headlamps and tail-lamps, the 7 seat Wagon R MPV will have some styling changes compared to the regular model, but will share its platform, engine options, most body panels, and interior parts like the dashboard and front seats. There are also talks of a ‘premium’ edition, which will have a wide touchscreen and climate control system, along with alloy wheels (as seen on this test mule).
Although the 7 seat Wagon R will most likely see a market launch first in the Indonesian market, we also expect the model to be coming to India. The new Wagon R (Length: 3,655mm) is well below the four-meter mark, and if the three-row variant ducks are below the four-meter mark, Maruti Suzuki will be able to catch the critical excise advantage for small cars, further allowing it to price it aggressively against the ‘smaller’ MPVs such as the Renault Triber, and easily below the Ertiga on the Indian market.
The 7 seat Wagon R would be a perfect way for Maruti Suzuki to target large families looking for maximum seating capacity on a budget, with a tall and boxy design that lends itself to room performance.
