The all-new 2017 Suzuki WagonR and WagonR Stingray get dramatic changes in exterior design but they do retain certain cues from their predecessors, with the overall tall boy design and a passing resemblance to the standard model from the front. They also come with a number of new elements.
The standard WagonR gets an upright two-piece grille with a set of square headlamps at each end. The hybrid gets two-piece units separated by a body-coloured panel. The hybrid also gets a thick chrome band across the grille and a prominent lower grille as well. The standard model features a plain bumper while the hybrid gets one that has more flourish.
The Stingray gets a prominent single-piece front grille flanked by sleek vertical LED headlamps. Its bumper is also different from the other two models. The Stingray’s design, seen from the nose, seems to be Cadillac Escalade-inspired.
From the side, all three variants resemble each other. They feature a stubby nose with a prominent B-pillar that divides the car visually. The pillar is also thicker at the base which has been made possible by cutting into the rear side glass at the bottom. The wing mirrors have moved from the pillar on to the door. There is also a hint of fender flare and a prominent body line that runs along the car towards the lower edge.
The WagonR’s rear is styled like the Japanese Alto and features a clean tailgate with tail-lamps placed low just over the rear bumper.
There is a floating, horizontally laid out dashboard with a central console that does not extend to the floor. The dials are now on top of the centre console and certain models have a colour MID display. Some variants also have a head-up display for the driver. The four air con vents, resting in a horizontal strip, remind one of the Ignis as does the tablet-looking touchscreen infotainment display. The Stingray gets all-black interiors with red inserts.
The standard WagonR is powered by a 660cc three-cylinder petrol engine that develops 52hp and 60Nm of torque. The hybrid features Suzuki’s SHVS system and helps improve fuel economy. The Stingray is also available in standard or hybrid form and the engine has been tweaked to develop 66hp and 98Nm of torque. A CVT gearbox comes as standard and all variants get the option of two- or four-wheel drive.
There is no indication about when these models will come to India. But when they do, Maruti may tweak the styling as it may not work well for India.
