In the run-up to its launch on January 23, important details of the new Maruti Suzuki Wagon R have been leaked, confirming its technical specifications, powertrain information, features and variants.

As we had reported previously, the new Wagon R gets the same 68hp, 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine (K10B) as the current model, and will also be offered with a new 83hp, 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine (K12M) borrowed from Maruti Suzuki’s larger hatchbacks like the Swift and Ignis. Both engines get 5-speed manual and automated manual transmission options. There will also be a CNG option for the new Wagon R, but only on the K10B motor.

The new Wagon R also gets a rejigged variant line-up and comes in a total of seven trims. A top-spec ZXi variant will replace the current top-specVXi+ trim. The smaller motor will be available only in the lower-spec LXi and VXi trims, while the larger engine will be available with the mid-spec VXi and top-spec ZXi variants. The AMT will be offered with both engines, but only upwards of the VXi trim.

We also have confirmation that the new Wagon R is larger than the outgoing model. The new car is 19mm longer, 125mm wider and has a 35mm longer wheelbase (now equal to that of the more expensive Ignis). Interestingly, it is about 25mm shorter than the outgoing model (at its tallest) and has a fuel tank capacity that is three litres less at 32 litres. The increase in overall dimensions means that there will definitely be more space in the new Wagon R’s cabin. Sources tell us that the engine packaging has liberated an extra 85mm of space in the cabin and the increase in wheelbase adds another 30mm to interior space. The new Wagon R’s luggage carrying capacity is said to be far better too.

Another interesting point to note is that the usage of the new Heartect platform has seen the Wagon R's weight decrease by about 65kg on the base trim and by about 50kg. Tyres have also been upsized on the new Wagon R.

Maruti Suzuki Wagon R Safety features and equipment

In order to meet upcoming crash test norms, Maruti Suzuki has made the following equipment standard across the range – a driver-side airbag, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, a seatbelt reminder for the driver and front passenger and a speed alert system. While a passenger side airbag will be an optional extra on the LXi and VXi trims, the top-spec ZXi will get dual front airbags as standard, along with seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters.

We can also confirm that the top-spec variant will get Maruti’s SmartPlay 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The mid-spec VXi will get a standard 2-DIN audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.

Other information that has come to light is that the new Wagon R will come with the option of six exterior colour – white, silver, grey, orange, brown and blue.

The Wagon R currently on sale is priced from Rs 4.15 lakh to Rs 5.39 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Expect Maruti Suzuki to price the new Wagon R as competitively as the old one – starting at
Rs 4.5 lakh and going up to Rs 6.5 lakh (ex-showroom). At this price, it will continue to rival the Hyundai Santro, Datsun Go, Tata Tiago and even Maruti Suzuki’s own Celerio.