The Maruti Suzuki XL5 Is More Than A Ritzy Wagon R

• Likely to be sold through Nexa dealerships.
• 1.2-litre K12B motor will probably be the engine of choice, though other engine options may be available.
• Choice of 5-speed manual or AMT transmissions likely.

Maruti Suzuki is prudently getting through the ongoing automotive slowdown with prompt price cuts and new cars. The company recently launched the S-Presso mini SUV, its most affordable Heartect-platform car, to a rousing response from customers. Before the S-Presso, that title belonged to the new Wagon R which was launched in late January this year. Our comparison between the two cars can be read here. The new Wagon R is larger than before, offering more space in the cabin as well as better storage in the boot. Given the Wagon R’s popularity, it is likely that Maruti will market it as the entry-level Nexa car, joining the likes of the Baleno, Ignis, and Ciaz. While we don't know the precise launch date yet, we expect to see it as part of the Maruti Suzuki pavillion at the Auto Expo 2020. Expect the XL5 to cost more than the 4.34 lakh starting price of the Wagon R. 

The Wagon R’s platform makes it an ideal choice as a people carrier, which may be the reason behind the XL5 moniker. The larger XL6 MPV is an Ertiga with a different face and body cladding. That’s what we expect from the premium Wagon R as well. The images show different headlights, as well as a new grille. Expect Maruti to incorporate the high LED brows and lower positioned headlamps that is all the design rage these days.

Changes to the rear don’t seem apparent, except for the brake lights being positioned in a different location than the Wagon R. We expect the XL5 will sport differently stacked LED tail lamps in the same shape. The centre-mounted stop lamp is also an LED unit now. 

Interiors of the XL5 haven’t been spied, but changes are expected to be minimal. On the powertrain front, the BS6-compliant K12B engine with 83PS of power and 113Nm of torque will surely be here. It is not known whether there will be another engine option, but either the new 1.2 Dualjet or re-engineered 1.0-litre K10B motor may be available as options. Both engines are BS6-compliant. Transmission duties are likely to be performed by the ubiquitous 5-speed manual. AMT can be had with the existing Wagon R, so it is likely to be available on the XL5 offering as well. 

While the current Wagon R costs between Rs 4.34 lakh and Rs 5.91 lakh, the XL5 will surely demand a premium over those numbers. We expect the latest offering from Maruti Suzuki to be sold through Nexa dealerships, sharing floor space with the likes of the Baleno, Ciaz, and Ignis. The Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, and Datsun GO will be the XL5's primary competition. 

Image source: Gaadi Waadi