New Maruti WagonR Launch On January 23, Same Day As Tata Harrier

• Expected to be priced between Rs 4.2 lakh and Rs 5.5 lakh (ex-showroom)

• Will carry forward the same 1.0-litre petrol engine. CNG will be on offer as well.

• 5-speed AMT will be on offer as well, over and above the standard 5-speed manual.

UPDATE: We’ve driven the new WagonR! Check out our detailed review by following the link: Maruti Wagon R 2019 Review

It’s official! Maruti Suzuki will announce prices for the new WagonR on 23 January 2019. The original tallboy will enter its fourth generation next year. This comes nearly two full decades after we saw the first-generation WagonR debut back in December 1999.

You don’t need to be reminded of how popular this small hatchback from Maruti Suzuki is. It isn’t a surprise as to why there are over 20 lakh of these cars on our roads. The recipe is simple - efficient engine, ample space for a small family, low maintenance costs and appreciable resale value. And, with the new generation, don’t expect the manufacturer to change that in any way.

Some blurry spyshots tell us that the new WagonR is as unabashedly boxy as the old one. And no, it doesn’t look anything like the Japanese version either. We do know that it will get simple halogen headlamps, turn indicators on the mirrors, and a floating roof as well. For the first time, the WagonR will also get taillamps that extend upwards - think of the Mahindra e2oPlus.

Inside, expect a dual-tone colour scheme with just the bare essential features like four power windows, manual air-conditioning, steering-mounted audio controls and a height-adjustable driver seat. Should Maruti feel extra generous, it could offer a 7-inch touchscreen on the top-spec version. The WagonR’s rivals, such as the Hyundai Santro, Datsun Go and the Tata Tiago feature a touchscreen too. In terms of safety, we’re expecting dual airbags and ABS as standard across the range.

On the engine front, the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engine is expected to be carried forward. It is likely to be offered with both petrol and CNG options. Just like the current version, a 5-speed AMT could be offered over and above the standard 5-speed manual.

As far as pricing goes, expect it to be slightly higher than the current prices that range between Rs 4.14 lakh and Rs 5.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and will likely be priced between Rs 4.2 lakh and Rs 5.5 Lakh ex-showroom.

Image source: Autocar India