The hybrid WagonR in Japan is expected to use a 0.66-liter inline 3 DOHC hybrid engine. While the internal combustion engine (ICE) will produce 54 PS of power, an electric motor will add another 10 PS. Combined torque output is estimated at 58 Nm for the ICE and 29.5 Nm for the electric motor, with power managed by an electric continuously variable transmission (eCVT).
Renderings show that the full hybrid WagonR will measure 3,395 mm in length, 1,475 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,460 mm and a kerb weight of 850 kg. The Japanese model is expected to transition from traditional hinged doors to sliding doors for added convenience.
Expected Mileage Benefits
A key advantage of the hybrid system is expected to be fuel efficiency, an appealing factor as the hybrid WagonR may have a higher initial price than its non-hybrid counterpart. For reference, the Grand Vitara’s strong hybrid variant offers an impressive mileage of 27.97 km/l. Given that the current WagonR AGS achieves 25.19 km/l, a full hybrid WagonR could potentially exceed 30 km/l, possibly even surpassing the 33.47 km/kg mileage of the CNG WagonR.
Pricing Expectations
Full hybrids typically come at a premium over standard petrol models. In Japan, the hybrid WagonR is expected to start around 1.3 million yen (approximately Rs 7.22 lakh), with higher-end versions reaching around 1.9 million yen (approximately Rs 10.55 lakh). By comparison, the top-spec ZXI+ AGS variant of the current India-spec WagonR starts at around Rs 7.21 lakh, and CNG versions are priced between Rs 6.45 lakh and Rs 6.90 lakh.
Potential India Launch
Maruti is already developing a cost-effective hybrid system for its smaller cars, likely using a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine. This affordable hybrid system could power models like the WagonR, Swift, Dzire, and Fronx in India, potentially bringing the benefits of hybrid technology to a wider audience.