India's Maruti gives a fresh new look to WagonR

NEW DELHI, India - July 22, 2006: Indian car market leader Maruti Udyog Limited has given a brand new look to its popular model WagonR, with major changes in the front, rear and the interiors.

The new WagonR, which is basically the Suzuki WagonR, launched here on Wednesday, is 10 per cent more fuel efficient compared to the outgoing WagonR.

The company also launched WagonR Duo, which can run on Petrol and LPG. The running cost of WagonR Duo, using LPG, is about 33 per cent less than the running cost of a petrol vehicle in the same category.

Since WagonR Duo comes with an approved factory-fitted LPG kit, it enjoys all the warranty benefits which are available on other car models. Thus, WagonR Duo will provide customers the benefits of lower running cost, without the safety risk associated with unapproved LPG kits.

The LPG kit in the WagonR Duo is approved by Department of Explosives and tested and certified by Automotive Research Association of India, the premier testing and certifying authority for automobiles in the country.

The LPG tank in the WagonR Duo has a special “toridal” design. This allows intelligent use of space and makes luggage room available to the customer at the rear of the car.

New Look

The new WagonR has been styled and designed entirely by Indian engineers at Maruti. After the success achieved by Indian engineers in the development of the Swift, the new WagonR is another example of Maruti’s growing styling and design expertise.

The project to upgrade the WagonR lasted 18 months.

Commenting on the new-look WagonR, Managing Director of Maruti Udyog Limited, Jagdish Khattar said, “WagonR has a large set of loyal customers who like it for its space, comfortable ride, superior technology and refined engine. But there was some concern about its “boxy” and flat looks. The new WagonR, while retaining the earlier benefits, comes with more appealing looks and 10 per cent better fuel efficiency”.

On the WagonR Duo, Mr Khattar said: “We are delighted to launch another clean fuel car in India. For the first time, customers now have a car which while being economical to drive, also offers space, superior technology and a refined engine. It is certified as completely safe and reliable. The Duo is truly a triple delight”.

With the WagonR Duo providing a full-fledged petrol tank and an LPG tank, the customer can travel over 800 kilometres without the vehicle requiring a refill.

What's new

The new WagonR comes with a bold and aggressive front profile, inspired by SUV design.

The changes are as follows:

New head lamps – wraparound design and larger New design front grille – bigger, more prominent with a tasteful chrome finish New design front hood New design bumpers, both at the front and the rear New design fenders on the side body New turn lamps on the side body New design body side mouldings New design rear combination lamps New design of the back door and back door glass: bold, sporty and providing greater visibility while reversing New High Mount Stop Lamp Remote opening mechanism for back door New Design Outer Rear View Mirrors (electrically adjustable in top-end VXi variant) New profile front and rear seats New seat upholstery to brighten up the interiors New design full wheel cover (in top end VXi variant) Wheel cap with S mark Front fog lamps (in top end VXi variant) Rear fog lamps New three spoke steering wheel Refreshed speedometer New Auto-Lock system for doors that links to speed (20Kmph), rather than time Rotary AC control New gear level knob The Positive Outlook

The WagonR has scripted a remarkable success story for itself in the A2 segment of India’s passenger car industry. Launched in the year 2000, the car met with a lukewarm response from the market and the initial sales were sluggish at best.

However, customers slowly woke up to the practicality of its unique styling and packaging along with its unmatched performance and ride comfort and soon WagonR sales were growing at a torrid pace. Over the last three years, WagonR has achieved a stupendous 32% compounded annual sales growth.

Winner of various accolades such as the 2003 Best Premium Compact Car - JD Power Initial Quality Study, 2004 JD Power APEAL Study in Comfort and Product Design, the JD Power APEAL 2005 and the 2005 Total Customer Satisfaction Study by TNS, the WagonR is the first choice of over 7,000 customers who buy the WagonR each month.

With the launch of the new WagonR, Maruti aims to consolidate its position at the top of the market and also reinforces its commitment to consistently provide its customers with class leading products.

The new WagonR is in eight colours, including five new ones: Metallic Passion Red, Metallic Forest Flush (Green), Metallic Royale Gold, Metallic Ocean Blue and Bahamas Biege. It will continue to be offered in old favourites – Superior White, Midnight Black and Silky Silver.