The exit of M 800 from its fold has not made any deep impact on Maruti Suzuki. The company does not need any haste decision to supplement nor any replacement for the phased out model. Rather, it likes to focus on A2 segment consisting of A-Star, Swift, Ritz, Estilo and Wagon R. in general, this segment has got more than 20 models and seems to be the biggest one in the car industry. The segment has the sale volume of 1.2 lakh units per month.
The Managing Executive Officer for Marketing and Sales of Maruti disclosed that the company is on the verge of concentrating more on the low end model – Alto(the largest selling car in the country). However, there has been an investment of Rs290 crore for restructuring Wagon R which will be formally launched on April 23. It is highly ironical that the phasing out Wagon R is similar to that of Alto in terms of selling.
The modification in Wagon R is complete unlike other slight variations. Normal investment for such little modifications would involve Rs20-30 crore. But this new Wagon R needs total change and Maruti itself bears the amount in place of suppliers. It is sure to reflect in the pricing of the refined car-Rs3,334.5 lakh is the current price. The Wagon R undergoes in terms of heart transplantation with K-Series 998 getting place as that of A-Star but with less capacity by 100cc. the new engine is capable of delivering 68bhp with 18.9 km/lit. fuel consumption.
Transmission too undergoes change along with interiors and exteriors to wear a sporty posture. There will be more space to stretch the legs in the legroom and for storage beneath the parallel seat to the driver. Added features will be ABS, two front airbags, integrated stereo and is to be available in three variants- Lx, Lxi and Vxi. As of now there will be only petrol version to be followed by the Duo version and the model is slated for export to surrounding countries pending proper response. In the last ten years, since its launch, Wagon’s net sale volume is 8.5 lakhs. The redesigning is the third in the series the earlier changes happened in 2003 and 2006.